Zen in the Garden: The Japanese Art of Peaceful Gardening

Using the Japanese concept of niwa-yoku—translated as garden well or the process of learning to be present in nature in gardens—writer and poet Sakamoto, who has written several works about nature in German, presents her first title to be published in English. In this book, the author shares the observations of what she calls garden bathing, and she bases her conclusions on working in her own garden in Munich. Garden bathing, rooted in Zen principles, asks one to be mindfully present while doing garden work, to reflect on any internal changes such work brings, and to foster true awareness of the natural world. The book showcases Sakamoto’s evocative reflections on seasons, wildlife, birds, and the insects observed in her garden, and includes descriptions of specific flowers and vegetables and the author’s considerations of how they grow in her garden and fit into her life. The author effectively demonstrates how spending time in a garden can promote a greater appreciation for being present.