In this article, we will illustrate which are the best and most popular plants of the Zen garden tradition. We will also provide a guide to the choice of plants and their position within the space.
Many forms of art derive from the Eastern tradition, in particular the Japanese one, including the so-called Zen garden.
Why consider it a form of art? This is a good question, in fact, when you think of the term garden, flowering plants, trees, and shrubs come to mind, then plants. In reality, a garden of this type includes several aspects, and very often it is possible to see gardens made with very few plants or even without any plant form.
In this article, I want to show you which are the plants of a Zen garden, or rather the most widespread and close to tradition. I will provide you with a guide to choose the species most suitable for the temperate climate typical of our areas.
As you will see, the plants that you can choose from are many and of different types, herbaceous, flowering, arboreal, and shrubby plants.
This form of art developed in Japan starting from the thirteenth century. Thanks to its uniqueness, it is nowadays one of the most well-known and copied landscape styles in the world. Many architects have tried their hand at creating these gardens.
In Western culture, the garden is a space open to the material needs of man. It is used as a decorative element and sometimes integrated with cultivated areas, to satisfy the desire and the need for a place to relieve the burden of everyday life.
Where the simple elements of which it is find balance and feed emotions, reflection, inner peace, and serenity of mind.
These gardens help meditation thanks to the conceptual expression of each element belonging to the landscape composition.
Sand, stones, plant species, and water points are the real protagonists, which must represent simplicity, as a fundamental value of Buddhism. A garden that is a work of art in constant change, as well as the succession of the seasons.
It embodies the movement of nature and time, which is why it needs to be continuously cared for and renewed.
In the contact and maintenance of these spaces, each of us finds a moment of lucid meditation. Meditation is stimulated thanks to the shapes of the garden, which are studied in detail to recreate landscapes and natural areas existing in other places, reducing their size to such a level that they can be integrated into the garden.
These landscape concepts are miniaturized by creating a unique and typical form of Japanese culture whose main example is the art of bonsai.
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The importance of plants in a Zen garden
The plants inside the Zen garden were initially considered as simple ornamental objects, over time the same plants have assumed more active functions and are considered a fundamental part of the garden.
The choice of plants in a Zen garden is very important, as thanks to plants of a certain type, meditation in the garden can be favored, and also plants of this type can promote the relaxation of muscles and mental sensations, and physical.
When the concept of the Zen garden was conceived, the plants were not present as it was thought to obtain the same effects with inert elements, mainly sand and rocks.
At a later time and gradually, flowers, shrubs for hedges, and trees were added.
Plants have the ability to represent and recreate natural environments in miniature within the garden, inspired by existing landscapes.
So it is very important to choose the right plants when designing a Zen garden, as they can completely change the functionality of the meditative garden, and of meditation within the garden itself.
By choosing some plants rather than others, you can get a Zen garden effect that suits your needs and requirements.
Plants in the Zen Garden
Before starting the description of the plants, let’s try to understand what role vegetables play in a garden of this type so as to refine the choice according to one’s objectives.
Initially considered a simple object of ornament, plants were treated as decorative elements, but nowadays they perform a more active function and are considered a very important part of the garden. In truth, at the birth of the Zen garden, plants were not used as it was thought that inanimate elements such as rocks and sand were enough to recreate the lens. Only later and very slowly over time were simple plant forms introduced and then larger plants like shrubs and imposing like trees.
Plants can perform a function of representation, so it is possible to use them to recall and recreate in a reworked way small rooms in the garden that are inspired by landscapes or natural areas. They can also serve as a transition point between one environment and another in order to symbolize a sort of gateway to other areas.
The function of the Zen garden as a whole is precise to provide the observer with a reworked vision of reality where elements such as stones or gravel can recreate hills, seas, and rivers.
Plants also play an important role depending on their growth phase, for this species with prolonged blooms or evergreen specimens that possess only leaves as an ornamental aspect can have different uses and be absent or present depending on what you want to recreate. Furthermore, even the symbolism and the placement of the same in different positions of the garden can influence the final result not only on an aesthetic level. For example, thorny plants or plants with pointed and regular branches should not be placed near the house. The same goes for the deciduous species, in fact, they may not always be suitable, the fallen leaves according to tradition attract negative energies, they are in some cases (but not always) eliminated from the garden.
Therefore the phenological phases of the plant such as flowering or leaf fall can have very important roles on the result and symbolism.
The choice of the number of plants is however limited, we always try to make a minimalist and not very chaotic whole, preferring above all the harmony of the whole with the rest of the components.
Ideally, it is believed that the shape and appearance assumed by a plant can somehow symbolize the human being, for this reason over time the plants have divided into two parts: plants with expanded, irregular foliage and with not very graceful branches symbolize the masculine character , on the contrary, small plants with regular, low and contained foliage or flowering plants, symbolize the feminine character.
Choosing a plant is not simple but not too difficult, obviously, it makes little sense to insert species and specimens too far from the Japanese culture and from what are the standards for this type of garden.
How to choose Zen plants for your meditation garden
Plants play an important role. Depending on their stages of growth. From their birth to their death, recreating a cycle inside the garden represents the flow of life and the rebirth of the soul.
For example, prolonged blooms or species of perennial garden plants, which only have leaves, can be used in different shapes according to the natural area that you want to recreate.
The placement of these components influences not only the aesthetic aspect but also the metaphorical one, based on the layout within the garden.
The assortment of plant species is defined, typically Asian plant essences, mainly widespread in Japan, are used within a traditional Zen garden.
Obviously not all these plants can grow worthily in all climatic zones, consequently similar plants will be used that resist the most diverse climates.
The guidelines for the construction required to always make a minimalist and not very chaotic whole, preferring above all the harmony between the various components of the garden.
The choice of plants
The arrangement of trees in a Zen garden is generally done following a triangular or pyramid scheme. Different specimens can also be placed next to each other as long as their arrangement in nature is respected; to give a simple example, trees of different species can be grown nearby and which in nature grow at close altitudes but not trees that in nature develop in different habitats.
So let’s see which are the most widespread and used plants in the creation of a Zen Garden, grouping them according to their use.
Plants at the entrance to the garden
According to the symbolism, male plants are to be placed at the entrance to a Zen garden, for this purpose Pinus pentaphylla and Taxus are used.
Traditionally we try to obtain a sort of arch or in any case, we try to raise at least two branches in order to form a bridge under which the visitor and anyone who intends to enter the garden must necessarily pass. This action is considered a good omen and will bring luck to all who cross to visit the garden, and is also seen as a form of submission.
Following Japanese traditions, the branches of garden trees can be used in such a way as to create an entrance arch to the garden.
This provision is specific, in such a way as to be obliged to pass under or in the middle of the entrance plants. An act that positively influences the fate of visitors. It also contains a meaning of humility and devotion.
The plants that belong to this category are defined as having a male character. Consequently, they are positioned individually and shaped into a column or pyramid.
Plants to be placed in isolation
The plants considered “masculine” is used to be placed in a solitary way and as unique specimens at the edge of the avenues. They can also be placed near groups or single stones.
The most used species are generally plants belonging to the Taxus genus or the Pinus genus.
Deciduous plants
Very common in the East is Ginkgo biloba, the only example of its genus, it is a plant at risk of extinction and represents a very ancient species, with very ornamental lobed leaves. Even the common weeping willow can be used because of its very ornamental foliage and the effect it creates when the light wind blows.
Among the other deciduous plants to be placed in a Zen garden, the Acer genus dominates, in particular the Acer palmatum also used for making bonsai. The timing of the fall of the leaves of this tree is very important, and its location should be as close to the home as possible.
Common is also the species of Oak, the single specimens are usually found isolated and arranged in the background of the garden.
Persistent leafy plants
The most numerous species with persistent leaves and suitable to be placed in a Zen garden are the genus pines (Pinus). A very large genus of plants that includes various specimens suitable for being placed at the edge of the garden as a natural barrier from the outside.
Also, many specimens of Juniper (Juniperus) are suitable for this purpose, they have dense green or dark green foliage, depending on the species they can vary in height. They are used as single specimens placed mostly as a barrier or individually in a distant position from the center.
Then there are plants with a more contained habit such as Fatsia japonica, ideal for its richly variegated palmate-shaped foliage, in the autumn period it can also produce very ornamental inflorescences and berries.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a plant born in China, which deserves more attention and care, as well as a deepening of its recognized healing properties.
Also for its enormous significance as a symbol of longevity and rebirth, widespread throughout the Buddhist culture and tradition.
Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
The weeping willow is a rather resistant tree, it is not prone to diseases and does not require special care.
It happens very often to see specimens of Weeping Willow along streams or rivers. This is its natural habitat because it strongly fears drought. It can also live well in other areas, but watering must be frequent and abundant, especially in the presence of young specimens. The soil must always be moist to allow the leaves to grow healthy and strong. For this reason, irrigation must be doubled during the summer season. In fact, in periods of drought, the first to suffer is the foliar apparatus. The Weeping Willow is one of the few plants that live well in the presence of stagnant water. By virtue of this, it is possible to proceed with a new watering even in the presence of stagnant water.
The Weeping Willow reproduces by woody cutting during April. After carefully cutting, the small cutting will be placed in sandy soil until the new roots are emitted. The Weeping Willow lives well in light and poorly drained soils, so much so that it is planted in places where the soil is almost muddy. It does not fear harsh temperatures and is a generally robust plant with medium longevity that survives even in very large pots. For purely aesthetic purposes, pruning should be done at the beginning of winter to obtain rich and luxuriant foliage in summer. Otherwise, only the branches that prey to parasites or are damaged by atmospheric conditions, such as wind and cold, are pruned.
Acer Rubrum (Acer palmatum)
The Japanese Acer Rubrum is a tree that can reach different sizes. Appreciated by landscape architects for its rustic characteristics.
Very resistant to cold climates, it also does not need particular climatic conditions. Likes to grow in humus-rich and draining soils.
The leaves have the characteristic red color. In Japan it has been cultivated and appreciated for centuries for its bearing and the beauty of its bright red foliage, it is also in reduced size (bonsai).
It is positioned exclusively next to the houses of the houses to recall the sense of man’s transience.
Not everyone knows that the red maple is one of the first trees to bloom in spring after the long winter hibernation. But it is in the fall that this plant is at its best when the foliage lights up in warm and intense shades of red, yellow, and orange. Here’s how to grow it in the garden and also in pots.
Widespread in the parks and gardens of every corner of the globe, the red maple is an elegant and graceful deciduous tree belonging to the Aceraceae family. Plants of the Acer genus stand out for their elegant appearance and rich decorative foliage of an intense red or grape color.
Comprising about 200 different species, red maples can appear as small shrubs of about one meter in height or as tall trees that are decidedly imposing. Some specimens, in fact, can exceed 40 meters.
On the other hand, there are some varieties of Japanese red maple with extremely small dimensions, cultivable as bonsai, and of great ornamental impact.
The main characteristics of this plant, native to the northern areas of Europe and America and eastern Asia, are the simple or compound palmate foliage, lanceolate or oblong, depending on the species. The flowers, on the other hand, are gathered in yellow or green clusters and unlike the leaves they are not particularly showy.
Like the vast majority of broad-leaved trees, red maple also prefers temperate climates and well-drained soils.
The oriental varieties need more humid soils and half-shade exposures, while the others can live very well even in full sun and in drier soils.
Varieties and types of red maple
The Aceraceae family includes more than 200 species of the Acer genus, which are difficult to list. In general, however, the largest are the North American and Canadian species that reach (and sometimes exceed) 30-40 meters in height.
The varieties of more modest size, on the other hand, are the Asian ones which generally do not exceed 3-5 meters. Always in general, we can say that the most widespread species of red maple in the world are the following:
- Acer Negundo
- Acer Palmatum
- Acer Japonicum
- Acer Platanoides
- Acer Pseudoplatanus (or Maple, the most majestic)
- Acer Saccharinum
Persistent leafy plants
A very large genus of plants, which includes various specimens, suitable for being placed at the edge of the garden as a natural barrier from the outside or individually in a remote position from the center. All this knowledge is useful in knowing how to make a garden. Many of these plants are used within the art of bonsai.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Juniper is an evergreen shrub, 1 to 10 meters tall, with needle-like leaves and blue-purple berries, covered with an opaque film.
They are used in Japan in the art of bonsai because they allow for very original and unique shapes
Japanese oak (Lithocarpus edulis)
This tree is native to Japan, it is a species of great habit.
When you want to plant them in a Zen garden, it must be taken into account that this plant essence needs special care and greater attention in its maintenance.
Temperature, light, ambient humidity, and soil texture are the elements to take into consideration.
This tree grows very easily in almost all types of soils. Which must be kept moist.
Aralia (Fatsia japonica)
Aralia is an evergreen plant. Originally from Japan and also widespread in Korea.
It is very rustic, which can survive even in cold climates. This species is generally placed inside the houses of the houses.
As a plant for air purification thanks to its ability to absorb airborne pollutants. This plant essence is a shrub full of branches.
The stem has the characteristic of multiplying the number of branches from the base of the plant. Another important element is the wonderful large leaves.
Japanese elm (Zelkova parviflora)
Zelkova parviflora is a plant from Japan and China, considered the equivalent of European and American elms and oaks.
This species is very similar to the Elm, with the only difference being the characteristic serrated leaves. The trunk has a thin scaly bark of gray color.
It needs full sun and is resistant to warmer climates. This plant essence is also used and highly appreciated in the art of bonsai.
Cypress Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
It is grown for its highest quality wood in Japan, where it is used as a material for the construction of palaces, temples, shrines, traditional Noh theaters, baths, ping-pong rackets, and Masu.
The wood has a lemon aroma, a light pinkish brown color, with a rich, straight grain, and is very resistant to rot.
It is also a popular ornamental tree in parks or even in an emotional garden, both in Japan and in other places with a temperate climate, including Western Europe and parts of North America.
A large number of cultivars have been selected for planting in gardens, including dwarf forms, forms with yellow leaves, and forms with dense foliage. It is also often grown as a bonsai.
Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara)
Also known as Indian cedar. This is a species native to the western Himalayas, eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tibet, and Nepal.
It is a conifer with a conical habit. The healing properties of Cedrus deodora are well known in India in Ayurvedic medicines.
The inside of the trunk is perfumed used to make incense, it can also be distilled to make essential oils.
Fir (Abies procera)
The fir is an evergreen tree, with great growth habits, with a conical pyramidal shape. The bark is smooth and gray with characteristic resinous blisters.
The species is native to North America.
It is recognized all over the world as the classic Christmas tree. This tree is also grown for wood.
Much used in crafts, construction in general, and for the production of paper.
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