Combining Kare-sansui (Zen Garden) and Karikomi (Shrub Sculpting)

About two weeks ago, I painstakingly sieved out all the pebbles from the two raised beds and scattered them in the stone garden, allowing the rain to wash them clean. It was a meticulous process that demanded patience and determination, spanning over two months.

Now, I find myself surrounded by four types of stones: white, red, and grey pebbles, along with rocky, sharp stones of varying sizes.

My original plan, which remains unchanged, is to hand-sort these stones and arrange them in a decorative manner to achieve the serene ambiance of a Zen Garden. Simultaneously, I eagerly await the growth of the shrubs, anticipating the day when they will be large enough for me to sculpt them into charming, ball-shaped forms.

Traditionally, Zen Gardens are crafted on flat surfaces, presenting me with the challenge of deciding whether to follow this tradition.

Despite uncertainties, I am determined to see this project through to completion. Each step in the garden’s transformation has brought its own challenges, but I am committed to persevering.