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Zen
Gardening
Book Review
Richard Wright
13 May 2002
 Zen
Gardening aims to help gardeners create what
it describes as a calming, harmonious and uplifting
environment - a stress free zone in a busy world.
Zen means meditation, and gardens that have
been designed along Zen principles are places
for contemplation and meditation. The author
shows how you can create the essence of a Zen
garden in a western climate by using plants,
rocks, water and pathways in a symbolic but
natural way.
Water
is used to create balance and tranquillity.
Even the smallest area can bring light and life
to a garden, and the sound of running water
is soothing. Rocks and stones create space when
placed in abstract asymmetrical formations to
represent different landscapes. Large areas
of sand and gravel which are characteristic
of the gardens can appear dull and lifeless
to the western eye, but simplicity is central
to Zen Buddhism, intended to create serenity
rather than stimulate excitement.
Plants
create harmony and profusion, and texture and
shape play as important a part as colour. Acers,
rhododendrons, irises and azaleas are all associated
with Japanese gardens. Focal points such as
bridges, paths and gateways add to the overall
effect. Zen gardens nearly always contain ornaments
such as lanterns or small pagodas to add interest.
Bonsai and container gardens can create miniature
Zen gardens if space is a problem.
This
is an interesting and inspiring book, well illustrated
with wonderful photographs. It is weak on practical
gardening information, but even looking at the
pictures creates a sense of relaxation. You
may not be able to create an entire Zen garden
– but this book may well stimulate your
mind into small scale projects. And of course
stimulating the mind is central to Zen philosophy.
Book
Zen Gardening
Author Sunniva Haarte
Publisher Pavilion Books
Price £12.99
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