Creating A Sacred Garden – Part 2
The benefits of our sacred spaces come in many shapes and forms: for some a spiritual garden may be to have their garden designed and constructed following the principals of Feng Shui.
For some, achieving a sacred garden may be to plan and build a garden that offers them organic self-sufficiency, with non-dig raised garden beds, suitable for crop rotation and companion planting techniques. This can be creatively carried out in a family or community garden that feeds the gardeners on many levels. Gardening is a way to connect with ourselves, the earth, Mother Nature, other souls: it encourages individuals to communicate and share of themselves in a positive and productive manner. It can be especially therapeutic for adults and children alike to get their hands into the soil: a truly grounding experience!
The Zen or Balinese style garden is very much the flavour of our times, as they offer sanctuary allowing us to retreat and replenish our mind, body and soul with the extra benefit of being relatively low maintenance gardens.
For those of us who are renting a house or apartment, with only a small balcony or courtyard, the sacred garden can be achieved with your own portable garden: a collection of potted plants. Collecting an array of different and interesting shapes, sizes and coloured pots need not be an expensive exercise these days and then they can be planted with plants that have interesting foliage texture, colour, form and scent: the ones that feed and inspire your spirit. Not only will these give the home your individual stamp of style and offer you the therapeutic benefits that come from tending and being in your sacred space, however they will move with you when you travel to your next location. . . a mobile sacred garden!
In today’s climate, no matter what style, size or feel of garden you have or desire, there is an urgent need for practicing environmentally conscious gardening techniques. We can have our haven, whilst respecting the need to create gardens that are water efficient and climate compatible. Taking responsibility in this way offers us another opportunity to make a difference.
By recycling gray water, mulching, recycling garden refuge and working this organic matter back into the soil, we nurture our part of the planet, in a meaningful way. When we consciously implement these practices and we share our experiences and results with others, we continue to nurture the earth, others and our spirit.
Using recycled materials to construct our sacred spaces and the features in it, is not only a way to express our individual creativity, it will also supports our limited resources.
It is possible to have a well-designed spiritual garden that offers a personal setting for the home that complements and enhances the architecture. It can be a sacred space that is an extension of your living areas and requires planning, structure and balancing the practical needs with the desired aesthetics of the individual or family it is intended for and it is value adding to your property.
The most important aspect of the sacred garden is that it is your personal choice. . . your place for gentle thoughts, revitalization of the senses and a special space where you can just be. . .