ROCK / ZEN GARDEN

 DEFINITION
Zen gardens, also called Japanese rock gardens, appeal to people who like carefully
controlled settings of raked sand or rocks and precisely clipped shrubs.

Zen gardens emphasize the principles of naturalness (Shizen), simplicity (Kanso), and
austerity (koko).

 CHARACTERISTICS

1. Rock
 These are one of the most important components of Japanese design, as they
represent the human desire for eternity and enduring elements in nature.
Choosing and siting larger rocks is crucial to a cohesive Zen design. Larger rocks,
which act as sculptural elements, should be installed first since they are the
heaviest material and are the primary focus.

2. Water
 Usually, water will be a central part of the garden and occasionally are the home
to koi fish. Water that flows in cascades can add to the atmosphere of the
garden, perfect for meditation. Water is an expression of nature meant to
promote calm and relaxation.

3. Gravel
 In dry landscape gardens gravel is used to represent water. Gravel can also be
utilized in other types of gardens where water does feature
 Gravel is an integral part of Zen gardens, with raked patterns having symbolic
meaning. During the early and late part of the day, the low angle of the sun
highlights the texture and patterns of the gravel, creating an ever-changing
scene that’s visually engaging. The act of raking gravel is part of the meditative
process and an acquired skill that helps improve mental concentration.

4. Lantern
 Lanterns have been a very common part of Japanese gardens. The lanterns can
come in different shapes and sizes to fit with the garden they are in. They have
become a prime element in garden design.
 The original function of the lantern was to illuminate the way and guide guests
at night. They can usually be found on islands, near paths, next to buildings, and
can provide a wonderful aesthetic to the garden.

5. Bridges
 are constructed in the Zen garden to symbolize a person's journey between the
planes of existence, the inner and outer, the multiple dimensions beyond and
the place that lies between worlds.
 Man's unity with nature can be symbolized by his simple walking across a bridge
to move from the world of humans into the wider world of all forms and beings.
 6. Plants
 The Japanese show a natural ability to interpret the charm of plants and flowers
in order to express their joys and pains. Their communion with nature manifests
itself through an elaborate symbolism and that is why their interest for the plant
realm has become a real passion.
 Plants are associated with moving thoughts and the universal forms of life.

a) Serviceberry
b) Pine
c) Japanese maple
d) Lotus
e) Iris
f) Shrub peony
g) Horsetail
h) Crabapple
i) Rhododendron

REFERENCES
https://www.gardendesign.com/landscape-design/zen-gardens.html#:~:text=A
%20traditional%20Zen%20garden%2C%20known,space%20from%20the%20outside
%20world.

https://www.hunker.com/13428543/elements-of-a-zen-garden-their-meaning

https://m.espacepourlavie.ca/en/elements-japanese-garden

https://thejapaneseway.com/which-gravel-for-japanese-garden/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/japanese-zen-gardens.htm