Zen garden posts are gaining steam on social media, and for good reason. Not only are they attractive, but they also provide a number of benefits to homeowners.

What is a Zen Garden?

Zen gardens — also known as Japanese rock gardens — were created by Zen Buddhist monks in the sixth century. The monks would use the gardens as an area for meditation. Later, they became a space to educate people about Zen principles and concepts.

Not to be confused with traditional gardens, zen gardens are an ideal choice for homeowners who appreciate a carefully curated outdoor space. They focus on three principles: naturalness, simplicity, and austerity.

Because of their emphasis on meditation, zen gardens largely use rocks to create balance and harmony. This promotes peace and tranquility of the mind, which can lead to improved mental health. Zen gardens are also beneficial because they require minimal upkeep, so people can reap the benefits of mindfulness practice without having to invest a significant amount of time in it.

Zen Garden Ideas on a Budget

Owning a zen garden provides a number of benefits, from improving mental health to alleviating boredom. Still, growing and maintaining a garden can be expensive. The costs of the initial setup, soil prep, and ongoing maintenance can quickly add up, making creating a zen garden a pricey endeavor.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can create a zen garden for less. And not only is it easy to do, but it also provides an attractive, relaxing outdoor area for your and your guests to enjoy. To learn more, here are five tips on how to create a zen garden on a budget:

Start Small

Instead of starting with a big garden project, consider beginning with a small area or container garden. Creating a smaller zen garden can still provide a sense of calm and relaxation. Plus, starting small means your garden is less expensive to establish and take care of.

Do It Yourself

Instead of buying expensive Zen garden ornaments or sculptures, why not try making your own? You can use different materials such as bamboo, driftwood, or even recycled items to create unique and authentic elements. This will not only help save you money, but it also allows you to tap into your creative side, putting it on full display.

Exhaust Your Resources

To save money, you can use the natural materials found in your front or backyard to create a zen garden. For example, rocks, pebbles, or stones from your own yard or nearby areas can be used as the key element. You can arrange them in a way that creates attractive patterns and a feeling of harmony.

And if you have lush vegetation on your property, you can add them to your garden as well. Succulents, grasses, and shrubs are all ideal types of plants for a zen garden. Not only do they add visual depth and texture, but they also provide the calming scent of nature that soothes the soul.

Remember Less is More

When creating a zen garden on a budget, it is important to select less expensive plants and other materials that require little to no maintenance. Choose native plants or species that are easily accessible and suitable for the climate in your area.

You can also try easy plants such as moss or succulents that can provide the attractive space you need without the fuss of ongoing maintenance. And smaller rocks and stones can be used in place of larger, more expensive ones to create a sense of texture and depth.

Be Mindful of What Matters

A helpful way to save money on your zen garden is by fully appreciating the mindset it promotes. That means creating a peaceful area for reflection and mindfulness. So instead of spending an exorbitant amount of money on costly features, remember the focus should be on cultivating a tranquil environment that encourages meditation and peace of mind.