Zen garden

Zen gardens

According to (Rossbach & Yun, 1998) people who want to enjoy outside spaces, but are not bothered by actual gardening and growing things, should have a zen garden. Rossbach & Yun, (1998, 115) continues to explain that a zen garden concentrates on horticulture rather than flowers,the meticulous arrangement of stones, shrubs, water, trees and sand have evvollved into art forms. Where flawless equilibrium of yin and yang occurs, it allows the life giving forces of nature to reach their complete potential.

(Rossbach & Yun, 1998) goes on to say that Zen gardens revolve around three main features, namely; water, stone lantern, and stepping stones. The ‘tsukabi’ or water basin, is a simple, rounded stone with a recess or dip, filled with water, together with the water, there is ladle, to wash the face and hands before entering the tea house. (Rossbach & Yun, 1998, p. 115) further explains that the stone lantern or ‘ishidoro’, is a symbol for a guiding light, that steers one safely along lifes chaotic paths. The third element according to (Rossbach & Yun, 1998) is the stepping stones, which create pathwys to certain parts of the garden, if good Feng Shui is desired, rounded plants should be used in the garden, which synbolises weath and prosperity. Laslty zen gardens encompass have a tea house, a moon viewing apavilian, as well as stone or timber benches, for quiet contemplation.