#11 Ripples And Waves

The patterns raked into the sand are meant to represent the ripples and currents that flow through bodies of water, like rivers or lakes.

#12 Shaped Trees

Though typical Zen Gardens don’t include many plants or water, you can gain a sense of bonsai elements by including shaped trees of specific kinds.

#13 Stacks Of Stones

This isn’t really a Zen Garden, but it has incorporated stacks of stones, which is a classic Zen Garden characteristic, typically included in Japanese Rock Gardens.

#14 Urban Peace

This is more of a traditional park with the raked sand of Japanese rock gardens thrown in, almost as a decor feature.

#15 Pick And Choose

You can choose certain elements of Zen Gardens to incorporate. For example, a raked patch of sand, which typically represents water, instead of an actual pond.

#16 Sand Patch

Incorporating a sand patch into your garden is a great way to add some unexpected.

#17 Bits and Pieces

Zen Gardens are meant to promote peace and calm. The inclusion of some trees and bushes may be just what you need.

#18 Islands

In Zen Gardens, lone rocks sometimes represent islands. Figure out a unique way to decorate and populate your island with a few plants.

#19 Contrast

Using different colors of sand and gravel is a great way to replicate currents, differences in water flow, and to symbolize change.

#20 Bridges

Bridges are one of the few man-made things that are permitted in traditional Zen Gardens, though if possible, they should be constructed to be as natural as possible, like using stepping stones or a fallen tree.