A Water Free Garden

There is something very self satisfying about raking...I don't mean the "rake up the leaves" kind of raking...rather, the artistic Zen type of raking - and we Borregans are lucky. We have the perfect Zen type soil - heavy granitic gravel.A Zen garden would seem to fulfill all aspects of the ideal Bporrego Spings garden: It is the perfect dry land garden...no water needed, it opens the gardener to a new degree of creativity and improvisation unlike a traditional garden and it also provides the gardener with a chance to contemplate and take part in the essence of nature, both physically and metaphysically.

I'll have to admit, I don't yet have my "Zen Spot" " in the garden...rather, it is still an idea slowly simmering in my mind. Like many ideas, this one will take some time...first, to find the garden spot where gravel will retain the rake marks and the outline will set the area aside as a place of seclusion and meditation. Then, there is plenty of practice raking to undertake, until the desired result is obtained. Ah, yes...and the rocks to integrate into the scene...and more! I can't even hazard a guess if we'll ( notice the plural ) get around to it this summer. A lot depends upon the weather...even more depends upon the growth and finalization of the idea!

I do want the rake marks to resemble ripples and waves...the rocks to represent islands with, perhaps, an art object to add to the Asian influence. The contemplative chair and viewpoint must also be created...along with the ideal size of the plot , which must also be cleared of any weeds and be relatively free of wind blown debris. Ah, well...I think the idea needs more time...but you will be the first to know when it turns into reality!