Japanese Mini Zen Garden

Miniature Zen gardens were created originally by the Japanese, and they take on significant natural and artificial elements for peace. They are designed to allow you to sit and contemplate for a while at your desk. You can create your own miniature Zen garden where you can create your own sanctuary without leaving the office.

Since 13 Century Japanese monks used them as a spiritual place to view and meditate. Miniature Zen gardens provide a three dimensional image, which is planned with a foreground, and to provide a background perspective. There are a few key types of zen garden;

Kanshoh-style which is viewed from your residence
Tea Garden
Pond Garden
Dry landscape style like a rock garden
A Rolling garden
These all incorporate a few key elements. You can create your own perfect peace of zen by balancing out these elements.

Stone and Pebbles
Pebbles in your Miniature Zen garden are most often mild and rounded cobbles as large as size of peas like a potato. They are used to create fields on the ground, a base-level offering for the arts, and to outline a stepping stone paths. Strategically placed rocks and stones are used as design features in the garden. Stones are often positioned so they protrude from the water or in a raked sand garden. Large stones and boulders are seen as islands in the Japanese garden. Stone lanterns are often placed next to a pathway or near a water feature. The role of the stone can not be overemphasized, since it provides the structural basis of the hardscape design.

Sand and fine gravel
In mini gardens without water, fine sand and gravel are used to create a metaphor for water. Whether built as a dry stream bed, or in the large uniform seas raked to be to achieve a smooth or rippled effect, this is a common way to cover parts of the earth and serve as a basis for organizing planting. The Art of Zen-garden is in the placement of components and patterns of computing the sand formed in different patterns. These structures are in Shinto shrines, where they said, to a place more hospitable for spirits are very popular. Depending on how the sand raked, they can such as running water or simply just to look for lines.

Fences and signs
The Japanese art of making bamboo fence and gate has led to incredibly elaborate creations. From straight rods lashed to brush and straw in intricate patterns, these functional housing is an important part of the garden, the visual design.

For many of us who live a hectic fast paced lifestyle, coming home to a soothing and relaxing bedroom retreat is a luxury that we can only dream of. These tips will help you create a calming zen bedroom design that will look like you hired a pro.

If you want a relaxing environment, then neutral colors and rich textures are the key. Pick sage green, or tan as a base and go with that. If you like grays you can even use a palette of gray, although this color can be kind of cold. Pick a color that you can use on both the walls and floors as it is desirable to make them the same color. Take your cue from nature and use colors that you might find in a soothing setting outdoors.

You'll want to accent the room with plants, soothing waterfall bowls and candles to complete the look and feel. Perhaps a meditation mat in front of a candle fireplace?

Choose plain furniture for your Zen bedroom - if your current furniture is old and distracting and you don't want to buy new, paint it a neutral color that goes with your color scheme. Think about adding some Japanese paper panels in front of any pieces that detract. If your old furniture just won't suit the room but you are on a limited budget, shop around at your local consignment store for pieces that match. You may have to go every day but sooner or later that perfect set is bound to show up!