ZEN Gardening - Hardcover

Harte, Sunniva

4.2

15 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1556709293 ISBN 13: 9781556709296

Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang Inc, 1999

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Zen gardens are havens for contemplation, reflecting the beauty of nature and the aesthetic sense of the gardener. Some represent vast landscapes in a small area, some use raked gravel to represent rushing water, while others feature natural stones signifying symbolic animals such as turtles and cranes. Zen Gardening also provide an ecofriendly alternative to the old-fashioned lawn -- they require little or no water, while the use of fertilizers and pesticides is anathema to the spirit of the Zen garden.With its practical advice on plant selection, and numerous examples of how modern gardens are transformed into beautiful, harmonious refuges, Zen Gardening places every aspect of creating a Zen garden at the hands of today's gardeners. This unique book simplifies the complex principes adopted centuries ago by Buddhist monks, explores their aims in creating outdoor spaces along Zen principles, and reveals the meaning of the different elements and their juxtaposition. Gardeners will learn to create a controlled and harmonious environment -- and, in the process, to nourish the spirit and allow anxiety to gently subside, making room for quiet reflection.

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Review:

Classical Zen gardens were designed by Japanese monks and are now revered as national monuments. Gardens that have been designed according to the principles of Feng Shui are places where contemplation and tranquility are possible so providing a haven from the stresses of modern day living. This book aims to show how Zen gardening can put us back in touch with the elements and restore a vital natural equilibrium to our environment.

Sunniva Harte carefully puts the art of Zen gardening into context by explaining the intellectual and emotional starting points from which it originated and showing how the Japanese view of nature differs from Western thinking. We are shown how key elements such as water, plants, rocks and architecture have a symbolic as well as aesthetic value reminding mankind of his place in the natural order of the universe. Overall this is a well put-together, chunky, handsome hardback with some great hints and tips about creating peace in our busy world. Nicola Hollins

About the Author:

Sunniva Harte is a talented garden writer and photographer, and author of The Perfect Country Garden (Conran Octopus). Her very first article, for Gardens Illustrated, won an award from the Garden Writers' Guild. She lives in East Sussex.

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