When it comes to creating an idyllic outdoor living space, the possibilities are endless. Whether you enjoy chilling out with a good book, relaxing in the summer sun, yoga and meditation, or treating your friends to cocktails in the garden, you’ll want to create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Luckily, it doesn’t have to cost you the earth when you take advantage of a Livingsocial discount code from Bravovoucher. We’ve put together a list of interesting ideas that could give you some inspiration on how to acheive your zen garden goals, so read on to discover some great ideas.
- Water – when we think of the word Zen garden we obviously imagine Japanese style gardens that offer a calm and peaceful environment. One of the common features of Japanese gardens is some kind of water feature. This doesn’t have to be large or high maintenance, and you could consider adding a small fountain, pond, or tiny waterfall to create the soothing sound of running water in your garden.
- Stones and Pebbles – as well as sand and gravel, different types of stones and pebbles look great in any garden. Traditionally, Japanese style gardens include a netural colour sand or fine gravel that can be raked in waves or other shapes to add some extra allure.
- Paths – if you already have some kind of path in your garden you can take advantage of this to achieve a special look by adding plants and rocks and possibly cornering off your sacred zen space. You can also create a stepping stone pathway that is quite simple to add and will have a beautiful contrast especially next to greenery or your existing lawn.
- Plants – when it comes to plants, trees, and flowers, there are lots of possibilities. You can create colorful flower beds, and greenery, and add any type of plant that your love. Green plants will look gorgeous next to the stones and rocks you’ve chosen and many are usually very low maintenance so you can spend more time relaxing instead of gardening. If you really want to achieve a Japanese look in your zen garden, classic plant choices include bamboo and bonsai trees. For a charming touch of nature outside your window, consider adding a variety of plants to a window planter, bringing a refreshing and picturesque view to your zen garden.
- Arches and Bridges – depending on the size of your garden and the scale of your project, you could also consider adding a special arch or bridge for some extra oriental style. This doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money, as there are lots of simple yet elegant options to choose from.
- Furniture – outdoor furniture comes in many different styles and is usually an essential part of any garden. When choosing your furniture, the most important things to consider are comfort and maintenance. Certain materials and fabrics are more durable than others and materials like wood, rattan and wicker are usually recommended. You can go for a classic set of table and chairs which will be useful and practical, especially for outdoor dining, or something more unusual like a hamock for ultimate relaxation.
- Keep it simple – most traditional zen gardens are not particularly extravagant or large, so you don’t necessarily need to restyle your entire garden, you could opt for just a smaller area to focus your zen surroundings and this will make your life easier. Less if often more if you’re trying to design or create a relaxing atmosphere so it’s worth takink this into consideration when you’re planning your project.
We hope this guide has given you some extra inspiration to get started on your zen garden project. If you want to learn more about different plants, trees, and flowers, and how to care for them, you can visit the Royal Horticultural Society website for lots of information, helpful guides, and tips.
