Landscaping Tips to Build a Backyard Meditation Garden in Sydney

Have you ever found yourself craving to spend time in a peaceful space full of tranquility? Ever desired to have your own space for unwinding after a stressful day? If that’s the case, then you should contact a reputable landscaping Sydney company to create a private meditation garden. This type of garden offers a calming, private, and quiet space.

landscaping ideas for a zen garden in Sydney

Meditation gardens are ideal for several purposes. They also come with limitless benefits. By creating a space for spiritual retreat in your home, you’ll comfortably contemplate about life, dream, and meditate privately in the space.

The Role of Meditation Gardens

The function that the garden will offer will mainly depend on your lifestyle, needs, and personal preferences. Also, you can create a space for performing spiritual rituals or yoga. Thus, the garden should be a space where you center yourself and focus. For some, gardening within a spiritual space can be seen as meditation.

Meditation gardens come in different forms. Regardless, their main role is to offer a silent space for the renewal of the mind, soul, and body. Thus, the garden design will involve creating a sanctuary to escape to and forget your physical and emotional stresses of life. The garden should let you release any tension and anxiety from your mind and body.

Where to Build the Garden

There’re several important factors you should consider when choosing a location to construct your meditation garden. For instance, you need to think about the time you’ll be using it. Is it in the morning or in the evening? In this case, factor the sun’s position depending on the time you’ll be using the garden.

In case you think sunlight will be a problem for the garden, add shade with greenery or a canopy. Also, consider the type of seat you’ll want to have in the garden. You won’t require a lot of space when creating the garden. However, consider your comfort as a priority when designing the garden.

If you’d want to add a yoga mat or hammock in the garden, allow for enough space when designing the garden. You can as well add two luxurious chairs for yourself and your partner for meditation as a couple.

Features of a Typical Meditation Garden

You can easily make your meditation garden to adapt to the existing landscape style. Also, you should design the garden in such a way that it engages all your senses. For instance, sound plays a major role when it comes to meditation. In case there’s noise surrounding a certain space, then you can’t relax in that space. At the same time, include features that can add comforting sounds such as wind chimes, a birdbath, music, or your favorite water feature.

It’s also necessary to add scents in the space to encourage relaxation and rejuvenation. For instance, floral scents like sandalwood and lavender are very soothing.

You can also add elements that will allow your eyes to rest. In this case, consider adding natural elements such as sand, rocks, and wood. You can install stone pavers on the garden floor and around it to make it appear like there’s a mysterious path leading to a secret, undiscovered world.

Adding Greenery 

Greenery is ideal for creating an isolated space within nature. Most green shades have eye-pleasing and soft tones. Besides, green color is naturally soothing. When choosing greenery for your meditation garden, go for trees and shrubs that don’t require a lot of maintenance. Also, choose options that are extremely easy to plant. Building a haven in your outdoor space should be all about reducing stress rather than adding to it in any way whatsoever.

Also, choose plants that can thrive in all seasons. That way, you can escape to your garden at any time of the year. You can as well consider planting hedges and prune and shape them to add some visual interest. Choosing plants that are natively grown in your area will increase the chances of attracting wildlife for enhanced relaxation.

The best plants for any meditation garden include:

  • Japanese maples- They add aesthetic appeal
  • Ferns- They represent renewal and transformation
  • Evergreens- They’re great sound barriers
  • Cherry trees- You can prune them in unique styles
  • Cedar trees- They symbolize strength
  • Moss- Ideal for placing between stone pavers

Keep It Simple

A great meditation garden is the one that is logical and simple. Complicating the garden will affect its practical and artistic value.

Only choose practical elements. Also, the elements should flow logically. Consecutive elements should blend easily. Simplifying your meditation garden should include:

  • Knowing what your garden represents
  • Ensuring the space is cohesive
  • Expressing one’s spirituality in basic forms
  • Confining every component in its assigned area
  • Keeping the garden features focused and composed

If you desire to build a haven right in your backyard, then consider designing and building a peaceful meditation garden. Regardless of the kind of style you want, be it a complex labyrinth or a basic rock garden, you’ll have limitless possibilities.…

10 Garden Landscaping Design Ideas for a First-Time Garden in Sydney

Is it your first time to landscaping a garden? Or are you rehabilitating the outdoor space of a house you just bought?

Regardless of your situation, a beautiful garden can improve your life. It can improve the quality of air the air you breathe and invite you to rest under a shade or to enjoy sunlight.

A garden can also shelter you from rain and wind. It can also soothe you with relaxing tones of brown earth and green plants.

garden landscaping ideas

But where will you start when designing your landscape for the first time?

We’ve gathered some suggestions from leading landscape designers and architects, including ideas from our experience. Borrow from these 10 ideas for a breathtaking garden.

  1. Know the role played by your garden

Traditionally, all gardens were designed to either create a living space, be visually attractive, or to generate food.

When designing a garden, you need to ask yourself what you want it to accomplish. Once you have the right answers in mind, start designing the garden space.

For instance, you can design a garden that offers a dual purpose, such as mixing edibles and ornaments in one planting bed.

  1. Know how Western and Eastern design traditions differ

A typical garden comes with two basic styles, including the axial traditions of Western Asia and Europe, and the nature symbolism that comes with Eastern Asia traditions.

Thus, ask yourself whether you want your garden to have a western tradition layout with symmetry, rectangles, and straight lines, or you want it to have an eastern tradition comprising curves, shapes, and materials like gravel, rocks, and water to symbolize nature.

You can also break the rules behind these traditions and mix design elements from the two traditions.

  1. Know the characteristics of your landscape

Different landscapes have their unique features such as shade, sunny areas, elevation changes, mature shrubs, existing trees, soil conditions, and windy spots. Some of these features may not be similar to those of your neighbor.

Know the topography and microclimates of your landscape before getting ahead with the garden design process. You can have the soil tested to determine whether it’s acidic.

You can also study the type and composition of the soil to determine whether it’s clayish and heavy or loose and sandy.

You’ll stand a better chance of taking advantage of the best traits of your landscape by knowing its personality.

  1. Define your garden’s boundaries

You can have something to look at from a distance by defining your garden’s boundaries. You can add a fence or hedge to define boundaries and create order.

  1. Consider plantings that will anchor your house

You can tie your house or other buildings to the landform by planting some shrubs along the foundation. Train vines and other creepers to climb the walls.

Such a design will allow both the garden and the house to benefit by looking as if they are an item.

  1. Use borrowed views

You shouldn’t shy away from taking advantage of the beauty that may be surrounding your landscape.

For instance, if your neighbor’s garden has a tree that becomes red during autumn, you can borrow its beauty and attractiveness into your landscape.

Doing so will make your outdoor space look more expensive. In this case, avoid blocking the view when fencing.

  1. Go for plants that’ll flourish in your microclimate

Before planting, know the plants that’ll easily flourish in your microclimate. Native plants would be a great choice. Also, consider plants that are thriving in neighboring homes.

Also, remember your garden has unique microclimates of shade and sun. Thus, choose the sites for growing specific plants accordingly.

  1. Know the best dimensions for paths or walkways

You can make a thin path if the available space is tight. However, a wider path will make the garden feel more spacious. A wide path will offer enough space for two or more individuals to walk alongside each other.

You can also make a walkway that widens and narrows along the course or one that has some curves for more visual interest.

  1. Plant for the future of a tree

If you’re planting trees, factor the shape and size they’ll have upon maturity. The last thing you’d want is hacking tree branches because they’re too large for the location.

Allow trees to have enough space for growing as wide and high as they want.

  1. Choose the patio location depending on how you’ll use it

Are you planning to create a patio for outdoor dining? If that’s the case, ensure it is conveniently located near the kitchen.

If you want the patio to be a private space for reading a book or any other secluded function, then ensure the patio is set at a private edge of your garden. You can add an edge around the patio to make it more private.…

10 DIY Zen Garden Landscaping Features for a Relaxing Backyard in Sydney

A well designed Zen garden like the Chinese Garden of Friendship, offers total relaxation, togetherness, and focus. However, not many homeowners get such an experience from their backyards. If you want to relax at home rather than visiting the spa, simply build a Zen garden.

There are many useful Zen garden ideas to choose from to make relaxing garden features. Regardless of how tight your budget might be, you can find an idea that will work for you.

japanese garden design for backyards

You can upgrade a dull backyard to make it a peaceful and relaxing haven by adding new elements. In some cases, you’ll only need to move a few things or change some elements.

Whether you desire to create some space for unwinding after a tough day at work or to convert the entire backyard space into a relaxing Zen garden, there’s a way to do it. You’ll be surprised to learn that transforming your backyard is an easy and affordable DIY project.

If you’re ready to create a little paradise in your backyard, read on through this guide for amazing Zen design ideas. Although the ideas we’ve discussed are simple, they’ll make a huge impact.

Besides assisting you to unwind, they’ll also make your home look better and increase its value.

Let’s discuss some Zen garden ideas to choose from. After all, the ideas we’ve gathered are not time-consuming. Thus, they’re great for any DIY enthusiast.

  1. Keep the Garden Simple

There are many methods of building an outstanding Zen garden. You can include several different elements into the design or leave out any elements you consider less appealing. However, don’t leave out a bench if you want a real Zen feeling.

You can also add pagoda lanterns to beautify the garden, thereby making it perfect for relaxing. Simply keep the design simple such that you won’t end up overloading your garden with excessive elements.

 

  1. Convert the Narrow Side of Your Backyard into a Relaxing Zen Garden

In case your yard is narrow on one side, it’ll be an ideal spot to construct a relaxing Zen garden. You’ll only need to spare some time to build the garden. It’s an easy job that’s ideal for any DIY enthusiast. Just ensure you’re using squared and even dimensions.

Turning a small yard space into an area for relaxing will be a great thing to do rather than letting the space to remain idle. It’s a job you can do over the weekend. Just get the right tools and materials to get the job done.

japanese garden with statue of Buddha

  1. Add Paths and Plants

Some of the most important elements to add in your garden to give it a real Zen look are paths and plants. It’ll help to have paths where you can walk along as you admire lush greenery. Simply use some stepping stones to make a path across the garden and add plants.

In this case, moss or other lush greenery will be your best choice. You can work on this project work over a weekend and give your backyard instant transformation into a paradise.

 

  1. Add Bamboo

Adding bamboo to your garden will make it feel like a true Zen garden. You can easily make a water feature with bamboo. You can also use bamboo to fence your garden. There are other creations you can make out of bamboo.

Use your creativity to make great features with bamboo. Moreover, bamboo is inexpensive. It’s also easy to work with bamboo. You’ll only need to spare a weekend to build a large water feature with bamboo.

 

  1. Add Moss

Moss is extremely important in the design of a basic Zen garden. Moss can be added even in the smallest Zen garden. You can plant moss along a rock or sand path. Alternatively, plant moss in containers and set them near a relaxation area.

Moreover, moss can also grow well in areas where other flowers and plants don’t. You can use moss as ground cover on areas that have poor soil. You can as well add a grass bed.

 

  1. Include Planting Pillars

Simple changes can have a huge impact on your backyard. You can get a Zen effect on your garden by planting tall pillars.

For instance, you can transform a dull backyard into a relaxing paradise by creating a wooden walkway that is adorned with pillar planters. Add lighting to the pillars for a brighter effect.

 

  1. Add a Stone Path

Create a stone path featuring wooden squares for an enhanced Zen effect on your yard. Besides, this is a simple DIY project. The available space, your budget, and preferences will determine the size of the path.

Nevertheless, the garden should at least have a path set between the plants. Also, create a small path leading to the Zen garden from the backdoor. You’ll need river rocks or stones to build the path. You can use any design you want.

 

  1. Sand and Rocks

Sand and gravel or rocks are essential elements of any real Zen garden. You can make your backyard have a Zen feeling by creating an area for adding sand and rocks.

Give the sand a ripple effect by raking it regularly. The ripples will resemble ocean waves for a more relaxing effect.

 

  1. Add Color

Color is an important element of a Zen design. However, adding tons of color will destroy the idea of a peaceful Zen garden. The right thing to do is adding a limited number of colors. Consider perennials that come with peaceful colors for a calming effect.

You can mix them with whites for more tranquility. For instance, cherry blossoms feature relaxing and gorgeous blooms. You can also consider other plants that have a color scheme like that of cherry blossoms.

 

  1. Add Water

Water is another important element to consider when creating a tranquil Zen garden. A simple, low lying water feature is good enough. A simple design will save you money and time.

Moreover, water has a calming effect, thereby making the garden a great place to unwind. It’s also an ideal option for a small backyard since you won’t have any mowing work to do.…

Top 10 Japanese Zen Garden Ideas

If you have ever seen Japanese landscape gardens around Zen temples, then you’ve probably loved their design. These gardens have peacefully arranged gravel, rocks, well-maintained evergreen shrubs or trees, and moss.

japanese zen garden ideas

Imagine the kind of beauty your landscape would have by adding a karesansui garden design. It might sound complicated, but it’s quite easy to create a controlled and harmonious landscape made of dry rocks.

Here are 10 garden design ideas borrowed from a Japanese landscape design manual.

Karenagare

Karenagare is one of the most breathtaking Japanese gardening ideas. Karenagare refers to raked sand. The design features a waterfall without water. It has white sand or gravel at the base to represent a stream without water.

Karetaki

Karetaki is a Japanese garden design term used to describe dry waterfalls. It’s a design involving a waterfall that lacks water. In this design, you’ll symbolize a waterfall by arranging stones, gravel, and sand. A typical karetaki design features standing bluestones that symbolize a cascading waterfall.

Kogetsudai

The kogetsudai design refers to gravel mountains. In this design, gravel is shaped into several conical forms to represent mountains.

Karesansui

Karesansui are rock sculptures. The placement and shape of rocks used in Zen gardening is extremely important.

Karesansui Japanese Gardens

In Karesansui design, rocks can be designed to symbolize an island, mountain, or a welcoming garden entrance. You can use rocks to evoke natural elements such as:

  • Water- Flat and low lying shintai rocks are used to represent flowing water.
  • Earth- Stones are turned on their sides to appear like they’re lying down. In this case, kikyaku rocks are used to represent the earth.
  • Metal- In this case, reisho rocks represent firmness due to their solid nature and low placement.
  • Fire- Shigyo rocks have shapes that look like flames. Thus, they’re used to represent fire.
  • Wood- Taido rocks are tall. They’re arranged together with some reisho rocks to represent wood.

Evergreens

Shrubs and trees can be placed along the perimeter area of a Japanese Zen garden. They can also be placed singly. They’re often evergreen for a lush look all year-round. Some of the best species for Zen gardens are Japanese maple, rhododendrons, yew, Azaleas, and conifers like pine trees.

Moss

Low-growing moss surrounded by raked gravel or planted along the edge create a calming contrast to other elements in a Japanese Zen garden. There’re two categories of mosses to choose from. They include Pleurocarps (creeping plants) and Acrocarps that grow upright.

A Perimeter of Evergreen Plants

You can plant evergreen conifers along the edges of your Zen garden and train them as topiaries.

Select a Perspective

Try to design the Zen garden in such a way that you can view it from one perspective. Survey your plan to determine whether it’s visually pleasing before implementing it.

Enclose the Zen Garden

You can reinforce the calmness offered by the Zen garden by keeping it controlled in an orderly manner with a fence and gate. Enclosing it will keep it separated from the external world for a peaceful effect.…