How to Create a Tabletop Zen Garden

create a mini Tabletop Zen Garden 

Today, I am sharing how you can create an enthralling table-top zen garden to increase the peaceful energy of your space. Can I get an "O-mmm?" Personally, I am aiming for a mindful year ahead with lots of inspiration, workshops and our upcoming trip to Japan. This year, I will be sharing DIY projects here every Wednesday. I have done this project in the past and it became popular amongst students and adults, so I thought this was the perfect time to share it. I recommend it  for professional development workshops and corporate events. 
​
First off, I'd like to share a bit of history about original Zen gardens that were created outside of temples in Kyoto during the Muromachi period. Kyoto is on our list of places to visit and we will be spending 3 days there this Spring. Zen gardens are meant to capture the essence of nature while aiding in meditation practice. Traditionally, they are dry gardens consisting mostly of rocks, gravel and sand, although some feature small plants, moss and a water feature.

Are you ready to see pics of an actual UNESCO world heritage zen garden, along with what supplies you will need to create your own miniature version? ​

Keep reading

Below is the garden at Ryōan-ji, a temple and garden in Kyoto which is an UNESCO world Heritage site. ​

Masayoshi Yanese via Unsplash

Supplies to create your mini Zen Garden

• miniature rakes
• white sand
• pottery, container or long modern tray
• tea lights
• Tillandsia (3 pack)
• smooth river rocks
  
• crystal collection 

One interesting fact is that zen gardens are meant to be viewed from the outside looking in,  such as while meditating on a porch or perched from above.

I feel that arranging a zen garden is deeply meditative and relaxing, and you really can't go wrong. I will provide only the very basics steps for you to follow along with a few notes on the process.  Simply pour in white sand filling the container. Next, arrange the stones to your liking. Strive to create a minimal and balanced feeling as you go. You can add in a wood, plant or fire element. I imagined my tiny piece of driftwood was a bench with the garden. I added in the tillandsia because they are low maintenance and I like to keep plants in each room. I used some crystals from my collection to charge up my garden. I move the rocks around daily and rake the garden as a form of meditation, so your garden can change and will never look exactly the same. I lit the candle to set an intention and create a ritual that day. 

I love how the garden looks sitting on my shelf in my studio and combines my affinity for Japan, meditation, and minimal decor. 

I had so much fun creating this miniature zen garden and I hope you will too, let me know what you think in the comments!  

​In light of our upcoming travels to Japan, I have created A Day in Japan. If you are interested in joining that board and pinning along with me simply comment on one of my images in the collection with ADD ME!

If you enjoyed this post on Zen Gardens then you may also enjoy these posts inspired by traditional arts of Japan. 

• Shibori Textile Basics
• Suminagashi Marbling

• Furoshiki gift wrap