| Zen Gardening |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-303 |
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Q: I want to create a Zen garden, but I live in an apartment. Can you show me how to make one in a limited space? A: (Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY gardening expert) It's easy to create a Zen garden. Here's how. Materials: Large container (your choice)
Sand (play sand was used for this particular project)
Optional: crushed granite to stabilize the sand
Rocks
Greenery (a bonsai plant was used for this project -- your choice)
Decorative items (miniature garden rake for the sand, etc -- your choice) Note: Zen gardens have been around for centuries. They're known for aiding in meditation and contemplation. The sand represents water, the rocks symbolize the mountains - Start with a kit (figure A) that consists of a small container, sand and rocks.
- Choose a large container that will hold all the items you want to include in your Zen garden. If you use a container (wicker, for example) that has openings, be sure to cover it with plastic to keep the sand from sifting out.
- Add the sand to the container, making sure there's a good layer on the bottom. An option is to add crushed granite to stabilize the sand.
- For luck be sure to use an odd number of rocks, and arrange them however you desire.
- Add the greenery of your choice wherever you wish. For this particular project a bonsai plant was used. It was left in its own container (figure B) because it won't have to be watered as often.
Tip: Be sure to prune the greenery to keep it proportional to the Zen garden. - For decoration add some fun elements:
- A miniature Buddha (figure C), for example.
- A miniature garden rake.
- A nice touch for a Zen garden is to use the miniature rake to create some designs. For example, wavy lines could indicate that the waters (sand) are rough. Straight lines would mean that the waters are calm.
- When your mood changes, rearrange the Zen garden. Remember to have fun with this project.
More Questions for Jessie:
Q: I planted a 1,300-square-foot area with Asian jasmine 15 years ago. Can I take shoots from this area and replant them in other parts of the yard?
A: You certainly can. Be sure to use a growth hormone that will promote roots, however. As soon as you see roots and they get long enough, then you can replant them.
Q: How far away from a building can you plant a lilac bush, and how deep must you plant it?
A: You definitely want to make sure that you're giving enough space between your house and the shrubs or bushes. It really also depends on the size that the bushes will become. Make sure you give them at least a foot or so to provide them room to spread. As for depth, always make sure the rootball is even with the soil line.
Q: Should I fertilize and mulch my Bradford pear tree? And how often should I water it?
A: You do want to fertilize a Bradford pear tree because this will help keep it healthy. It will also help with the blooming process each year. As for the mulching, that will help retain moisture, which will help reduce how much you'll need to water the tree.
RESOURCES :
ITT Technical Institute
Special thanks to the ITT Technical Institute for providing the personnel for the Ask DIY Web site video.
ITT Technical Institute
Website: www.itt-tech.edu/
Building My Zen Garden
Model: 0618063781
Author: Kieran Egan
(November, 2000)
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
The Mini Zen Gardening Kit
Model: 0762408286
Author: Abd Al-Hayy Moore
(September, 2000)
Running Press
Zen In Your Garden: Creating Sacred Spaces
Model: 0804832897
Author: Jenny Hendy
(September, 2001)
Tuttle Publishing
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-951-4080
Fax: 617-951-4045
Website: www.tuttlepublishing.com
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