Creating a garden on an overgrown plot can be a great task. Creating gardens and a Zen forest would be even more intimidating. But George Klasson and Jane Bourgeois knew they could create a peaceful space around the hills in the two acres surrounding their home.
And they did. With their vision and hard work, they turned this area of northern Johnson County into a peaceful, natural sanctuary surrounded by a Zen forest.
What exactly is a Zen forest and how does it differ from a Zen room or Zen garden? It’s the same concept of peace, simplicity and tranquility, but bigger, wider and bigger and inclusive of nature, from the smallest plant to the largest trees that frame the area in between.
Jane and George enjoy the birds nesting in the trees. They have observed bald eagles, great blue herons, woodpeckers, robins, goldfinches, hummingbirds and bluebirds, among others.
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They both agree, “These bird wonders…only enhance the beauty of our harbor.” Morning and evening they hear their calls and their music. Butterflies also love the flowers and the bats come out at sunset to keep the mosquitoes and insects under control.
George said they spent two years clearing the undergrowth and cutting down dead ash trees. After he opened the canopy, a sunnier landscape emerged.
However, hostas are George’s favorite, so more shade was needed. This is when he started planting the Zen forest. Twenty-one redbud trees became the undergrowth for the larger trees. They grow quickly and tall, enough to provide the necessary shade. The bonus is the beautiful purple blossoms in the spring, and the leaves are reddish-brown and remain that color until they fall.
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After this was done, approximately thirty tons of topsoil was brought in to spread over the area. Many stones, ranging from small to several hundred pounds, were strategically placed for decorations and later for additional seating around the pond.
The pond is an old quarry. It was well established when they moved there and was full of water then, as it is now, and covered with water lilies and beautiful yellow water irises. It’s breathtaking!
A limestone patio was built at the bottom of a hill. A Buddha there overlooks the area overlooking the pond. It provides a place for meditation and for a gathering of family and friends.
George has planted more oak, hickory, and cedar trees to replace the dying trees he removed. Lights are strung through the trees adding a softness yet sparkle to the night.
Jane is involved in all aspects of the gardens and woodland, but prefers to be the lead weed controller, worker and sometimes advisor. Her passion really lies with her potted plants. She has many around the deck and yard.
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Both love the peonies that are blooming now, the hostas, flowering shrubs, the water lilies and the tranquility of their own Zen forest.
Ask? Remark? Send me an email at Walkswithgarden@gmail.com
Judy Terry is a freelance garden writer who hopes to guide you through many fantastic gardens.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Garden Walks with Judy: Creating Gardens and a zen forest
