Considered by many as the epitome of minimalist design, Japanese Zen gardens were first created in medieval Japan to help Zen Buddhists invoke deep meditation by carefully raking gravel and strategically placing rocks to evoke serenity and beauty. The raked gravel represents flowing water and the rocks represent mountains; together achieving a sleek look perfect for garden design.
Although a Zen garden is rooted in monastic life, you can take advantage of its therapeutic powers by incorporating a few simple materials: gravel, rocks and wood. Zen gardens are easy to create and require little maintenance. See how Houzz designers applied the Zen garden aesthetic into these homes, and create your own respite of peace and calm.
Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International
Try to see rocks as islands and gravel as water that surrounds them. With a little imagination you can get a sense of water flowing around the beautiful rock in this relaxing Zen garden made by AguaFina Gardens International.
Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International
This "fusion garden" is another project by AguaFina Gardens. When designing your Zen garden, always look for ways to create meaning with your design. Rocks can symbolize many things, and gravel gives you the freedom to mold the landscape with designs you can later change for a different look.
Urban Earth Design
Let your Zen garden shine through your home with this clever design idea created by Urban Earth Design. This window inset adds light and dimension to the interior design while letting the relaxing aura of a Zen garden travel indoors.
Bamboo is often the tree of choice in a Zen garden. It is simple yet elegant; exotic yet attainable. Complemented by gray gravel and rocks, this garden — made by Ververka Architects — shows how a modern home can benefit from a centuries-old concept.
Wind & Weather
Wind Gong - $49.95
This delicate wind chime adds another Japanese element to your garden while de-stressing your life with its soothing sound.
kim E. rooney
A Japanese message carved into a rock completes the serene spirit of this Zen garden designed by Kim. E Rooney.
Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.
This attractive Zen garden, made by Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors Inc., features an ultra-modern fire pit, making good use of the garden's space.
1800Lighting
Kichler 15071 Zen Garden 1 Light Outdoor Post Lamp - $261
A Japanese-inspired outdoor post lamb does its job without interrupting the Zen mood.
Laidlaw Schultz architects
This version of the traditional Zen garden design, created by Laidlaw Schultz Architects, incorporates other elements such as chairs and a fire pit to make a Zen garden more livable.
Carson Poetzl, Inc.
You can mold the idea of a Zen garden into one that shows your creativity. Instead of Zen rocks, designer Carson Poetzl created a soothing look with ice-like sculptures and on a bed of sand.
Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International
Try to see rocks as islands and gravel as water that surrounds them. With a little imagination you can get a sense of water flowing around the beautiful rock in this relaxing Zen garden made by AguaFina Gardens International.
Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International
This "fusion garden" is another project by AguaFina Gardens. When designing your Zen garden, always look for ways to create meaning with your design. Rocks can symbolize many things, and gravel gives you the freedom to mold the landscape with designs you can later change for a different look.
Urban Earth Design
Let your Zen garden shine through your home with this clever design idea created by Urban Earth Design. This window inset adds light and dimension to the interior design while letting the relaxing aura of a Zen garden travel indoors.
Bamboo is often the tree of choice in a Zen garden. It is simple yet elegant; exotic yet attainable. Complemented by gray gravel and rocks, this garden — made by Ververka Architects — shows how a modern home can benefit from a centuries-old concept.
Wind & Weather
Wind Gong - $49.95
This delicate wind chime adds another Japanese element to your garden while de-stressing your life with its soothing sound.
kim E. rooney
A Japanese message carved into a rock completes the serene spirit of this Zen garden designed by Kim. E Rooney.
Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.
This attractive Zen garden, made by Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors Inc., features an ultra-modern fire pit, making good use of the garden's space.
1800Lighting
Kichler 15071 Zen Garden 1 Light Outdoor Post Lamp - $261
A Japanese-inspired outdoor post lamb does its job without interrupting the Zen mood.
Laidlaw Schultz architects
This version of the traditional Zen garden design, created by Laidlaw Schultz Architects, incorporates other elements such as chairs and a fire pit to make a Zen garden more livable.
Carson Poetzl, Inc.
You can mold the idea of a Zen garden into one that shows your creativity. Instead of Zen rocks, designer Carson Poetzl created a soothing look with ice-like sculptures and on a bed of sand.