The novelty of indoor vertical gardens has finally run its course, and may even be considered blasé; besides they can be hard work to maintain. The indoor garden phenomena, however, remains but this time we are going horizontal with the concept of ‘less is more’.

You may be aware of Japanese-inspired indoor gardens, also known as Tsubo-niwa. In this eastern country, these gardens are usually positioned in a central interior courtyard, exposed to rainwater and light. The beauty in their design is to provide just a touch of nature, honouring a specific plant or piece of art, and may include a water basin, which was traditionally used for cleaning hands. The uncluttered layout is truly representative of Zen, which evokes a sense of unforced calm attentiveness, be that for the gardener or the viewer.

Architecturally, few homes in the west can adopt the concept in the strictly traditional sense, yet taking this to a quasi (appearance but not factual) level means you can bring the concept into the interior of your home. Best is that you don’t even need a huge space in which to do this.

Basic elements required that reflect nature

• A water feature: represents life-giving force.
• Stones, pebbles, and rocks: form the structure of the Zen garden.
• A handful of evergreen plants, or a single tree: brings nature indoors.
• Optional is a single piece of artwork, which could even have be acquired from nature itself; for contemplation and meditation.

Colour considerations are very important at this stage. The more natural and reflective of nature the better, so typically soft pale tones of green, grey and beige. However, it is not uncommon to find a highlighted single colour within the space, usually represented by a flowering plant.

Choosing the space

The area you choose does not have to be big; in fact it can be as small as two gym mats placed together. Some people even have a tabletop Zen garden presented in a tray frame, proving that there is no limit to how you perceive space, or use it.

The layout

Bearing in mind that Japanese gardens are a reflection of nature but in miniature, the space you choose should be thought of as a natural canvas.

• First set out a grid plan: this should take into account the main centre and all the sight-lines from the various viewpoints surrounding it.
• Decide if you need to create a frame, and whether you want the floor to be protected by a base (bearing in mind you will be placing sand/pebbles on top of this area).

Some ideas include flipping an old, relatively large wall canvas and filling it, or building a platform framework that elevates the entire garden from the ground.

• Before laying your sand/pebbles, position your main features directly inline with the sight-lines you identified.

• If a small space, you’ll likely only have one or two main features, such as a single plant, and a water feature, perhaps a rock or two.

• In a larger space you may have a handful of interestingly shaped rocks, perhaps a piece of art, the water feature, and a small selection of plants of various sizes.

• Cover the area with your choice of substrate, which is, essentially, sand or miniature gravel. Make sure it is well coated so you can’t see what is beneath, and that the sand covers the plant pot’s base, as well as other containers.

Plant suggestions (available in SA)

Try to stick to one colour if using more than one plant, or only one plant with colour. This is the pull-card usually.

• Bonsai.
• Japanese Maple.
• Spider bush.
• Azaleas.
• Topiary tree.
• Miniature conifer.
• Succulents and airplants.
• Indigenous grass species.
• Water lily or waterbloometjie - for the water feature.
• Bamboo.

Bamboo deserves a special mention as is often used in traditional Japanese gardens, particularly as an element of a water feature, such as spouts. It’s so versatile plant, and can be used as fencing or a backdrop after being cut, stripped of greenery, and dried. Some Japanese zen gardeners have also found ways to feature just a single or a handful of the dried plant in a single pot.

The result

The only way to know if you have achieved the look and essence of Zen, is to live with it for a while. You may find yourself moving your features around, replacing some of them, or including a piece of sculpture that you love. The rule is, “if it feels right, it’s good Zen”. Most importantly do not let the garden remain untended. Regardless that there are few features, the sand or pebbles will likely need sweeping from time to time to ensure a levelness that typifies Japanese gardens. Keep it simple, so that you can honour each individual placement.