Zen concept has evolved for centuries since 11th century, from the introduction of dry landscape garden from Buddhism.

Every element in Zen concept was used to project a natural panorama besides portraying a miniature size of our realistic life. Odd numbers of every element represent Buddhist Trinity, Sanzon-Ishi-Gumi (symbol of air and earth) or humanity. The location of the elements also has meaning.

Some of the elements in the Zen Garden

I. Pond
Pond represents lake, ocean or river in natural existence. The rocks from rivers were used as the edging material as to look natural. Depending on the shape, color and texture, the rocks in the Zen garden can represents a lot of things. For example, rock with vertical shape is a symbol of air while those with horizontal shape are a symbol of nature earth. Sometimes it can symbolize animal, shrubs, island, hill etc.

II. Sand and Pebbles
These elements provide a therapeutic garden especially for meditation atmosphere. Sand and pebbles will be designed and shaped following a certain waves like design to represent water flow that can energize the garden.

III. Water Fountain
Usually a bridge would be constructed over the pond that makes the garden looks more interesting and beautiful. While a water fountain represents symbolic human life such as birth, the water flowing into the pond represents evolution of human life or death.

IV. Plants
Plants give impacts on eternal emotion through the color and texture. Below is a list of several plants suitable with Zen Garden.

1 Furcraea
2 Cycas revoluta or Sago Palm
3 Ficus bonsai or bonsai.
4 Diefferenbachia or dumb cane
5 Boston Fern
6 Bambusa or Bamboo
7 Asparagus or Boston Fern