Buddha Landscape Design

Water.The sound of running water can have a calming effect and mask traffic noise, perfect for this meditation garden, designed by Patricia Wagner.

Simple lines. Asian design principles inspired this landscape design by Heather Hardcastle. The teahouse will make a perfect place to meditate or practice yoga. An Asian-inspired gravel garden fills the corner.

Symbolism. In this meditation garden by Patricia Wagner, the winding path leads to Buddha and a mirror, symbolizing finding oneself at the end of a journey.

A sense of separation from the rest of the landscape. A different surface can accomplish that, or a bit of an enclosure. The surround doesn’t have to provide privacy but the area needs to feel distinctly apart. Options include bamboo fencing, curtains, movable screens or, as in this teahouse design by Jeff Allen, plants.

Natural beauty. A small meditation room looks out on a colorful perennial bed in this design by Joan Grabel. It’s easy to spend a few hundred dollars on plants when you’re outfitting a garden room, so stick with long-lived perennials like hosta, daylilies, peonies and bee balm, so you’ll buy your plants once, not year after year.

Destination. Often meditation gardens are positioned in a way to give a sense of arrival to the visitor. Beyond this richly stained outdoor gate is a courtyard patio, featuring a tranquil Japanese garden with a waterfall. Design by Evan Blewette