Although Zen gardens originate from medieval Japan, modern society has learned to appreciate, design and enjoy Zen gardens for meditation, relaxation and stress relief. Spending some time in your own Zen garden will distract your mind from the worries of the day by focusing your senses on what the garden has to offer. Consisting of natural elements, the garden will slow and still the mind and replace worries with feelings of peace and serenity. Zen garden design can be as simple or elaborate as desired. It can be a large garden that fills an entire backyard or a miniature structure that fits on a desktop.

Miniature desktop versions of Zen gardens can be purchased online or created as a do-it-yourself project, but outdoor gardens will provide the environment for a fully immersive physical and spiritual fresh-air sanctuary. Because traditional Japanese Zen gardens are basically rock gardens, some of the main elements to consider when constructing a Zen garden are gravel, sand and stone.

Sand can be spread and raked in straight lines or swirls that can create the mental peace and satisfaction that comes when experiencing the simplicity and order of a repetitive pattern. Sand can be spread around existing rocks in a rippling water effect and additional rocks can be added if desired. In addition to the visual aspect of the sand design, the act of raking the sand into patterns can promote calming feelings as well. In fact, the miniature desktop versions are basically a tiny sandbox and a rake. However, as a homeowner with a private yard to use as a pallet, a Zen garden can be as minimal or elaborate as desired.

In addition to sand, stone and gravel can create a guided path around or through the area of sand and lead you forward to the next calming element. A gravel path outlined in stone creates a different texture than sand and adds a satisfying audible element to the experience as you walk. Conversely, a stone path set in gravel can produce the same effect.

A water feature, especially one that involves all the senses like a waterfall or fountain is another element to consider adding to the garden. The trickling, sound of falling water can be as calming and mesmerizing as the sight of it is as it falls. Allowing the falling water to cascade over your fingers adds a calming tactile element to the tranquility. Waterfalls and fountains can be created from stone or purchased at garden shops and home centers.

Another element to consider is plant life. A traditional plant found in Zen gardens is moss which is low maintenance and may already be living in the yard available for transplanting. Hgtv.com says, "Use moss anywhere you want to create a tranquil and serene setting. You can put it between flagstones, in patios, under a tree, in walkways leading to a garden." However, any plants that bring joy and serenity to the owner are a good choice.

Another traditional plant choice is bamboo; however, according to the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group planting running bamboo (Phyllostachys aureasculata (Yellow Groove Bamboo) can be a nuisance as it's difficult to control and can quickly overrun your property and spread to neighboring properties. Therefore, there are laws in Connecticut to control the planting and spread as listed by the Connecticut General Assembly: "No person shall plant running bamboo or allow running bamboo to be planted on his or her property at a location that is forty feet or less from any abutting property or public right-of-way." Homeowners can be fined for not controlling running bamboo that spreads to neighboring properties.

Fortunately, there are less stressful bamboo alternatives if bamboo is desired. An alternative to running bamboo is clumping bamboo which spreads much slower and is easier to contain. Bhg.com suggests, "Go for a clumping type, which grows from a central root ball and is less aggressive than other types." Clumping bamboo spreads, but not as fast and is easier to control. Otherwise, the use of planters will isolate bamboo plants. If a bamboo privacy screen effect is the goal, a rolled bamboo fence can provide a privacy wall. Rolled bamboo fences are sold at home centers.

Once the layout is determined and the basic elements and plantings are in place some accessories may be desired such as pagoda lanterns, benches, wind chimes or even a small bridge. Regardless of size or style a backyard Zen garden will be a calming place to take a break from the hectic world and find peace and serenity.