Gardens of the Spirit Create Your Own Sacred Space Hardcover - 1997

From the publisher

Create a bit of heaven on earth by arranging and tending a garden that fosters spiritual renewal and provides earthly enjoyment. No other spot better lends itself to reflection, relaxation, and calm -- the word "paradise" even comes from the Persian term for garden! Although we often view gardens as merely decorative, they nourish the soul. Erect a tranquil Japanese Zen garden, carefully balancing yin and yang; this triumph of simplicity is complete only when you can take nothing more away from it! Its essential components include stones, sand or gravel, plants, water, and space. Follow the detailed blueprint and select and arrange the rocks with a full understanding of which should go vertically and which horizontally. Build a teahouse, and lay the gravel for viewing from specific angles. Fence or wall it in.

To capture the right tone, you might even wish to meditate while you work. Master the art of the fruit- and rose-filled Islamic garden, originally an oasis in the Persian desert. Its cool beauty features gateways, gazebos, and running water. Build an Italian Renaissance garden, with gravel paths, a central pool and fountain, tunnel arbors, and statues. Find out how the medieval Christians revived the art of gardening, and see which plants, pathways, arbors, and fountains you'll need to re-create these sacred spots. Choose your flora with an eye to more than looks; special sections explain plant symbolism. Set up your own healing garden complete with all the medicinal herbs. Gorgeous full-color photos capture the splendor of gardens from all around the world.