A Zen garden is basically a sand garden with rocks, gravel and occasionally other natural elements such as grasses. They usually do not feature concrete water fountains or anything that is manmade. Although that is not to say concrete fountains can't be added for additional impact. A Zen garden is a place to sit and unwind or to meditate.



The most famous Zen garden is the Ryōan-ji Temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The monks of the temple maintain this ancient Zen garden. Concrete water fountains are not found here. The simple design is done in monochromatic shades of brown. The most interesting feature of this Zen garden are the 15 rocks arranged on the surface of white pebbles in such a manner that visitors can see only 14 of them at once, from whichever angle the garden is viewed. According to legend, only when someone attains spiritual enlightenment as a result of deep Zen meditation can he see the last invisible stone with his mind's eye. To find unique and distinctive concrete water fountains visit http://www.garden-fountains.com.

The Simplicity of a Zen Garden

The main elements of a Zen garden are always rocks and sand, with the sea symbolized not by water but by sand raked in patterns that suggest rippling water. Plants are much less important (and sometimes nonexistent) in many Zen gardens. Zen gardens are often, but not always, meant to be viewed from a single, seated perspective, and the rocks are often associated with and named after various Chinese mountains. Some Zen gardens employ a concrete-water-way or a small concrete water fountain for additional tranquility.

With this type of design, less is more, and it's essential to keep it simple - even the concrete water fountains should have simple lines. Creating calming, restful, and soulful Zen gardens is a way of introducing nature into our lives and can help balance our hectic urban existence. For more ideas on beautiful concrete water fountains check out http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?category=Garden+Fountains&no=1734&searchpath=6544.

Zen Garden Principles and Practices

A symbolic river (and boulders) made from sand suggests rivers and mountains as a place to create a quiet place for contemplation. A concrete water vessel spilling out water may be used to create this illusion.

Zen gardens contain quiet minimalist features with curving flowing lines and shapes with few visual distractions. They allow one to slow the pace, to discard the day's chaos and to calm down. The space becomes a sanctuary. There can be a focal point, a sculpture or concrete water fountain that engages the mind and eyes, which in turn releases the day's tension. This is a Zen meditation technique in action.

The feng shui principles also advocate gently flowing paths around and through the garden, with no dead ends or right angles. Simplicity and harmony are the basic design elements especially in the concrete water fountains. To learn more about fung shui garden design with the incorporations of fountains visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/garden-fountains-feng-shui-1.php.

Taking a Zen Garden One Step Further

By observing nature you can replicate it even with concrete water fountains. The addition of a water feature heightens its restful quality. The flow and murmur of water are known to calm and inspire and have been used that way for thousands of years. Properly designed water features, with plants, frogs, fish, and continually moving water won't be a mosquito-breeding ground. A garden's pond-less waterfall with moving water provides all the benefits of water without large tracts of land, making it ideal for city dwellers. And it is important (that the garden) is harmonious with the neighbors as well as yourself.

Regardless of the type of Zen garden chosen, all the elements that go into making it - color, plants, hard structures, the concrete water garden and ornaments - need to blend comfortably to form a peaceful garden that delights the physical senses with the sound, smell, and sight.