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August 27, 2007

The Zen Garden happening

The newborn Zen Garden.

The thought of having a little Zen-influenced garden has been with me for a long time. I started the project right after my return from the trip to Thailand, around mid-July.

A Zen Garden, to me, signifies Simplicity and Serenity. I also like the minimalist concept (sand and rocks) and environmentally friendly materials (no chemicals, no fertilizers).

I realize that the “Japanese Zen Garden” has been considered to be a myth. I also read that some Buddhist experts dismiss the western concept of Zen Gardens with the explanation that Zen principles are about what’s within a person and not the environment that surrounds a person. I can always argue that the environment is part of me as the relationship between me and the garden, of any kind, is part of me. I certainly hope that my Zen Garden will have a calming effect and promote a meaningful contemplation for me and those who will visit the place. I can visualize a meditation image, and doing yoga on the mat next to the garden.

Liz Downing, whose specialty is Garden Maintenance, Design and Installation, recommended to me by the nice people at the Good Earth, did most of the labor.

First, there were many clean-up jobs to be done, from extensive weeding to removing flowering plants (Alliums, Azaleas, Honeysuckle, Hydrangeas, Irises, Jack Frost, Peony, Peony tree, Roses, Sedum, etc.) and one evergreen tree. Most of the flowering plants are thriving in their new spots.

The automatic sprinkler had to be removed and the electrical wiring for landscape lighting had to be dug up and put back, then rearranged. A huge stump from the old Magnolia tree had to be totally axed out. Considerable amounts of soil had to be removed before the weed material could be laid down.

I kept the ceramic Japanese lantern, a gift from the Alzheimer’s Center, in Cranston, where I used to do weekly volunteer work. My Zen sense told me to preserve the lantern and make use of the existing lights as the "Remembrance Of Things Past" incorporated into the present.. The lights and the lantern would also represent the Fire element.

I chose the stone dust with a tint of blue, a symbol of Water (ocean) element, instead of white or yellow sand. Some old rocks and boulders, found in the other part of the backyard, were added to make the boundary and to hide the cement foundation of a former garage, now my little studio. Hauling countless loads of stone dust in the wheelbarrow was a very laborious task.

Things were finally falling in place. There was more stone dust than we thought we would need; hence the idea of making 2 mounds (the big one, representing a mother and the small one, a child) was conceived and implemented.

Raking the stone dust into different patterns should be very interesting. I see infinite possibilities -- creative ideas to try out. Tonight I’ll watch the shadows cast on the new landscape. I might even turn off all the lights and put the candle inside the lantern. The Zen scene with darkness and stillness might lead me to a Zen moment, Peace and Enlightenment.

Posted by Pat Feinstein  at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Comments

steve | August 29, 2007 9:34 AM link

leila | August 29, 2007 9:38 AM link

penny | August 29, 2007 5:01 PM link

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