Easy pocket-friendly tips to build zen garden in your living space for the aesthetic charm

Geeta Arya, Principal Architect and Founder of Geeta Vaibhav Architects, shared some tips with HT Lifestyle –

1. Adding Sand for tranquility: You may inexpensively design raked sand patterns that evoke the peace of gently lapping water or ocean waves.

2. Making Use of Stones/ Pebbles: Select small to medium-sized stones, which are inexpensive to obtain from your yard or other natural regions. In order to create a striking contrast with the sand, traditional Zen gardens frequently use gray or white stones, which improve the overall design without breaking the bank.

3. Make Your Own Stone Pathways: Rather than shelling out a lot of money for huge stones, think about making your own using smaller, less expensive materials. This do-it-yourself method not only makes your Zen Garden more unique, but it also saves money.

4. Reusing Containers for Greenery: The secret to creating a Zen garden design that is affordable is to reuse things you already own. Instead of spending a lot of money on stone planters, consider inventive substitutes like recycled containers.

5. Creating Visual Interest by Experimenting with Heights: Try varying heights using plants, bamboo, or repurposed objects.

6. Minimalist Plant Decor: You can have a lovely Zen garden without having to pay more for regular upkeep by selecting low-maintenance plants.

Simran Kohli, Co-Founder at Dusaan, stated, asreported by HT Lifestyle,  “Embracing the essence of serenity and minimalism, a Zen Garden offers a serene oasis, harmonising sand, stones and nature in a dance of simplicity and elegance. Despite common perceptions, the creation of such a peaceful retreat does not necessitate lavish expenditure. With thoughtful selection and creative repurposing, the Zen philosophy of balance and harmony extends beyond the spiritual into the practical realms of budget-friendly garden design.”

She recommended, “Incorporating sand, a symbol of stillness and calm, need not strain your finances. Go for budget-conscious alternatives like play sand or fine gravel, which, when raked into undulating patterns, echo the serene ripples of a tranquil sea. Stones, representing stability and permanence, can be sourced from nature or repurposed from your surroundings, arranged with intention to foster a sense of natural asymmetry and balance. Paths woven through the garden need not be forged from costly materials; instead, DIY stepping stones or repurposed pavers create a journey of exploration and contemplation. Containers, essential for introducing greenery, can be fashioned from upcycled materials, each telling a story, each adding depth to the minimalist landscape.”

She wrapped up, “Elevation changes, achieved through carefully selected plant heights, invite the eye to roam, finding peace in the vertical dance of bamboo or the humble posture of ground-cover plants. Water, the lifeblood of peace, flows through budget-friendly features, from container ponds to recirculating fountains, each drop a whisper of serenity. In the heart of a Zen Garden, financial constraints fade away, replaced by the richness of simplicity, the abundance of peace and the timeless beauty of nature in balance.”