Nothing like creating a file zen atmosphere to reinforce the idea that your garden is a place of Relax.
The goal here is not to show you how to set up a Japanese garden in the purest tradition. We'll do something much simpler.
I will introduce you to several decorative objects which will allow you to do sobring zen touches easily and at a lower cost in your exterior.
A statue of the Buddha
What could be more symbolic in a Zen garden than a Buddha statue!
Beyond the decorative side, it always releases a atmosphere of serenity.
Where to install it?
There are two ways to integrate it into your layout.
OR installed in a massifamidst the vegetation, slightly hidden.
OR in isolation and much more visible.
In this case it will find its place in a corner of the terrace or even, within a small one space dedicated to meditation.
The different models
There are several variations of Buddha statues, depending on the position of his legs and those of his hands.
There are models assist, standing or even lying down.
These different positions have slightly different meanings: meditation, detachment from problems, pacification… I don't want to make this article too heavy, if you are interested in knowing the exact meaning, you will easily find more details on the internet.
Sitting Buddha
The sitting posture, with hands on legs, is the most common for Buddha statues. This is the position meditative. It will be ideal for creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere on your terrace.
Since this is the most popular version, there are many models on the market.
I chose the one from the Wanda Collection brand, recognized in the garden world for its sculptures.
He's inside fiber cementDo 42cm high for one weight of 8.5 kg.
Weight is not a negligible element outdoors because it guarantees safety good stability of the statue even in windy conditions.
In the photo this is the gold version, other colors are available.
Seated Buddha statue, 42cm – Wanda Collection
Standing Buddha
This time the Buddha is standing and the statue I selected for you is large: 80cm high.
As I said before, you have two options available: either a little hidden in a massif among the vegetation such an element of curiosity, not even isolatedpositioned clearly. So it will become a focal point of your gardenthat is, a decoration that captures attention.
This model is calculationwhich explains his slightly rough finish which makes it even more authentic.
The 25kg of this sculpture are necessary to ensure the stability of such a tall creation.
Standing Buddha statue, 80 cm – Oviala
Reclining Buddha
I can imagine this representation of the reclining Buddha on the edge of a swimming poolIt is not true?
She's inside reconstituted stone and done 74cm longfor a weight of 20kg.
Reclining Buddha statue, 74 cm – Garten Deko Paradies
Laughing Buddha
In fact, it is not really a representation of the Buddha, but a Chinese monk.
It is often used as lucky charm and it must bring good luck. Perhaps the solution if you have trouble keeping your plants alive?
Seriously, this is a figurine with a rather funny designless spiritual than others.
The model presented is in resinit does 63.5cm tall for a total of 8kg.
Laughing Buddha statue, 63 cm – Design Toscano
A fountain
A gentle sound of water is relaxing and a fountain has its place in a Zen design.
You will have to be careful to stay on a slight rustling and a peaceful flow of waterand not a noisy waterfall like a torrent.
Different types of fountains can be suitable for the Asian spirit.
Wall of water
Water flows down a vertical wall which imitates a stack of slates. This results in a soft texture spray.
In the photo, this is the Imperated model from Blumfeldt.
Its dimensions are interesting. Him It doesn't take up much floor space : 50 x 25 cm, which allows it to easily integrate on a terrace or even in small spaces such as a balcony or at the entrance to the house. But it is the height is sufficient to be clearly visible : 1 meter (outflow surface + water recovery tank)
Mur d'Eau commanded – Blumfeldt
Bath fountain
The water flows into a succession of different basins one under the other.
The Asian spirit is present if you choose a model of which the pelvises are very round and then remember Tibetan bowls.
This is the case of the FoLeaf model in the photo of the Kiom brand.
It is carried out in the academic year resin that imitates the appearance of stone.
Its dimensions are more or less the same as the previous fountain, so you can also place it on a small terrace or even integrate it into a flowerbed.
Fountain with successive basins – Kiom
Bamboo fountain
THE Bamboo is a wood widely used in Asian constructionso it makes perfect sense to choose it for a fountain.
It is done here resin, which has better resistance, but the appearance is that of bamboo and stone.
Commercially sold bamboo fountains often only include the spout where the water flows and you need to add a water tank and pump system.
Here the Pigadia model from the famous sink element manufacturer Ubbink is a complete kit ready for use.
Fountains and bamboo – Ubbink
A swimming pool
Observing the ripples on the surface of the water, the slow movement of the fish or even the dragonflies running towards this point of water, makes you want swimming pool an element conducive to relaxation that finds its place in a Japanese garden.
The different sizes of the pool
If you've always dreamed of a water gardenyou can create a file large swimming pool. It will become the centerpiece of your exterior.
But if you want to stay in a more reasonable arrangement, a medium sized swimming pooldone by a pre-formed shellit will fit perfectly.
You can also go to very small model to be placed on a terrace but in this case there may not be enough space to accommodate the fish. In this configuration it will have more or less the same interest as a fountain.
Decorate your pool to give it a zen and Japanese touch
The fish
You can opt for the traditional ones Koi carp or, if the price and the care required by the latter discourage you, bet on it Shubunkinsa variety of goldfish with speckled scales of multiple colors.
At the waterfalls
You can decorate your pond with a small sweet waterfall.
This model by Ubbink, in bamboolet it flow trickle of water on 2 floors.
Installation is very simple as you just need to “plant” the waterfall in the ground and connect it to a pump (not supplied).
Waterfall and bamboo – Ubbink
This model, also by Ubbink, is made up of 3 subsequent pools.
The installation is a little more complex because the 3 elements are independent, so you will have to follow the instructions to position them correctly and level them so that the water flows well. But the results are worth it!
This time the pump is provided.
Cascade 3 helmets Nova Scotia – Ubbink
rock
I'm sure if you imagine a Japanese garden, it comes to mind large spaces with raked gravel. It is actually very “zenifying”.
But I don't recommend you do the same thing at home!
Raking must be regular and requires a lot of work.
However, you still can integrate rock into your layout.
You can integrate some vertical rocksas happens in traditional Japanese gardens, or even slate or shale piles to give volume.
Shale pile
And why not make one yin yang motif with black and white gravel?
Yin-Yang pattern in pebbles
A lantern
You can install two types of lanterns for a Zen look.
In the stone
They can be positioned on the terrace floorintegrated within a massif plants or near a pond.
Here is a model with the same spirit as the previous one, but this time in reconstituted stone.
This material has the advantage of being less expensive.
This creation is 42 cm tall.
See other reconstituted stone models on Amazon.
Japanese lantern in reconstituted stone 42 cm – Garten Deko Paradies
I wanted to show you this lamp.
Although it does not have a traditional design like the previous ones, its modern style it still has a Japanese side. It will be perfect for bringing a touch of zen to a contemporary garden.
It is carved in a river stonewith a final height between 30 and 35 cm.
River stone lantern 30/35cm – Wanda Collection
And paper
THE paper versions must be hung on trees or on the beams of a pergola.
There are Chinese lanterns designed for outdoors that resist rain.
This is the case of the one in the photo which is actually present nylon.
As it is at solar modeljust hang it and when night falls it will diffuse a gentle light.
With its pompoms, it remains aesthetic even in the middle of the day.
Waterproof Chinese lantern
A Feng Shui music box
This music box of Chinese origin will bring soft and soothing sounds with the slightest breeze.
Remember to place it in a place slightly sheltered from the wind, otherwise you risk hearing it constantly, which will no longer be pleasant.
I have selected 3 for you:
Made from bamboo and coconut.
Model with bells, in wood, copper and metal.
From furniture
To make the most of your Zen garden, you need furniture.
Two types of furniture come to mind.
Bamboo garden furniture because, as I have already mentioned, it is a wood that is very present in Asian culture.
Bamboo garden furniture
Furniture conducive to relaxation like this large cushion that allows you to lie semi-reclining and thus rest or contemplate your garden.
Large Jumbo Original outdoor cushion
Plant
Due to their beauty, plants are essential decorative elements in every garden.
The idea is to extend the Zen spirit through choice emblematic plants of the Japanese landscape and adapted to our European climates.
THE'Japanese maple it is essential. There are many varieties with green, red or even orange leaves. In fact, I dedicated an entire article on the site to it.
THE bamboo it is also emblematic. You will find them in all sizes.
Pay attention to those that are traceable and widespread. In this case you need an anti-rhizome barrier or placing them in a pot.
More information is available in my article: my selection of the best bamboos for the garden.
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