Create a soulful and meditative Zen Garden in Dubai
There are times when we want to take refuge from hectic routines and unwind after a long day at work. And if you have a tranquil space at home that’s perfect environment for some quiet contemplation – nothing can beat it! With a little effort and lots of dedication, you can create a Zen Garden at home in Dubai. These types of garden are low maintenance, simple and absolutely beautiful. Here’s how you can have your very own peaceful spot at home.
How to create a Zen garden at home?
Zen garden is a Japanese concept known as karesansui. Traditionally, they were developed to provide uninterrupted meditation places for Buddhist monks. The idea is to create a minimalist landscape with natural elements such as rocks, gravel, wood, sand and plants. These natural elements are used cohesively with man-made components like stone lanterns, ornaments and water features. The garden is then separated from the rest of the home with walls or dividers.
Let’s take a look at how to create a home Zen garden.
Start with Picking the Right Spot
Whether you live in an apartment or a villa in Dubai, the first step is to decide which site will be ideal for a meditation space. Select a spot that’s:
- Flat and smooth
- Out of the way
- Has minimal foot traffic
If you live in an apartment, a small section of your balcony will give u=you enough room for a miniature outdoor Zen garden at home. But if you live in a villa then you can dedicate a more hearty section of your backyard for a serene Zen space.
Come up with an Elegant Design
Do your homework for the design by diving into the world of online resources such as YouTube videos, catalogues or images on Reddit or Pinterest. You can also consult a landscape expert to get an idea of what would work best for your dedicated space. Make a wishlist of all the attributes you plan to incorporate. You might want to stay close to the seven principles of a Zen garden which are:
- Austerity
- Simplicity
- Naturalness
- Asymmetry
- Subtlety or Mystery
- Stillness
- Unconventional and Magical
For a true Zen space including some or all of the aforementioned elements is key! There are several variations to the principles which enables flexibility and ensures you can tailor the garden to suit your personal taste.
Create a Frame
After finalising your Zen garden design, the next step is to create a frame that will hold the sand, gravel, rocks and other materials in place. Get a wooden or plywood frame that can be screwed or nailed together.
Go frame hunting at the most popular hardware stores in Dubai such as Danube Home, Ace Hardware, Homesmiths and Speedtex Tools. Or you can visit the nearest IKEA store to get everything you might need to create a Zen garden.
Don’t forget to lay a barrier within the frame to keep the weeds out. Use black plastic, newspapers or shade material to protect the frame and your precious home Zen space.
Add the Zen Garden Elements
Sand or Gravel
Sand and gravel are the absolute essentials when it comes to creating a home Zen garden. They are known to symbolize water and can be delicately raked to create ‘wave’ patterns. These elegant patterns on fine sand or gravel are meditative in nature and emit a sense of peace and comfort.
While sand is a great option for your garden, gravel is more durable, easier to maintain and visually appealing. Use slightly crushed gravel or smooth pebbles as they are relatively easy to rake into patterns. You’ll find both sand and gravel at the Building Materials Mall in Dubai.
Get your Favourite Statuary
One of the main Zen home garden ideas is to add a statue that serves as the main focal point of the space. It is used to inspire meditation. Some of the most commonly used statuaries are Budhha figurines, Japanese lanterns, water features and stone ornaments. Shop for your favourite ones at the Dragon Mart Dubai or the local souks and souvenir shops.
Rocks and Stones
Throw in some rocks and stones of varying textures and sizes as part of your home Zen garden. They offer a sculptural element but in a more natural way. Place them strategically along the gravel or sand within the frame to depict hills and mountains jutting through clouds, or symbols of islands out at sea.
Seating Area
When you’re in the process of creating a Zen garden at home, make sure to add adequate seating with a particular vantage point. A stone bench or a comfortable chair with light hues will effortlessly blend with other elements of your garden.
PLANTS FOR A ZEN GARDEN AT HOME
Plants can add a new life to your Zen garden, they can be added depending on the climate and the size of the garden. Some of the popular plants for a Zen space in Dubai homes are fittonia, echeveria, money plant and lucky bamboo. Bonsai is also a good option to add greenery to your garden. Pay a visit to the most popular plant nurseries in Dubai for a consultation and purchase.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ELEMENTS OF A HOME ZEN GARDEN IN DUBAI?
Some of the other elements that can also be a part of your home Zen garden in Dubai are plants, water features, lights and bridges.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CREATE A ZEN GARDEN IN DUBAI?
The cost depends on varying factors. Starting from the frame you choose to gravel, pebbles, lights, statues, figurines and other elements you wish to include, all have different prices.
That’s all for our guide on how to create a Zen garden at home. These low-maintenance gardens are well-suited to the sweltering summer in the UAE as they don’t require delicate plants and flowers.
Have a big garden you want to spruce up? Get in touch with some of the leading landscaping companies in Dubai to get designs and ideas. Have limited outdoor space? Here’s how to create a hydroponic garden in Dubai.
