Inhale… Exhale…

Imagine an Eden in your home. It’s easier than you could imagine. Jeprocksdworld is here to help you create that meditation garden you’ve been wanting and here are some few steps to get you going.

The Perfect Plan. Nothing beats being organized when preparing a garden. At this point, you have to carefully choose what type of garden you plan to create. A zen garden would exhibit asymmetry in its arrangement, while a tropical garden will display foliage in different hues and texture. Why not a biblical garden perhaps? Cultivate plants that are mentioned in the bible like cantaloupe, aloe, coriander, sage, juniper or even cypress.

Maintenance is also a factor in the planning. A simple zen stone garden wouldn’t require so much watering while a tropical garden wouldn’t stay lush if you don’t give it the proper humidity and sunlight. In today’s urban living, the trend is usually to go container gardening. So even if you are living in a condo, you don’t have feel deprived of having a garden.

Get Dirty! Check you soil condition. As there are six types of soil, the elements contained in it is either too much or too little. Grab some gardening book available in the market to assess your soil. Adding some minerals or compost will definitely improve your soil condition.

Go Local. Choose plants that are indigenous in your area. Don’t try to incorporate highland flora in your garden if you are in Manila, trust me, give it a weeks time, and you will be declared a black thumb! Going local with your plants is also more economical and in terms of maintenance, it’s more stress free.

I need your attention. The Focal Point. The crowning glory of your garden depends on this. This is what makes your garden a meditation garden. Choose pieces that gives you a sense of comfort and serenity. It could either be a simple cross or an ornate grotto with an image of our lady of Lourdes and a kneeling St. Bernadette. This is a matter of personal preference. Choose whatever works.

Order in Chaos. Depending on the garden style you choose, arranging the plants is easy. Tropical garden usually creates pattern towards the gardens focal point. With Zen garden on the other hand, plants and accessories (ie rocks, temple lanterns) are arranged in asymmetrical triangles to give it, ironically, a sense of balance. This kind of symmetry will also help you contemplate on the relationship between heaven, man and earth.

Accessorize. Add some pizzazz to your garden by adding elements to excite the senses. It could be a desktop fountain, a wind chime or a simple floating candle. Garden lights will also provide that glow if you intend to use it during night time. It is also important to have a bench or a stone slab where you could sit facing your focal point.

Be Still. Finally, your garden is all worked up. After all the enjoyable hard work, it’s time for you to be still and relax. This is your perfect sacred space where you could pray in contemplation . Your garden is the perfect solace be it in agony or in ecstasy.

PS. Don’t forget to water the plants!

Image courtesy of http://www.pbase.com/mtu_fulani
http://www.aquamarinediving.com
http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org