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Fancy trying something a bit different in the garden this summer? A backyard Japanese Zen garden might be just what you’re after. They’re designed to be calm, simple, and somewhere you can take a minute for yourself – perfect if you’re looking to wind down after a long week or just want a space that feels a bit different to the usual lawn and patio setup.
Now, we’re not talking about going full traditional here – this is more about taking inspiration from that relaxed, balanced look and making it work for your space. It doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you’ve got the right tools to help out. At Smiths Hire, we’ve been supporting garden projects across the North West for over 50 years, with 18 tool hire depots and a full range of reliable garden tools ready to go. So, if you’re considering turning a corner of your garden into your own quiet little retreat, here’s where to start.
- Rake out your own Zen gravel area
One of the most well-known features of a Japanese Zen rock garden is the raked gravel or sand area. It might sound fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple to put together – and it looks great. Traditionally, the raked patterns represent water or waves, with a few larger stones placed carefully as focal points. But you don’t need to overthink it – just enjoy making your own patterns and taking a moment to slow down.
To get started, you’ll want to clear and level a bit of ground. Our rotavator hire is ideal for loosening up the soil and making sure it’s flat and tidy before you lay your gravel. Place down a weed membrane to keep things neat, throw on your gravel or sand, and get raking.
It’s a great way to add something a bit different to your garden, and once it’s done, there’s very little to keep on top of – no mowing, no edging, and no trying to keep the grass green in a heatwave. Just a calm, low-maintenance space that looks good all year round.
- Add a calming water feature
There’s something about the sound of running water that just helps you switch off, and that’s exactly why water features are such a great addition to any Japanese-inspired garden. Whether it’s a gentle fountain, a simple bowl with a bamboo spout, or a full pond, it brings instant calm to any corner of your outdoor space.
f you’re going all in and digging out a pond, we’ve got the micro digger hire to make light work of the heavy lifting. Or, if you’re planning to create a feature using poured concrete like a custom base or a decorative water bowl, our concrete mixer hire is just what you need to help you get the job done properly. You’ll have the foundations sorted in no time, and then it’s just a case of adding the finishing touches. Even something small can make a big difference – and once you’ve got it set up, you’ll wonder how you ever relaxed in the garden without it!
- Use natural materials to shape your space
Japanese-style gardens are all about keeping things balanced and uncluttered. Stone, timber, gravel – it’s all about working with natural materials and keeping it simple. A few well-placed paths or stepping stones can help shape your space and make it feel more inviting without adding loads of maintenance.
If you’re planning to shift soil, lay foundations, or install edging, our mini digger hire can save you a world of effort when it comes to digging out pathways or prepping the ground. Building a path is fairly straightforward – once you’ve decided where it’s going and what you’re using. You’ll need to dig out the area, add a solid base like gravel or sand, and then lay your materials on top.
Finish it off with some neat edging or planting, and you’re done. Sturdy edging, such as stone blocks or wooden sleepers, helps keep everything tidy and gives your garden a more structured look, eliminating the need for constant weeding or trimming. This style is all about doing the hard work once and reaping the benefits all year long!
- Go for low-fuss planting
You don’t need to pack your garden with plants to make it feel complete. In fact, when it comes to a Zen-inspired space, less really is more. A few carefully chosen plants can have a much bigger impact than a busy or over-complicated planting scheme. Varieties like bamboo, ornamental grasses, and Japanese maples add texture, movement, and subtle colour without overwhelming the space – and, more importantly, without creating a long list of jobs for you to keep on top of.
If you’re starting from scratch or clearing out overgrown areas, tools like brushcutters and hedge trimmers are ideal for getting everything under control.
Once your borders are cleared and prepped, you can plant with more purpose and take your time choosing greenery that suits the space. The right mix will help keep your garden looking neat with minimal effort, even as the seasons change. You don’t need to fill every inch of space either. A few carefully chosen plants, placed with purpose, can often make a bigger impact than trying to crowd the area. Pick the ones you genuinely like, whether that’s something bold and architectural, like bamboo or a tree that brings colour through the year. After all, it’s your garden, and it should reflect what you enjoy spending time around.
- Create a spot to sit and take it all in
A Zen-inspired garden isn’t just about its appearance. It’s about how it feels to spend time there. The idea is to create a space that invites you to slow down, breathe, and switch off from everything else going on around you. So once the planting is in and the paths are down, it’s worth setting aside a quiet corner to sit, take it all in, and enjoy the space you’ve created.
That might be a wooden bench tucked under a tree, a pair of chairs beneath a pergola, or even just a simple cushion and throw in a quiet corner if the weather’s nice enough. What matters most is having a spot that’s comfortable and feels like yours. If you’re building your own seating area or laying a bit of decking, we’ve got all the tools you’ll need in our hire range, including nail guns, saws, and drills to help get the job done properly. Once the structure is in place, you can dress it up however you like. Add a few soft cushions, an outdoor rug, or a lantern or two to make it feel even more inviting.
You don’t need a designer budget or a landscaping degree to make your garden feel more peaceful. With a bit of planning, a few simple touches, and the right tools, you can create a space that you love all on your own.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping people across the North West get the job done for over five decades. With 18 tool hire depots, expert advice, and a full range of garden and landscaping tools to hire, you’re never far from what you need. Browse online, pop into your local depot, or give us a ring on 0333 323 2100 – and we’ll help you create a garden that works for you this summer!
