Creating an Indoor Zen Garden

A zen garden is unlike a traditional Western garden in the sense that it is devoid of plants. If, however, an individual decides to keep some, they have to hold some meaning and be on the minimal side. The main concept behind a zen garden is that of peace and openness, bringing together good luck and prosperity. Its about celebrating humanity's place in the universe. A zen garden can be of any shape and size, depending wholly on your resources. The following steps will allow you to make an indoor zen garden.

Step 1: Decide on a Location

Decide on an appropriate location for your indoor zen garden. It can either sit in a living area, a bedroom or even a patio.

Step 2: Building a Frame

Once you have decided on the location, you need to build the frame for the garden. There are no hard and fast rules regarding the frame structure or type. You can make anything as long as it holds some significance in your life and makes you feel good. If you are building a zen garden on the smaller side, all you need to do is find four pieces of one inch high wood and either nail them or glue them together. A bottom panel will be required to complete the indoor frame for the garden.

Step 3: Sand and Objects

Purchase a bag of sand from any gardening or hobby store and fill the frame to the top with it. The sand has to be at least two inches deep. Add a few calming, soothing objects to your garden. These could include pleasantly shaped and colored old, weathered rocks or stones, or any other object you please. It is advisable to keep plants on the minimum since the sand will not nourish them appropriately. The zen garden has to be open and have a feeling of tranquility about it.

Step 4: Raking the Sand

Using a rake, rake the sand in curving patterns, much like ocean waves. You need to rake only the above inch of sand, going with the flow. There is no defined shape you need to rake it in, do what feels best to you. You can even use a back scratcher to do the raking.

Step 5: Use Smooth Objects

All the objects you place in your zen garden must be devoid of sharp corners, and have only rounded edges. The idea is simple: easy, pleasant objects create positive energy and will be able to flow from the garden into the room and the environment. You can add and remove objects from the garden if and when you please, changing them with your moods and feelings. The purpose of the garden is to make you feel content and happy, so work along those lines to create a little piece of heaven in your own home. It will not be long before you begin to feel the difference yourself.