Sometimes all you need in your day is a little serenity. Achieving this in your own backyard doesn’t need to be difficult. Adding appropriate statues can help bring a sense of Zen to your outdoor living space. Including a zen garden water feature can help you in your relaxation and meditation, as water sounds are often used to achieve deeper levels of calm.
What is a Zen Garden?
A Zen garden, also known as a Japanese rock garden or karesansui, is a traditional Japanese garden that is designed to promote tranquility and meditation. Typically, a Zen garden consists of a small, enclosed area filled with sand or gravel, which is then raked into patterns to represent the flow of water or waves. Rocks and other natural elements, such as moss or small plants, are added to the garden to create a sense of harmony and balance. Zen gardens are often found in temples or other places of meditation, and are believed to promote a sense of calm and peace for those who spend time in them.
We’ve got some suggestions for items you can use to transform your backyard into a place you can work to reach Nirvana.
Zen III Garden Water Fountain
One of our most popular outdoor frog decorations; Featuring three frogs in the familiar Lotus Pose, this piece is both playful and productive. Placing the 18-inch tall Zen III Garden Water Fountain in your garden or wherever you may choose to do your outdoor meditation will almost certainly help guide your efforts with the calming sound of water as it flows twice over. Thanks to its relatively small size, this zen fountain can work in a multitude of locations, though you’ll want to keep it away from anything too tall, as to avoid covering the amphibians holding up the 20.5-inch basin. I could see this working very well in the middle of a circle of fragrant flowers, with a comfortable bench or seating area nearby. The Zen III Garden Water Fountain can be found among many of our other Cast Stone Fountains.
Cubist Floor Fountain
When I first saw the Cubist Floor Fountain, I was swept away, feeling like ancient Japanese royalty. Quiet and calm, with stones and cascading water, this zen garden water feature is an impressive sight. Standing at nearly three feet tall, the fountain features straight lines with water bubbling from a large center column. It flows down the face of the column onto river stones in a wide, beveled basin below. The design gives it a smooth sound, as opposed to a fountain in which the water moves through streams. Thanks to the inclusion of the stones, the water constantly moves through different patterns, never quite sounding the same. Since it is designed for both indoor or outdoor use, the Cubist Floor Fountain can go absolutely anywhere you want to add a little bit of Zen. Our Asian Fountains are a sure way to invite zen into your living space.
Low Zen Sphere Garden Water Fountain
Don’t let the short stature of this fountain fool you, because what it lacks in height, it makes up for in calming qualities. After water emerges from the top of the large sphere in the middle of the nearly 40-inch basin, it flows along the sides, gently kissing the surface of the liquid below before again making the journey. This process is not different from the Buddhist concept of reincarnation, which is something on which you can meditate as you enjoy the sight and sound of this beautiful zen garden water feature. Placed in a clear area of your yard, or even in the middle of your patio, the Low Zen Sphere Garden Water Fountain makes an eye-catching addition to any outdoor relaxation space. Garden Water Fountains come in a variety of sizes, making it possible to have the sound of soothing water even in small spaces.
Buddha Head Garden Statue
Sometimes having the right scenery is all you need to set the mood and get a good Zen feeling going. This Buddha Head Garden Statue is so intricately designed one might think it came straight from a Buddhist temple in India. With its closed eyes, the Buddha statue evokes a calming sense of peace. One or more of these would make a great addition to a garden deck. I can picture two of these on the corner of a deck, flanking a circle of pillows on which you and your guests can sit and relax, meditating over the day’s happenings. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, our Buddha Statues are one of a kind!
Buddha Outdoor Water Fountain
If you’re digging the Buddha Head Garden Statue but want to kick it up a notch, this incredible piece is right up your alley. It is striking in both its size and symmetry. The intricately made Buddha head makes its return in the middle of a 75-inch basin, which features 12 platforms symmetrically placed across its surface. This is something designed to withstand the test of time, both in its construction and its style. Placed in a lush green area, or something that stands as a contrast to one of the incredible color options offered, the Buddha Outdoor Water Fountain is sure to catch every eye that turns its way. Thanks to the water sounds and Zen style, this fountain will help you achieve whichever state of relaxation you desire. If you long to make an impression on others - or yourself, Modern Outdoor Fountains are a sure way to do it!
Yoga Dog Cast Stone Garden Statue
What better example of calm and serenity is there than the loyal dog? During play times, they may be loud and happy as they run around, but so do we all. When the time comes, though, a good dog will relax with you and stay by your side. The Yoga Dog Cast Stone Garden Statue pays tribute to man’s best friend, featuring a relaxed pup in a pose similar to the Burmese meditation position. With a smile on his face, the dog inspires calm, happy feelings, and at its small stature, it will fit anywhere you need it. If you need more of man’s best friend, our dog statuary will surely capture your heart!
Yoga Cat Cast Stone Garden Statue
Not to be forgotten is the more fickle of man’s companions, the cat. The Yoga Cat Cast Stone Garden Statue features a flexible feline, reaching into the air while sitting in the full lotus pose. Much like their canine counterparts, cats can be feisty. In my experience, however, they are most often found relaxing, lounging in a ray of sunlight or balancing atop a tall structure. Fickle though they may be, cats are calm and collected, almost as though they are in a constant meditative trance. This is just one of our cat statues that you're sure to love. Just be sure to keep them away from the catnip. If the feline style is calling to you, we have quite the collection in our cat statuary.
How to Create Your Zen Garden?
Choose the Right Location: Choosing the right location is crucial for creating a Zen garden. Look for a place that is quiet and peaceful, away from noise and distractions. Consider factors such as sunlight, accessibility, and privacy. A corner of your backyard, a balcony, or a small patch of land can all be great options for a Zen garden.
Research Zen Garden Styles and Elements: To create a Zen garden, it's important to learn about different styles and elements. There are various types of Zen gardens, such as the rock garden, the water garden, and the moss garden. Each style has its own unique features and symbolism. Essential elements of Zen gardens include rocks, sand, gravel, plants, and water features.
Apply Guiding Principles to Your Design: Zen gardens are based on principles of simplicity, harmony, balance, and minimalism. To create a Zen garden that reflects these values, use natural materials and avoid clutter and excess. Consider the placement of rocks, the flow of sand or gravel, and the types of plants you want to use. Create a sense of balance and harmony in your garden design.
Sketch Your Garden Design: Before you start building your Zen garden, it's important to sketch out a plan. Consider the size and shape of your space, as well as the elements you want to include. Sketch out the placement of rocks, the flow of sand or gravel, and the types of plants you want to use. This will help you visualize your garden design and make any necessary adjustments.
Be Flexible and Enjoy the Process: Creating a Zen garden is a process that requires patience and persistence. Be open to changes and adjustments as you work on your garden. Sometimes, things may not turn out the way you planned, but that's okay. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey. Remember that the goal is to create a peaceful and serene space that brings joy to your life.
Create a Simple and Inviting Garden: To create a Zen garden that is simple and inviting, focus on creating a clear focal point and a sense of tranquility. Use lighting, seating, and other decorative elements to enhance the ambiance and create a welcoming atmosphere. Keep your garden design simple and avoid clutter and excess. The goal is to create a space that encourages relaxation and mindfulness.
How to Maintain a Zen Garden?
Maintaining a Zen garden can be a relaxing and meditative practice in itself. It's a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a calm state of mind. By taking the time to take care your Zen garden, you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also promotes a sense of inner peace and well-being. Here are some tips:
- Start by regularly raking the sand or gravel to create fresh patterns and promote a sense of tranquility.
- Remove any debris or fallen leaves from the garden to keep it looking clean and tidy.
- Trim any plants or moss that have grown out of control to maintain a sense of balance and harmony.
- If you have a water feature in your Zen garden, ensure that it is properly cleaned and maintained to prevent algae buildup.
- Take the time to sit and meditate in your Zen garden, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the peaceful environment you have created.
By regularly maintaining your Zen garden, you can continue to enjoy its calming benefits for years to come.
Transform Your Backyard into a Zen Oasis
Zen fountains and statues, inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, bring tranquility and serenity to any space. These captivating features create a soothing ambiance with the gentle sound of flowing water and visually calming aesthetics. Whether indoors or outdoors, Zen fountains and statues offer a peaceful retreat, promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of harmony. Immerse yourself in the Zen experience.
Whether abstract or artistic, fluid or static, adding something a little extra to your outdoor spaces can help you reach the Zen style you may aim to achieve. Bringing in a statue or a zen garden water feature is a great way to help your small part of the world feel much more calming than the one outside, it doesn’t matter if you’re aiming for aesthetics or trying to hit those deeper levels of meditation. Keep these things in mind as you continue to shape your world into whatever you may wish it to be.