What Is A Meditation Garden And How To Create One?

Are you looking for that one space in your home for the rest and relaxation you need? A meditation garden may just be what you need. Meditation is not only about connecting with yourself, but it is also about connecting and becoming aware of your environment as well.

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Our everyday life, in general, can be chaotic with a to-do list a mile long, our schedule over packed, managing multiple priorities, our jobs and families, and many more.

It is so important, now more than ever, to carve out space and time for peace.

What Is A Meditation Garden?

A meditation garden is an outdoor space you create to provide a private place where you can go to find balance and let go of the stress and worries by practicing mindfulness in nature.

Research shows that being outside in nature can be so good for your mental health. Two ways it does this is by lifting your spirits and lowering your anxiety.

The pace of nature is a completely different pace from what we create for ourselves daily. It helps slows us down and allows us to pay attention to different things and let go of others.

While your meditation garden may just be steps outside your home, it may just be enough to take you away momentarily to let you have some time for yourself and be fully present.

A private sanctuary that invites you to be still, reflect, and dream, and be quiet.

What Are The Benefits Of A Meditation Garden?

Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. There are many benefits to having a meditation garden.

This includes an energy boost, improved focus and productivity, and lower levels of stress and anxiety later in the day, overall sense of well-being, and eating cleaner and healthier. 

What Are The Elements Of A Meditation Garden?

Being outside in nature is a multi-sensory experience and a meditation garden should have several elements that accomplish this goal.

This could include things such as vibrant colors, soothing sounds, comfortable places to sit or lie down, and pleasant aromas making it the serene space you desire. 

The best part is that you can choose the elements that you want for your space based on your personal preferences and goals for the garden.

Here are some elements to consider when creating your meditation garden.

Greenery

You would want to create a space with a sense of closure. Greenery can be used in a number of ways to create a secluded area that is separate from the rest of your backyard.

They can serve as a fence, sound or vision barrier, or create an artistic visual interest. Creating a sense of privacy would ensure fewer interruptions while you are out there practicing mindfulness.

Be sure to choose shrubs and trees that are easy to grow and don’t require much garden maintenance.

Remember, you want a space to relax and if you are having to stress about maintaining your garden, that defeats the purpose of it altogether.

Make a pathway

You should have a defined entrance to your meditation garden. Make a pathway of stone, gravel, bricks, or pavers leading up to your space.

You would want a signal suggesting you are entering your special place. This could be a gate, a fence, a sculpture, or even a sign with a poem or inspirational quote on it.

Focal point

Having a focal point is important. It could be a borrowed view that goes beyond your garden being framed by the surrounding trees or a statue you bought that meant a lot to you.

No matter what your focal point is, it is something that will help you focus on while you are there.

Water

Water has such a powerful effect on your mind and body. Research has shown that being near, in, on, or underwater can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body.

This includes lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate.

Some ideas for incorporating water into your meditation garden include water bowls, birdbaths, a fountain, a garden waterfall, or other trickling water features.

Add plants

Consider adding plants with minimal color for simplicity. This creates visual interest with texture and shape.

Native plants are low maintenance and will attract native birds and bees.

Aromatic plants offer fragrant to help set the relaxation mood in the garden

Shade

It is important to design your garden with some shade so you stay cool and out of the sun. You can incorporate shade into your garden by adding a canopy, umbrella, pergola, or greenery.

Seating

Consider how you plan on spending your time in the garden. If you intend to read a book, then a comfortable meditation bench or meditation chair is a good choice.

If you plan to lie down to meditate or take a nap, then consider a hammock or waterproof outdoor sofa.

If you plan to stretch or practice yoga, then leave a clear, flat space big enough for a yoga mat.

If you plan to have others retreat here with you, consider making enough room for them as well.

How To Create Your Meditation Garden?

When deciding on creating your meditation garden, it may be overwhelming to start. There are just so many possibilities.

There are a few key things to consider.

First, you want to think about the time of day you would most likely use the area and how the movement of the sun may affect the area.

With any projects, consider your budget and what you want for your space. Look at ideas and inspirations to get your juices flowing.

Some places to look for inspiration include visiting meditation gardens in your area, gardens at your local museums and hotels, botanical gardens, and even take notice of the gardens in your own neighborhood.

Different Styles Of Gardens

Research the different styles of gardens from around the world, such as Japanese Zen, Chinese, Southwestern United States, Traditional English, and Middle Eastern for more inspirations. You may like certain elements from different styles. In creating your meditation garden, you don’t need to follow one particular style or theme.

Chinese Garden

A Chinese garden may include elements such as artificial mountains, rock gardens, water and flowers and trees.

It may incorporate a fish pond, overhanging trees, little bridges, tiny pagodas, natural stone sculptures create an idealized miniature landscape, which is meant to express the harmony that should exist between man and nature

Japanese Garden

A Japanese garden used to follow the Chinese garden initially. However as time went by, their garden became more distinct.

A Japanese garden may include elements such as water, rock and sand, garden bridges, stone lanterns and water basin, garden fences, gates and divides, trees and flowers and fish. Have you seen a koi pond? So cool.

It may incorporate sand or fine gravel patterns, Zen elements, cherry blossom, the Japanese maple tree, and geometric simplicity.

Southwestern United States Garden

 A Southwestern Garden is great for areas low in water. Primarily located in the Southwestern areas in the United State, it may incorporate simplicity, cacti, water-hardy plants, and a shady tree.

Traditional English Garden

A Traditional English Garden consists of elements of symmetry and path, perennials and annuals, and entryways and edibles. Imagine a walled garden in a university town like Oxford, Cambridge, or Durham as an example.

Other gardens worth taking a look at may include a Middle Eastern or African inspiration.

What Do You Do In A Meditation Garden?

You can do anything you want to do in your meditation garden. Anything that would allow you to practice mindfulness meditation. You can utilize the meditation garden anytime.

Many love to practice morning meditation as we know our busy day may get the best of us and may not have time to practice mindfulness.

While others have a goal to get to their meditation garden after a long hectic day to get their zen moments in.

Regardless of how you want to utilize your meditation garden, your garden is there waiting for you.

My Final Thoughts

Your meditation garden does not have to be huge or filled with expensive statuary. Some of the most peaceful gardens are created with tiny pockets of space.

As long as you furnished with things that induce peace and serenity, you’ll find yourself happier, peaceful, and more centered than ever in your outdoor haven.

Try taking meditation outside to find your peace, and soak in nature. Meditation can still be a beautifully private experience even with all the nature around you.

Related articles on wellness:

• Morning Meditation: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
• 5 Activities That Will Stimulate Your Mental Health
• 10 Powerful Ways To Stay Positive In Uncertain Times

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