Ideally the garden should be a place of refuge, a peaceful retreat, a place to shed the cares of modern living, if only for a while. In such a garden, one is invited to turn one's attention from external responsibilities and concerns to becoming inwardly attentive and responsive to the beauty of the garden. It is my belief that there are three main elements to a contemplation garden: harmony, balance, and beauty.

Harmony  

 There are many elements that must harmonize together in a contemplation garden. Paths, sitting area, focal point, borders, screens, plants and perhaps statuary, are a few of the elements that must be carefully integrated into a pleasing arrangement. This results in a feeling of tranquility and peace. When there is harmony in the garden, it seems to have a feeling of healthy energy, also known as "chi". Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of harmonizing one's surroundings to invite this positive flow of energy into one's space and in doing so, health & happiness into one's life. By applying the techniques of Feng Shui, another layer of benefits may be added to the garden.

Balance  

There needs to be a sense of order in the garden, so that the visitor feels comfortable and able to focus inwardly. Balance and order is achieved, for example, by balancing color and textures, tall elements with low ones, open space with restricted space. Neither an open field nor a jungle, the contemplation garden is a place that invites gentle breezes but not strong winds. It balances sun and shade, coolness and warmth, privacy and viewpoint. A great deal of intuitiveness is needed to design a balanced contemplation garden so that the visitor feels safe and refreshed.

Beauty

When we are surrounded by the beauty and peace of nature, we can truly feel our spirits soar like the birds that circle above us. The contemplation garden should be beautiful yet at the same time can be very simple. Truly, we could contemplate while looking at a single bud. But how much more uplifting to be surrounded by the inimitable sensations that only an outdoor garden can provide; gentle breezes caressing our cheek, tinkling wind chimes that resonate within us, birds and insects that visit and entertain us, plants that grow, blossom and intrigue us. A garden that is balanced and in harmony can be very beautiful, even if we are able to claim only a tiny space for ourselves.