Introduction to ZENscaping

Introduction to
ZENscaping
by Rebecca Lyn Cragg,
B.A.H., M.A., B.Ed. (c) 2015
Camellia Teas of Ottawa
www.CamelliaTeas.net
Contact: [email protected]
ZENscaping
ZEN
Principles of Japanese Garden design in Ottawa
•
•
•
Peaceful
Refreshing
balanced
asymmetry
• Symbolic…
• Manageable
My Goal today: give you a sense of information and
empowerment to incorporate some of the principles of
Japanese aesthetics into your garden in Ottawa
Today’s Talk: 100 slides that I can make available to you
•How to ‘Zenscape’
•Sources of materials (Rocks/granite lanterns)
•APPENDIX: Plants to add a little touch of Japan
Camellia House Tranquility Garden
REBECCA CRAGG: Bio
– 7 years in Japan
– Multiple visits to the most
famous gardens of Japan
Rebecca Cragg: Bio
MAIN Qualification
Passionate, dedicated
Gardening Artist!
Additional:
• Self-studied horticulturalist
• Landscaping architecturalist (assist
and build, install my own
hardscaping)
• ZENscaping Designer (designed my
own garden/others)
• Landscaper (summer student jobs,
do all my own work)
Topics Today
What is Zenscaping
– Terms
- Examples
- Basic questions
6 ZENscaping Principles
Camellia House stepping stones in evening
What makes a garden ‘Japanese’?
What makes a garden ‘Zen’
Zen
Terminology: getting the terms correct
the ‘cachet’ of adding ‘Zen’ or ‘Japanese’ to anything
• “ZEN Garden”
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–
–
–
Zen-inspired
kare san sui 枯山水
Dry landscaping
Xeriscaping
• “Japanese Garden”
– Japanese-inspired
– ‘Japanesque’
What is a ‘Zen garden’?
A garden on a religious, ordained, site/property or temple
it can have a dry garden component (and others)
Principles of Kare-san-sui 枯山水:
Just what is a 'Zen Garden'?
• A 'Zen' Garden is in a Zen Buddhist Temple.
• INSTEAD USE: Zen-inspired stone and
sand gardens. These appear in secular
contexts around the world.
• Thus in the West, we are familiar with the
term 'Zen Garden' rather than 'Kare-san-Sui'
Garden.
ZENscaping:
Definition
What is ‘ZENscaping’?
• A style of landscaping
combining principles
of Japanese
traditional dry-stone
gardening in a secular
setting.
• related to xeriscaping
Zen Garden… ZENscaping
• In a ZEN Temple
• In a home, inspired by
Dry-stone gardens
• A Zen Sect of Buddhism
Temple
Daisen-In Rinzai Zen
Temple, Kyoto
Camellia House
Tranquility Garden
Zen
Gardens…
• Symbolism, vision
• History, continuity
Covetousness & Greed
In front of the Abbot’s Quarters:
His daily meditation, life struggle…
Zen-inspired
Gardens…
• Personalized,
aesthetic, expressive
Symbolism? Meaning?
Depth? Impact?
SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS
IN KARE-SAN-SUI GARDENS
SIMPLE SYMBOLISM:
• Will the garden stones be
mountains within an ocean?
• Or islands in the sea?
• What patterns will you rake?
SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS
IN KARE-SAN-SUI GARDENS
PROFOUND IMPACT:
• What philosophical,
spiritual expression or
idea will your garden
convey?
• Physical representation
of a life philosophy
Daisen-in, Kyoto
FOCUS on Kyoto’s Daitokuji: Daisen-In
Chanoyu pilgrimage, realization: the Incense Stone
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
A entire philosophy, life expression made manifest in stone
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
Mystical, Mount Horai… waterfall folly of youth…
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
The Dam, resistance… Turtle stone, against current
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
The Dam, resistance… Turtle stone, against current
Dam
Turtle
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
The Wall of Doubt… the Treasure Boat
Kyoto: Daitokuji: Daisen-In
In the Great Ocean, barriers to Enlightenment: covetousness & greed
ZENscaping Design Basics
What draws you to Japanese Gardens?
FOCUS questions
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•
Who will use the garden?
What is the main function of your garden?
When will you enjoy it (time of day/year)?
Where will you sit in the garden?
How much maintenance can you do?
How much is your budget?
ZENscaping:
Who will use the garden?
• Children = Prone to: stone-throwing, pond risks
• Animals = Digging… etc… • Mobility = Unstable stone paths, surfaces
What is the main function of your garden?
• Relaxation, seated viewing at a distance
• Puttering and walking through, around
• Sports, activities, dining, swings etc.
ZENscaping:
Who will use
the garden?
Adorable,
But..
Stonethrowing
children…
ZENscaping:
Ahem… if only, it
were just about
footprints…
ZENscaping:
Who will use
the garden?
Tea-drinking
artists…
Need place to
sit, work..
ZENscaping:
Who will use
the garden?
Tipsy, sweet
Garden-party
Guests…
Careful!!
ZENscaping:
When will you enjoy the garden?
• Time of day (sun path studies)
• Time of year?
• Phase of your life? (ponds, pools, walkways)
Where will you sit in the garden?
•
•
•
•
Morning light, evening dining?
Strategic seasonal and daylight pruning
Seating and furnishings
Evening lighting & safety
ZENscaping:
How much maintenance can you do?
• Weeding, pruning: dwarf, slow-growing plants
• Tool-weight and ladder heights
How much is your budget?
• Long-term vision; shorter term manageability
• Maintenance budget
• Initial pricing
Japanese Philosophical Design:
6 Concepts in gardening
Japanese Philosophical Design:
6 Concepts in gardening
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In & Yo (yin-yang, balance, harmony)
Shibumi (motion, quoting nature)
Shakkei (borrowed scenery or landscape)
Wabi Sabi (chill, withered, simple, rustic)
Yugen (something hidden, not revealed all at
once)
6. Wa (harmony; the effective application of all
of the above and more)
7.
Full development of these ideas in a 6-lecture
course starting early Winter 2015
In & Yo: Balancing the Elements
In & Yo (yin-yang)
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•
•
•
•
IN (Yin) - FEMININE
Moon, evening
Angular/sharp, lines
winter
Rocks, cold
Deciduous, flowers
YO (Yang) - MASCULINE
• Sun, day
• Round, circular
• summer
• Water
• Evergreens
Balance is essential
YO-YO
Round evergreens, all same size, shape
IN-YO
angular evergreens, all same size, shape
Balance coming: YO-IN-YO-IN
round evergreens and deciduous, all same size, shape, but IN stones
All YANG
only
evergreen…
ALL YIN
Only deciduous
Shibumi (motion, quoting nature)
• A quotation of nature where there is
otherwise nothing..
• Useful in tsuboniwa (pocket gardens)
In your garden: keep things simple
Shakkei (borrowed scenery or landscape)
• Making use of the existing view to add to the
garden design
• In your garden: make use of neighbour's
‘view’ (trees/environment) if possible
Shakkei (borrowed scenery or landscape)
Block out distractions so
you can concentrate on
the patterns of the stone
and reflect upon the
placement & symbolism
Tofukuji,
Kyoto
Camellia Teas Design: Ottawa South
Shakkei (borrowed hedge backdrop)
Wabi Sabi (chill, withered, rustic)
In your garden: make new look old..
Wabi Sabi
(chill, withered, rustic)
In your garden:
make new look old..
Leave things out all
winter, in the rain,
exposed to the
elements…
Wabi Sabi
(chill, withered,
rustic)
mix in
driftwood,
Reclaimed
wood
Weak examples
•Too many contrasting
elements,
•confusing levels of
formality
•lack of ‘wabi sabi’
(aging)
Yugen (something hidden, not revealed all at once)
• Ornaments should be veiled, enshrouded, in
greenery or branches or moss
Lanterns should not appear too stark,
but rather nestled into the foliage,
foliage
In your garden: not bald or standing on
their own.
Yugen
something hidden, not
revealed all at once
Wa (Harmony): Integration of all principles
Wa – Harmony, using ‘shakkei’
WA - Weak Examples
For ‘Japanese’ style gardens,
Plants traditionally found work best.
For non-zone hardy, there can be
substitutes.
Clustering stones rather than even or
symmetrical spacing can be very
beautiful
Overly stark, symmetrical
Gardens for Day and evening
Pruning
essential:
Slow-growing
plants
Remember
lighting ☺
ZENscaping Stone principles
Japan
• Asymmetry: the beauty of 70-30
• numerology (odd) for stones and
ornaments
Closet transformations:
Interior ZENscaping with stone
ZENscaping Resources for study
3 Essential books
In your garden: if you could read
these before designing or making
changes, that would be great!
Tea Gardens (Roji, or dewy ground)
• Making your own Roji area:
• Avoid flowering plants or variegation
• Avoid spiky or prickly evergreens
• Research the Tsukubai and its stones
For your garden:
Place the stepping stones (natural, not chipped) at or
slightly above ground level, 60% in the direction of
destination, 40% meandering
– Place them a natural gait or step.
– Needn't be overly large
Summary: Garden Design Basics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who will use the garden?
What will your garden communicate?
What is your budget?
When will you enjoy it (time of day/year)?
How much time can you devote to upkeep?
Summary: Japanese Zenscaping Design:
Remember: 6 Concepts in gardening
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In & Yo (yin-yang, balance, harmony)
Shibumi (motion, quoting nature)
Shakkei (borrowed scenery or landscape)
Wabi Sabi (chill, withered, simple, rustic)
Yugen (something hidden, not revealed all at
once)
6. Wa (harmony; the effective application of all
of the above and more)
Full development of these ideas in a 6-lecture
course starting early Winter 2015
Summary: Three pieces of Advice
for any Japanese-inspired garden
1. Consult the works of Past Masters: Study
and consciously analyse Zen gardens using
photos or visiting actual ones.
GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCHES
Study their similarities; calculate scale and
perspective. Notice the quality and type of
stone, along with placement.
Summary: Three pieces of Advice
for any Japanese-inspired garden
2. Nature: Your Guide
"Go to the pine if you want to learn about the pine, or to
the bamboo if you want to learn about the bamboo.
And in doing so, you must leave your subjective
preoccupation with yourself. Otherwise you impose yourself
on the object and do not learn."
famed poet, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694).
Summary: Advice for any Zenscaping
Follow your Heart
Once you have studied the rules and principles, break
through these, creating something magical!
Experiment with raking patterns, and encourage others to
share their thoughts with you.
Pass them the rake, and share the excitement of the joy and
relaxation we feel when we lose ourselves in the sand.
Allow the true Spirit of ZENscaping to permeate what you
do, from design to construction, to maintenance.
Allow the garden to nourish your soul and provide you and
others with the Experience of Tranquility.
2015
ZENSCAPING
GARDENING
6-lecture
COURSE
“Understanding and Applying the Japanese Gardening in
the Ottawa Area” Course description: Explore the art,
philosophy and principals of Japanese gardening for both
interior and exterior application in the National Capital
area.
Zen-inspired gardening in the home and garden is not
only possible, but can be remarkably low-maintenance
and affordable alternative.
This course will present six major principles of
Japanese garden design including in-depth information
on traditional tea gardens, dry-stone, stroll, ponds other
forms.
An introduction to Ikebana and Japanese design
principles for the indoors gives students first-hand
practical experience with flower arranging, as well as
numerous Japanese garden designs and plant lists that
are suitable for Ottawa's zone.
Dates: 2015 TUESDAY EVENINGS (7 -9 pm)
1. Tuesday, May 12 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
2. Tuesday, May 26 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
3. Tuesday, June 9 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
4. Tuesday, June 23 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
5. Tuesday, July 14 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
6. Tuesday July 28 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
Fee: $200, payable on the first class. To register, please email Rebecca directly
Q & A Time
Thank you so much for attending!
• If you join our Camellia Teas of Ottawa
mailing list (once a month; alternating
information on our courses and events, and
articles on Japanese culture and design) I will
happily send you a PDF of today’s
presentation!
• [email protected]
Appendix
About the Camellia Gardens
Resources and more!
A suburban backyard, swing-set, sandbox, & shed…
Camellia Garden Plants
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FERNS (2 varieties, quantity - 60)
Source: transplanted from Heney Lake, QC, Benoit Property, - Native to Canada
2007-2010
• Moss: Native Canadian type Source: Irmi Harwood (Almonte, Ontario) 2007
Source: Peter Knippels Nursery (1) Source: Home Depot (1)
Hostas
• Hosta 'Albo-marginata', Source: Neighbour Louise Cummings 2007
• Hosta 'Patriot‘ 2007
• Hosta (green) 2009 Hosta - ruffled with white, neighbour 2009
Grasses
• Miscanthus Graziella (thin, tall grass, arching)
• Miscanthus Strictus (porcupine grass) Artistic 2008
• Miscanthus Ribbon Grass (neighbour) 2008
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
• Midnight Rose (Home Depot, 2010)
Camellia Garden Shrubs
• Japanese Rose Glow Berberis (3) 2007
• Juniper Horizontalis (6) 2007 Source: Peter Knippels
Nursery (3) murasaki‘
• Japanese Willow Salix i. Hakuro Nishiki Willow (Dappled
willow) planted in 2007, Peter Knippel
• Muguot pines 2007, Peter Kn.Home D.,Canadian Tire.
• Daphne (Garden of friend)
• Chamaecyparis pisifera (Vintage Gold) false cypress (Artistic,
2008)
• Euonymus (Emerald Gaiety) Artistic 2008 and creeping variety
2010
Camellia Garden Trees
• Japanese Maples (Red & Green) (1 each) 2007 Acer
palmatum - 'Bloodgood' - an improved variety of
'Atropurpureum' as well as the Crimson Queen and a Green
Emerald Lace (2008) Source: :Loblaws Superstore, Artistic
Landscape Design
• Red Sumac The Ojibwe name: Makibug Latin: Rhus
• Source: Peter Knippels Nursery 2007
• Tiger Eye Rhus (Sumac) Artistic 2008
• Pinus Aristata (Swiss-stone pine) Artistic 2008
• Plum and Cherry trees (Czar) here when we moved in 2006)
Camellia Garden Flowers
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Iris (Siberian) Iris Sibirca Source: Neighbour Louise Cummings 2007
Iris (Blue Bearded) Source: Peter Knippels Nursery 2007
Fetthenne (Sedum spectabile) here when moved in
Bishop's Weed Aegopodium (snow-on-mountain
here when moved in 2006
Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) garden of Shirley Pare 2009
Wild Ginger Asarum Canadense garden of Shirley Pare 2009
Creeping Lamium and Sweet Woodroofe 2010
Lily of the Valley (2006 when we arrived)
Forget-me-nots 2011 from seeds from students in Japan
Camellia Garden: additional
• Stone Lanterns: Granite Excellence, Carp ON
http://www.storesonlinepro.com/store/3783260
• Entire roll of commercial grade landscape barrier, Knippel
• Stone Pea gravel, white marble chips: K & B Lawn Ornaments in
Ottawa, ON
• Hardscaping: Stone patio from Artistic Landscape Design, Ottawa, ON,
Benches made by Mauricio Ortiz from recycled wood from deck
renovation
• Plants: Peter Knippel, Artistic Landscape Design, Heney Lake Gardens,
donations from other gardeners and multiple plants from local garden
centres.
• Tsubaki-An Tea House: interior finishing (tatami, shoji) from Japan and
ceiling from Knippel in Ottawa, ON
• Water Features: Pond Clinic in Ottawa, On pump is an Aquascape 200,
10 x 21 ft pond liner and 30 feet of tubing.
Gardens (relatively close) to visit
• Ottawa: CMC, Japanese Embassy
– Private gardens
• Montreal: Botanical gardens, Japanese pavilion
• Guelph University Japanese Garden
Montreal
Resources
Top Three Book links:
• http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/960550.Secre
t_Teachings_in_the_Art_of_Japanese_Gardens
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087040962X%3f
tag=japaninterfac20%26link_code=xm2%26camp=2025%26devt=D3K2MC6S685TRT
• http://www.amazon.ca/Japanese-Garden-DesignMarc-Keane/dp/0804820716#_
Top three North American, Japanese
Garden Authors
• Marc Keane http://www.mpkeane.com/gardens.html
• David Slawson (Secrets of Japanese Gardens)
– http://www.slawsoncreations.com/
• Asher Browne
• http://asherbrowne.com/
– http://www.rothteien.com/ for the Japanese Garden
Journal
Top Three Ottawa Companies
1. Artistic Landscape Design
http://artisticlandscape.on.ca/
2. Knipple www.knippelnursery.com/
3. Budd Perennials www.buddgardens.com/
Artistic Landscape Design
http://artisticlandscape.on.ca/
• CONSULTATION FEE: $300.00 (1hr 30min.)
• CONSULTATION; conceptual design/quote: $200 (45min.)
•
CONSULTATION & on site pencil sketches for front yards or small back
yards: Available upon request starting at $800.00
•
IN HOUSE LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT: $100.00/hr. Bring your photos
and a scaled drawing of your property / house. By appointment only.
•
FREE IN HOUSE CONSULTATION: Bring your photos, drawings, and
questions to our design office for a 15 minute session.
• ¸
Free estimates are given at this time for people who bring in their
scaled plans or measurements.
measurements
• Saturdays & Sundays 10:00am to 4:00pm, April to October,
– first come, first served.
Additional Companies
For STONE lanterns:
Granite Excellence, located in 1139 Carp Road,
Stittsville
http://www.storesonlinepro.com/store/3783260
For CONCRETE lanterns:
http://www.kblawnornaments.com/index.php
also pea gravel, and other stones
For Thatch or bamboo: http://www.tikihutparadise.com/
For design:
Camellia Teas of Ottawa
www.camelliateas.net
Rebecca Cragg: [email protected]
K & B Concrete Lawn Ornaments Inc
http://kbbackyarddepot.com/en/
• 1770 Manotick Stn Rd. Greely, Ontario K4P
1K4
Telephone:613.821.7953
Fax:613.821.9948
Hours of operation:
• open 7 days a week, including holidays.
• January - April: 8am - 5pm
May - July: 8am - 7pm (Weekdays) & 8am - 5pm
(Weekends)
August - December: 8am - 5pm
ALL HOLIDAYS: 8am - 5pm
More books
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• Bring, Mitchell and Josse Wayembergh. Japanese Gardens: Design and Meaning.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 1981.
• Houser, Preston L. Invitation to Tea Gardens: Kyoto’s Culture Enclosed. Kyoto:
Mitsumura Suiko Shoin, 1992.
• Itoh, Teiji. Space and Illusion in the Japanese Garden. Trans. Ralph Friedrich and
Masajiro Shimamura. New York: Weatherhill, 1983.
• Kuck, Loraine. The World of the Japanese Garden: From Chinese Origins to Modern
Landscape Art. 1968. New York & Tokyo: Weatherhill, 1984.
• Nitschke, Gunter. The Architecture of the Japanese Garden: Right Angle and Natural
Form. Koln: Benedikt Taschen, 1991.
• Sakuteiki: The Book of Gardening. Trans. Shigemaru Shimoyama. Tokyo: Town and
Panners, 1976.
• Slawson, David A. Secret Teachings in the Art of Japanese Gardens. 1987. Tokyo:
Kodansha, 1991.
• Wright, Tom. Zen Gardens: Kyoto’s Nature Enclosed. Kyoto: Mitsumura Suiko
Shoin, 1990.
Source: kyotogardens.org/further-reading/, see also:
http://learn.bowdoin.edu/japanesegardens/bibliography.html
Zenscaping
Understanding stone placement
Create Great Stone/ZENscaping
designs by Viewing Masters
• …by analysing, sitting with, re-visiting, reflecting
upon the Masters Gardens created in the past.
For your garden: without visiting Japan itself,
pour over books and images online to saturate
your mind with understanding. Look for points of
similarity..
Stones: Arranged as found in nature
Right pairings or groupings of stones.
Stones must be 'alive'.
Must resonate.
If a stone has been
scratched or chipped, it is
generally considered
unusable
Ryoan-ji (Kyoto) 15th C
15 stones in 5 groupings: trust in the existence of the 15th
stone…
Learning from nature
• Ancient Japanese
Apprentices would
sometimes travel in
nature for up to 3
years, sketching,
taking notes etc.
Don’t over do it: to hide the
pond liner, pond periphery is
nearly 100% stone..
Wakayama, Japan
Dry riverbed gardening with Ao-oishi
Stones, ZENscaping and Water Features
In nature, there is more space between stones
and earth and water rounds the stones over time
– as well as PLANTS between the stones..
LOGISTICAL ELEMENTS
IN KARE-SAN-SUI GARDENS
1. Enclosure: Essential
•
Fencing norm, but clipped shrubs also
possible
Best price on fencing for your garden in Canada:
http://www.bambooworld.com/
2. Sand-Stone: Monochrome, fine
grain is needed
•
•
Outdoors: stone***
Indoors: sand ok
3. Stones: Arranged as they are found
in nature
stone*** outdoors is essential to avoid wind or compacting
Photos: mini gardens designed by Rebecca for Folk Festival 2009
Kare-san-sui:
Principles of ZENscaping
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Designating and area
What do you want the garden to communicate
to the viewer?
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•
Determine the scale and size
For your garden: not so much 4 x 6, but
rather 3 x 5..
– Budget will have a role to play here..
•
Decide on a border for the garden (stone,
granite, wood, moss or other greenery).
MOST IMPORTANT: Buy the BEST
LANDSCAPE fabric available and buy
enough stones to cover at least 3 inches
deep.
Enclosure: Essential
• Greenery, such as hedges, can
substitute quite well.
• SHAPE: rectangular (not square)
• PROPORTION:
Depth roughly a third of the length
Dartington UK
Portland
Stone Sources
• STONE MUST BE ROUGH (not smooth)
• Size critical, too big, no patterns..
– Locally available marble chips not really suitable for
raking patterns
COLOUR CAN VARY
• Sometimes white, or pale grey, dry gardens have fine
stones that are possible to rake. Patterns hold their
shape quite well if raked in dry whether when soft,
rounded peaks are formed between the tines of the
raking utensil.
OTTAWA: CMC has beige. Embassy has grey
(formerly white).
For your garden: STONES SOURCING
OTTAWA: Madoc, Ontario
http://www.uppercanadastone.com/
(Search under Terrazzo Aggregates)
Camellia Tranquility Garden has 4,750 pounds of
stone, roughly (excluding shipping, labour in getting it
off truck!), $2000 several years ago in size 0.
Stone patterns
• When the stone is wet, a sharper ridge is possible,
and the patterns will keep their shape more
effectively.
• Although many gardens are referred to as having
'sand', sand itself is seldom used as it compacts too
easily and is fine and prone to wind scattering.
• Instead, a fine stone or marble, typically less than 0.5
cm granules or smaller, makes it easy to rake and
hold a pattern.
Stone
•The material used is
generally
monochrome;
monochrome in
other words, all grey,
all white etc.
Zen Garden at Dai-Bosatsu Zenji
in Catskills, NY
Stone
For your garden: cannot wait (or spend
$2,000), try stone dust or pea gravel!
IN CANADA/OTTAWA:
• Stone dust (grey, used as fill between
pavers) is possible for use, and some
gardens are truly lovely with the but does
require a lot of work to loosen it after it
compacts in rainy weather.
• Be sure always to rake in dry weather for
soft peaks that are rounded
• If you rake after a rain or dew, the effect will
be harder edges.
Stones
• Moving these monumental stones must be done
carefully to avoid damage.
• Traditionally this was done (and is so in Japan even
today), with levers, pulleys, straw wrappings to
protect the stone, and human strength.
• A stone would never be inverted,
inverted or placed in a
garden with the 'end' that had been in the ground: it is
essential to place the stone in the manner in which it
was aged in nature.
• Stones are never chiselled or quarried, they are
taken whole from their locations.
Stones: symbolic shapes
• mountains, turtles, islands,
treasure boats, cranes and more.
• grouped according to Japanese
numerology, with a preference
for odd numbers.
• One would not usually find a Zen
garden with 4 stones in it, for
example: the sound for "4" in
Japanese (Shi) is too similar to the
word for "death" (Shinderu).
Daitokuji Kyoto
Famous Stones
One of the 5 Ryoanji groupings
Part of the exercise for meditation in Ryoanji is to imagine the 15th, invisible, stone.
Stones form the ‘bones’ or
‘hardscaping’ of a garden
Stones form the basic architecture of the
Japanese Zen Garden, and in winter, after
snow has obscured any greenery, and leaves
have fallen, the design of the garden becomes
most evident.
• For your garden: in Ottawa large 2-man boulders
can be purchased at Artistic, and K & B, ranging
from $200 and up each.
Summary for Dry (Zen) landscaping
• NATURAL: Stones in Zen gardens are natural, unchipped or marked
• ASSYMETRY: arranged in odd-numbered groupings,
or groups
• ODD NUMBERS: total number must not add up to
an even figure.
• SYMBOLISM: what do you want this stone to ‘say’?
• HARMONY:
– in colour or tone,
– in shape (do not mix smooth with angular or sharp rocks)
For your garden: feel free to move the stones from season to season –
seeing how you prefer them. Eventually the best, most harmonious plan
will develop.