Zen Garden With Fountain

Zen gardens are deeply rooted in east Asian culture for bringing tranquility and provoking thought. It's not often a possibility that you can fly to China or Japan and visit one yourself. Because of this, we've brought this possibility to your own home! In this article, you will learn how to build a zen garden for under $100.

The supplies needed for this project are listed and pictured below:

(Pictured in order)

• Small Pot (Link) - $16.29
• Big Pot (Link) - $15.55
• Fake Bonsai Tree (Link) - $9.59
• Submersible Pump (Link) - $2.36
• Water Tubing (Link) - $5.49
• Plant Foam (Link) - $11.99
• Power Supply (Link) - $4.59
• LED Lights (Link) - $7.27
• Water-Proof Glue (Link) - $7.48
• Fake Moss (Link) - $7.89
• Toggle Switch (Link) - $1.98
• Electrical Tape (Link) - $1.21
• Screwdriver (Link) - $3.79
• Distilled Water (Link) - $1.22

TOTAL: $96.70

Note: The pots, the tree, the moss, and the lights can all be substituted for alternatives depending on your personal taste and budget.

Place the pots and plants in a design that you like. This is to make sure you do not regret your aesthetic choices later, and that everything fits. You can make changes later as you'll see we did as well. Make sure the small pot is inside the large pot and elevated. Also confirm the positioning of the plant won't interfere with the water.

The bonsai tree we got came with flamingos. You may cut them off to suit your aesthetic taste. If you bought a different fake plant, this would be where you can trim and adjust it to your taste. BE CAREFUL!

Before starting the wiring for the system, you will need to snip off the 5v USB male plug and strip away the outer rubber to expose the positive (red) and negative (black) wires for the LED controller as seen in Image 1 and 2. You may strip the wires using a wire stripper if accesible, otherwise a pair of scissors can also be used. Based off the Wiring Schematic as seen in Image 3, wire the ground for the pump and lights controller to the power supply in parallel using a screwdriver to adjust the screws that clamp onto the wires. Then connect both positive wires for the pump and lights to one end of the toggle switch using a screwdriver. Then using a spare piece of wire, connect the other end of the toggle switch to the positive end of the power supply. Using some electrical tape, cover the points in which wires were attached to prevent any open contacts as seen in the last image.

Wrap the LED strip lights around the rim of the large pot to determine what length you will require. After determining the length required, cut the LED strip to length as seen in Image 1. Make sure to only cut the strip at the cut lines! Remove the protective adhesive backing and affix it to the inside rim of the large pot.

If your large pot has an internal rim, make sure the lights are under the rim

The small pot can be placed in the center of the large pot as well as off-center. This can be adjusted to your liking. We went ahead and placed the pot off-center.

1. Stack and glue 2 foam blocks as seen in Image 1 and 2.
2. Glue the small pot onto the foam stack as seen in Image 3 and 4.
3. Apply slight pressure to the small pot to ensure proper adhesion.

Apply glue to the base of the pump and adhere to the base of the large pot, preferably behind the foam stack to hide the pump. The pump must be placed at the base of the pump to ensure it will be submerged when water is added.

1. Take an unused foam block and scrape it on the rim of the large bowl to mold a cavity. This will allow the foam block to seat nicely and form a strong glue bond. Make sure to hold the other end of the bowl down so as to not tip it while scraping the foam. This can be seen in Image 1.
2. Press the bonsai tree into the foam to form indentations for a stronger bond as seen in Image 2. 
3. Apply glue to the joints where the bonsai tree meets the foam block as seen in Image 3.

1. Apply glue to the switch and press it into the side of the foam that is holding the bonsai tree. This will create an indent for the switch. Apply firm pressure until the glue dries. This process can be seen in Images 1 and 2.
2. Apply glue to the bottom of the foam block where the indent by the large pot was created as seen in Image 3.
3. Place the block on the large pot and apply slight pressure as seen in Image 4.
4. Connect the LED controller to the strip lights if not done so already as seen in Image 5.

Electrical tape can be used to secure the LED controller if necessary. The tape can also be used to improve the installation of the switch as well. (Image 6)

1. Fasten one end of the tubing to the pump’s outlet as seen in Image 1.
2. Run the other end of the tubing to the rim of the large pot and have it face the small pot.
3. Apply adhesive to the rim of the large pot and the tubing to have it stay in place as seen in Image 2.
4. Cut the tubing to length so the opening lies rigth above the small pot.
5. Twist and position the tubing to allow the water to flow right above the small pot as seen in Image 3.

In this step you can add any decorations you would like to make this water fountain look amazing! We decided to add some fake moss and rocks around the bonsai tree but you can add anything else you'd like such as real plants!

Fun Fact: Based on Japenese culture, you would want to have the rocks in either groups of 3 or by itself as thats a requirement for the garden to be classified as a Japenese Zen Garden. This can be seen in Image 4.

You are almost done! Add enough distilled water to ensure there is at least 1in of water above the water pump. If you are using the same large pot as put in the parts list, you will require about 32oz or 1/4 gallon of water.

Plug in the power supply and flick the switch! The pump and lights should come on and water should start coming out of the tubing! The combination of the small pot overflowing into the large pot as well as the flow of water from the tubing splashing into the small pot will create a tranquil enviorement!

[1] T. Lung-Ming, “A study on the beauty of Zen Garden – cases of Ginkaku Temple, Ryōan Temple and Sankei Garden,” American Journal of Sociological Research. [Online]. Available: http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.sociology.20160604.01.html. [Accessed: 27-Jan-2023]. 

[2] Poursafar, Zahra. "The functions of plants in Asian gardens: A review on Asian landscape architecture." International Journal of Applied Environmental Sciences 11.2 (2016): 525-533.  

[3] D. Neustein, “Saiho-ji Moss Garden,” ArchitectureAU, 01-Feb-2010. [Online]. Available: https://architectureau.com/articles/saiho-ji-moss-garden/. [Accessed: 27-Jan-2023]. 

[4] J. Takei, M. P. Keane, Sakuteiki: Visions of the Japanese Garden, a Modern Translation. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2001.

[5] “Midjourney,” Midjourney. https://midjourney.com/

[6] “Standard furniture dimensions,” Bassett Furniture, 20-Sep-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.bassettfurniture.com/blog/standard-furniture-dimensions.aspx. [Accessed: 13-Feb-2023]. 

[7] “Expanded polystyrene and water,” Polyform, 14-Mar-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.polyform.com/uncategorized/le-polystyrene-expanse-et-leau/?lang=en#:~:text=Again%2C%20polystyrene%20keeps%20its%20physical,generated%20by%20the%20product%20inside. [Accessed: 13-Feb-2023]. 

[8] Facebook.com/thedailymeditation, “Japanese Zen Rock Gardens: How to make & benefits,” The Daily Meditation coaching sessions, 28-Dec-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.thedailymeditation.com/zen-garden-4. [Accessed: 15-Feb-2023]. 

[9] “10 best waterproof glues of 2023: MSN Guide: Top brands, Reviews & Prices,” MSN. [Online]. Available: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/rf-best-products-uk/best-waterproof-glues-reviews. [Accessed: 17-Feb-2023]. 

[10] K. Lee, A. Waikar, F. Aghazadeh. “MAXIMUM ACCEPTABLE WEIGHT OF LIFT FOR SIDE AND BACK LIFTING,” Journal of Human Ergology, Vol. 19, No. 1, Jan, 1990. Art. No. 3-12

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/alldb/full-record/BCI:BCI199191123168 

[11] Mital, A. “MAXIMUM WEIGHTS OF LIFT ACCEPTABLE TO MALE AND FEMALE INDUSTRIAL-WORKERS FOR EXTENDED WORK SHIFTS,” Ergonomics, Vol. 27, Iss. 11, Jan 1984. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00140138408963594

[12] “Bonsai pots”. Bonsai Empire. [Online]. 

https://www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/choosing-pots.[accessed 17-Feb-2023]

[13] “Amazon.com: Arkare 5V 2A 10W DC Power Supply Adapter AC/DC Wall Plug ...” [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Arkare-100V-240V-Replacement-Monitor-Scanner-Raspberry/dp/B09W96X88K. [Accessed: 15-Feb-2023]. 

[14] “Power Supply DC 5V - the most important power source for electronics,” sunshinerepairtools, 26-Sep-2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.sunshinerepairtools.com/blog-news-3703/Power-Supply-DC-5V---The-Most-Important-Power-Source-For-Electronics-11571995.html?currency=USD. [Accessed: 15-Feb-2023]. 

[15] D. Véronneau, “Why choose artificial plants vs live plants ?,” Décors Véronneau, 30-Mar-2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.veronneau.com/en/trends/questions-et-reponses/why-choose-artificial-plants-flowers#:~:text=Faux%20plants%20are%20low%20maintenance&text=You%20need%20to%20fertilize%20them,maintenance%20and%20always%20look%20amazing. [Accessed: 15-Feb-2023]. 

[16] F. Birren, Color psychology and color therapy; a factual study of the influence of color on human life, 1st ed. New York, New York: Hauraki Publishing, 2016. [Accessed: 4-Mar-2023].

[17] “DC 3-6V 120L/H mini submersible water pump,” Art of Circuits. [Online]. Available: https://artofcircuits.com/product/dc-3-6v-120lh-mini-submersible-water-pump. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[18] A. Industries, “Peristaltic liquid pump with silicone tubing - 12V DC power,” adafruit industries blog RSS. [Online]. Available: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1150. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[19] T. Lane, “Selecting the right groundwater sampler,” On The Level Blog, 03-Aug-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.solinst.com/onthelevel-news/groundwater-sampling/selecting-the-right-groundwater-sampler/. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]. 

[20] “PowerCore 10000,” Anker US. [Online]. Available: https://www.anker.com/products/a1263?variant=37437128409238. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[21] “20280 by Legrand: External Plug-in adapters,” 20280 by Legrand | External Plug-In Adapters | Arrow.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.arrow.com/en/products/20280/legrand. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[22] “Leviton 101-WP 15 amp, 125 volt, NEMA 1-15P, 2P, 2W, Plug, straight blade, residential grade, polarized, non-grounding, white,” LEVITON MFG: Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-Straight-Residential-Polarized-Non-Grounding/dp/B0015OCG9S. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[23] E. Technology, “AC or DC - which one is more dangerous and why ?,” ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY, 06-Feb-2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2019/08/ac-dc-which-is-more-dangerous.html. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]. 

[24] $5 RGB LED Strip - Five Below Review - Budget Buys Ep. 15. YouTube, 2018. [Accessed 04-Mar-2023]

[25] Amazon. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Tricolor-Multicolor-Lighting-Electronics-Components/dp/B01C19ENDM?th=1 . [Accessed: 04-Mar-2023]. 

[26] Amazon. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Operated-Decoration-Christmas-Holiday/dp/B01837ULPU/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=led%2Bstring%2Blights&qid=1677694146&sr=8-7&th=1 . [Accessed: 04-Mar-2023]. 

[27] Amazon. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/NEROSUN-Halloween-Waterproof-Decorations-Garden-Party/dp/B09Z7WX5JG/. [Accessed: 04-Mar-2023]. 

[28] Walmart. “Pennington Red Terra Cotta Clay Planter, 8 inch Pot”. [Online]. Available:https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pennington-Red-Terra-Cotta-Clay-Planter-4-inch-Pot/16795425. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]

[29] Daiso Japan. “Flowerpot Brown”. [Online]. Available: https://daisous.com/products/4941961100308?_pos=166&_sid=354baf1cb&_ss=r. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]

[30] Daiso Japan. “Flower Pot - Brown 4L”. [Online]. Available: https://daisous.com/products/4941961130398?_pos=52&_sid=354baf1cb&_ss=r. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]

[31] Bonsai Outlet. “6" Glazed Ceramic Bonsai Pot & Matching Humidity Tray”. [Online]. Available: https://www.bonsaioutlet.com/pots/glazed-bonsai-pots/6-glazed-ceramic/. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]

[32] Amazon. “VanEnjoy Large Ceramic Succulent Pot, Multicolor Colorful Flowing Glazed, Indoor Home Décor Cactus Flower Bonsai Pot Planter Container, Candle Holder Ring Bowl”. [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/VanEnjoy-Succulent-Multicolor-Colorful-Container/dp/B07ZSYTWWX/ref=asc_df_B07ZSYTWWX/. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]

[33] “Well known for their quality and reliability, Bulgin’s toggle switches ...” [Online]. Available: https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/57/A_Toggle_Switch-1600832.pdf. [Accessed: 27-Feb-2023]. 

[34] “Amazon.com: B&P Lamp® white inline rotary cord switch for 18/2 SPT-2 ...” [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Lamp-White-Inline-Rotary-Switch/dp/B01LZPAL79. [Accessed: 04-Mar-2023]. 

[35] “Push button switch,” Components101. [Online]. Available: https://components101.com/switches/push-button. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023]. 

[36] “Inline cord switch, XGJUCE button in line cord appliance switch,rated ...” [Online]. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Inline-Switch-XGJUCE-Appliance-Bedroom/dp/B091HXK6NR. [Accessed: 04-Mar-2023]. 

[37] “E-stop switches,” Honeywell. [Online]. Available: https://sps.honeywell.com/us/en/products/advanced-sensing-technologies/aero-and-transportation-sensing/aero-and-transportation-controls/switches/e-stop-switches. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].