BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Gardening Sand Gardens?

I want to make a sand garden this summer, but I have next to no idea what I'm in for, I'd be extremely open to any suggestions, tips and... well anything that will help me!

Thanks! -Shelly

Hi Shelly,
Are you talking about a Japanese Zen garden or are you trying to garden in a sandy area of your yard?
Katelyn

I am refering to Japanese Zen (sand) gardens

Hi Shelly,
Despite its simple appearance, a garden like this involves a lot of planning. Each element and where it is placed has special significance to the gardener. Less is definitely more! A true Zen garden doesn't actually have many plants. Some have moss or a few grasses. These gardens are basically large flat rocks on a bed of sand or gravel that is raked every day.

There is a garden in sand at a place called Findhorn in northern Scotland. I recently read a book called "The Magic of Findhorn," which tells about the founders of the garden and the process they went through to make a sandy garden thrive. Interesting and strange stuff.

Reading about Findhorn might give you an idea of "what you're in for" and some ideas to make a sand garden go smoothly for you.