RSS

How To Make A Zen Garden
Making a Zen Garden is one way to create a meditative space in the yard. While some gardeners exploit color theory, taking advantage of the calming effect of "cool" colors, such as blue and lavender, you can achieve the same purpose with a more elaborate design for enjoying serenity in the backyard.
 

A gardener who idolizes nature and who likes to interpret the world symbolically is a good candidate for Zen Gardens. But lovers of low-maintenance landscaping should think twice before installing such a design. Zen Gardens may look simple (which is part of their appeal), but they're a lot of work—both to make and to maintain. Nor is this style a great choice if most of your gardening fun comes from growing showy plants, which immediately disqualifies most of us (growing plants being almost synonymous with gardening for most people).


What Is a Zen Garden?


Japan is a mountainous nation of islands jutting out of the ocean. This natural setting is awe-inspiring, and the Japanese people value the raw beauty of nature that surrounds them. It's this appreciation, in part, that accounts for their innovation of the Zen Garden.


Developed by Buddhist monks in ancient Japan (with some Chinese influence), Zen Gardens are often dubbed "miniature landscapes" because their components symbolize aspects of nature. Most notably, the expanse of white gravel (which is easier to work with than sand) raked to have ripples represents ocean waves, and the tall, narrow boulders jutting out vertically represent mountains. Meanwhile, the shorter, more rounded rocks or the flat ones in the "sea of sand" represent islands.


Plants, too, are part of nature and therefore have a place in the design, although their use is restrained by Western standards. But short, green plants may be grown on or around the "islands" to represent island vegetation, and architectural plants can serve as accents. Any short trees or shrubs that are included in the design must be pruned meticulously. In fact, shrub topiaries can be pruned in such a way that they represent islands (instead of using rocks for this purpose).


Zen Gardens can be characterized in several different ways. Because of their stark, artistic quality, they're quite abstract when compared to, say, English cottage gardens. Along the same lines, they can be considered minimalistic. Their symbolic use of raked gravel to represent water leads to the characterization of being "dry landscapes." Their heavy reliance on rocks leads some to refer to them as "Japanese Rock Gardens," although the intent (meditation) behind making them differs from that behind other rock gardens.


Since Zen Garden design evolved over the course of centuries, it's pointless to try to ascertain a single "authentic" set of components for it. Most gardeners interested in the topic who live in lands far away from the far East are content to incorporate enough of its classic components in their construction to suggest a true Zen Garden.



Tools and Supplies You Will Need


  • White gravel (calculate amount needed)
  • Rocks in a variety of sizes and shapes
  • Steel garden rake
  • Wooden Zen rake
  • Shovel
  • Hoe
  • Tape measure
  • String, string level, and stakes
  • Tamper
  • Landscape fabric
  • Edging stones
  • Back brace, work gloves

Site Selection and Preparation


Select a flat area in your backyard and mark out a rectangular portion of it. Size can vary; on a small property, a 12 foot by 18 foot rectangle may be appropriate. You can reduce your workload (which is significant) by settling for a smaller space. If you'll be growing plants in your Zen Garden, their sunlight requirements factor into your site selection, so decide ahead of time whether you will be growing sun-loving or shade-loving plants and locate your meditative space accordingly.


The traditional Zen Garden was a walled-in space. The seclusion thus attained was conducive to meditation. For most homeowners, building a masonry wall for a meditative space in the backyard is either undesirable or unaffordable. Substitute a lattice fence to achieve inexpensive privacy. Consider this a separate project, to be undertaken before you make the Zen Garden (but include a wide gate to make it easy to bring supplies inside).


Best Plants for a Zen Garden


How to Make a Zen Garden

  1. Clear the selected rectangular space completely of anything sticking up out of the ground (plants, weeds, stones, etc.).
  2. With a shovel, remove the top layer (a few inches) of the existing soil.
  3. Check for level by pounding stakes into the ground end-to-end (both lengthwise and widthwise within your rectangle), tying string between them, and making use of your string level.
  4. Using the steel garden rake, rake out uneven spots.
  5. Tamp down the soil.
  6. Run stone edging along the lattice fence. Cobblestone is a good choice. This edging will retain the white gravel.
  7. Dig holes for the rocks you'll be using to represent mountains and/or islands. Arrangement is subjective, but, for some guidance, consider how these features occur in nature and arrange the rocks accordingly (definitely not in symmetrical patterns, circles, straight lines, etc.). Also, dig holes for any plants you'll be installing.
  8. Install the rocks and plants in their holes. Much of the length of those tall, narrow rocks (representing mountains) should be buried. This tip-of-the-iceberg placement will make them look more natural.
  9. Lay landscape fabric over the soil, making cuts to accommodate rocks and plants.
  10. Apply a few inches of the white gravel. Spread it with the hoe to distribute it. Rake ripples or swirls in it with the wooden Zen rake. Part of Zen Garden maintenance is to rake these designs back into the gravel after the elements have disturbed them.


Read

Living In A Gated Community

Living In A Gated Community



A gated community is a neighborhood that is enclosed by fence or wall, surrounding the entire community- with a gated entrance. Some gated entries have a 24 hour guard, and some just have a security gate.  Many people choose to buy a home in a gated community because of the many benefits. Others choose no gates, because of a few drawbacks. Is living in a gated community for you?

Perception of living in a gated community


 While you are house hunting, keep in mind the key advantages of living in a gated community.  This will help you determine if life behind the gates is worth it.  Although the perception exists that gated communities are expensive, they actually come in many price brackets and housing styles.  Gated communities are no longer just for the super rich or wealthy.  There are less-expensive gated communities that might just fit the bill.


Security in a Gated Community


If feeling secure in  your neighborhood matters the most to you, being surrounded by gates might be a priority, however not all gated communities have the same features and crime statistics vary by region.  There are usually extra security measures taken to ensure the safety of the residents.  It’s not unusual to see security cameras in a gated community or neighborhood watch groups.  Gated communities typically have a lower crime rate than other non-gated neighborhoods and communities.  Also, because of the gates and walls, homeowners experience a more private and secluded living experience.


Lifestyle


If you like to be active or entertaining guests is a priority, living in a gated community might be the choice for you.  Some of the larger gated communities offer amenities like golf courses, tennis courts, pools and clubhouses.  Some communities even offer lakes with boat docks.  Gated communities regularly coordinate sports activities like golf and tennis tournaments, and neighborhood parties, too.


Eco-Friendliness and Surroundings


Today, many gated communities are green neighborhoods where the focus is on designing homes for energy efficiency, using advanced building science with eco-friendly materials to promote things like water conservation, indoor air quality, and just healthier living in general.  They are able to do this by integrating natural sources of energy, such as solar, wind or water, into the architectural design of a home.  Traffic and noise are also taken into consideration, when planning and building gated community homes.  Since you are enclosed from other outside neighborhoods and areas, you generally don’t hear a lot of noise from roads and other outside sources.

 

Gated Communities In Orange County


Gated Communities In Orange County


Here in Orange County, we have many different gated communities, suited to all lifestyles and homeowners.  Please click here, to search for more information on specific gated communities in Orange County.  Contact Ron Evans today, to set up your consultation.  We are ready and available to assist you in your next gated community homes search.

Read

I have sold a property at 27301 Mondano DR.
WOW! Stunning, Gated Hilltop Estate in Pacific Hills...Phenomenal Views; Olympic Length Lap Pool; Solar Power...Truly One of a Kind! 4+ Office.Situated at the very end of one of the highest culdesac streets in Pacific Hills, this home sits perched at the end- with a private gated drive leading to a fabulous modern masterpiece. UDC Built- this tract is one of the newest and is known for architectural appeal and functional floorplans. This home has been beautifully updated. Solar energy means you save up to $200/month on electric bills! There are fire sprinklers and a private sauna. The beautiful spa sits at the outer corner of the property overlooking awe-inspiring views! A BBQ center and dining patio offer the ultimate entertaining space. Granite kitchen and amazing bathroom remodels...Many fruit trees.
Read

I have sold a property at 147 Avenida Florencia.
Rare opportunity to own a multifamily/duplex with tremendous potential to use the extended land to build your own ocean view paradise in San Clemente. 2 Identical 3 bedroom 2 bath units. Large living room open to the kitchen and counter seating, great for entertaining or cozy nights with the nostalgic fireplace. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom with dual sinks, tub and shower. 2 secondary bedrooms and secondary bathroom is great for family or roommate living. Laundry is conveniently inside each unit. Great backyard space with plenty of land to build on. 3 garages can be private or open. Excellent North Beach location with new restaurants and shops coming soon! Ocean breezes and walks await!
Read

I have sold a property at 23 Blue Oak #87.
Rare Single Level Condo with a HUGE patio awaits you in Rancho Santa Margarita. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is near RSM Lake. The home has updated granite counters, new appliances, plantation shutters in living room and newer carpet. You will be able to entertain and enjoy Southern California Living on the large patio. There is a one car, detached garage. Mission Courts has many amenities, including a pool, spa and playground, plus abundant guest parking. Centrally located in Rancho Santa Margarita, you will be walking distance from shopping, entertainment and award winning schools and RSM Lake and Beach Club. In addition to the Beach Club, your SAMLARC membership includes 4 other community pools (some heated all year long), as well as several parks, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and the Bell Tower Community Center. With the refrigerator, washer and dryer included in this sale, the only thing missing is you.
Read

I have sold a property at 10721 Paloma AVE.
Wonderful Garden Grove fixer upper opportunity. This single level 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home has lots of charm and character. The interior is basically a blank canvas, with tons of potential. The brand new Milgard windows let in natural light throughout and there is a real wood burning fireplace in the living room. The exterior of the home has already been painted, new roof installed and posts on porch replaced. The detached 2 car garage has had the same work. The lot is large and is zoned R-3. Walking distance to schools and shopping. Don't miss out. Bring your contractor and ideas.
Read

I have sold a property at 3103 Rancho Del Canon.
Beautiful, spacious and bright home in desirable Rancho Carrillo community of Palmilla. This home features vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light as you enter from the private courtyard entrance. Master bedroom is located on the first floor and has a large bathroom with separate tub and shower and 2 master closets. Master has sliding doors with access to the tranquil backyard and patio area. Kitchen is complete with stainless appliances and tile backsplash and ready for entertaining. Two bedrooms and large loft area are located upstairs as well as an area for storage. The community features a tot lot just down the street, hiking trails and the resort style Rancho Carrillo swim center with large pool, spa and clubhouse. Visit the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park with 27 acres of trails, historic buildings a reflecting pool and you may even see a Peacock strolling by!
Read

I have sold a property at 32520 Saint Eloi.
This is your opportunity to own one of only 32 Belle Maison homes on a luxury cul-de-sac in Temecula. Welcomed into 9" wood luxury vinyl floors, a room great for an exercise room, office or den and then into the entertaining great room with a Chef's gourmet kitchen. Stainless steel high-end appliances, custom built-in Monogram refrigerator, osmosis water system, generous pantry, and enormous island with seating will wow the most discerning buyer. Custom impressive wine wall in the formal dining area stops you in your tracks, while the family room captures you with a Ledger stone faced fireplace. There are 5 bedrooms, 3 baths (one bedroom and bath downstairs) plus bonus room with barn doors separating an additional media/game room. Spacious master suite with large walk-in closet. Laundry room upstairs, with more storage than you know what to do with. Luxury wood flooring upstairs, and crisp white window shutters. Recently installed sail shades will have you relaxing on the patio by a cozy fireplace, or sunbathe on the upper deck while you overlook the manicured yard with built-in trampoline, BBQ island and gas fire pit with seating for 20. The salt water pool and spa is solar heated and equipped with smart technology. Home also has developer installed Solar. Tankless water heater installed. Light switches with USB throughout. This is truly a "Smart Home". Not to be overlooked is the RV parking and 10 manicured and labeled fruit trees. This home is truly one of a kind.
Read