Less is More: Why a Zen Garden Might Be Just What Your Dollhouse Needs
 

Zen gardens are known for their simplicity and elegance, and one may be exactly what your dollhouse needs to finally feel complete. Not only are zen gardens simple in design, the clean lines and minimalist approach also make them inexpensive, and easy to assemble and maintain. However, they represent the perfect pairing of ease and artistic challenge. A zen garden can be as easy or as complex as you desire, and pairs elements of different cultures with your own unique design sense.
 

Relaxing and Engaging

For many, building and outfitting dollhouses is a hobby that relaxes and keeps the mind occupied. Including a zen garden in your dollhouse plans not only means that it takes on a unique decorative style, but also that the process of designing the garden has the same effects of a zen garden: relaxation and meditation. Many shops sell miniature zen gardens as desk toys for those looking to imbue their average day with a bit of easy-access zen, so by including one in the design of your dollhouse, you too are creating the perfect piece of miniature, mood-improving relaxation.
 

Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

For those who are looking for a simple garden design, zen gardens are notoriously minimalist and easy to approach. However, because of their simplicity, for many they present an engaging challenge. The clean lines and limited number of elements are a perfect canvas for a keen design eye. A zen garden is easy to begin, but difficult to master. Whether you’re looking to create a simple garden space, or explore your artistic abilities, the special ways in which you combine greenery, seating, statuary, and even water features means your zen garden will be unlike any other you’ve seen before!
 

A Meaningful Addition

Building a dollhouse that will host a zen garden means stepping outside the traditional and learning about new designs, cultures, and art forms. For the enthusiastic miniaturist, this is ideal: a chance to explore the wider world through the familiarity of the dollhouse. Learning about the Chinese and Japanese mythology and history will not only make your zen garden more authentic, it will open your mind to new creative styles. Understanding the symbolism that is so important to the design of a zen garden will give new meaning to your project, and embody whatever specific intention you have in creating it.
 

Whether you’re new to dollhouses, or an experienced miniaturist looking for a refreshing change, adding a zen garden might be the right choice for you. The rich history of zen gardens, combined with their deceptive simplicity and relaxing beauty make them a unique addition to any dollhouse. For inspiration, explore the links throughout this article, and then have a look at all the many different garden pieces we have on our site to get started designing and building your first zen garden!