Zen Landscaping in Calgary

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ Summer 2024 is finally here and we couldn't be happier – although we know that everyone will be on the go with competing priorities. Unsurprisingly, it will be challenging to find moments of peace and tranquility. So, if you are one of those busy Calgarians who is racing from one task to another, with little time to relax and recharge, then Japanese Zen style gardening and landscaping is the perfect solution for you. Now, you might be thinking: Creating a Japanese and Zen style garden or landscape in Calgary seems like an unusual choice, considering the harsh climate and limited space. And, Yes, you might also be wondering: How an ancient art form that allows for creativity and self-expression can benefit a modern and busy Calgarian. The good news is that Japanese Zen style gardening and landscaping can bring balance and calmness into your hectic life, and only requires you to be fully present in the moment as a mean...

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ For some of us, traditional college schooling or an apprenticeship can be quite formal and expensive. In contrast, self-learning and lifelong learning can be cost-effective, with so many open and affordable resources available, including books, manuals, online tutorials, forums, blogs, and more. The best learning method depends on your personal learning style, availability, and career goals. Without the constraints of conventional schooling or an apprenticeship, you have the freedom to explore and experiment. You can learn at your own pace, focusing on those areas that interest you the most. This freedom fosters creativity and innovation, allowing you to develop your unique talents. This makes Japanese style landscaping accessible to everyone, regardless of race, gender, income, and other circumstances. Without the pressure of grades and attendance, you can tailor your learning schedule according to your lifestyle. Whether...

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ In the past years, there has been a lot of discussion about Japanese Zen dry gardens, and how much they differ from the western style gardens filled with flowers and wasteful lawns. At a first glance, Zen dry gardens may seem plain and lacking in diversity. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate their simplicity. Like an iceberg, there is a hidden depth to Japanese Zen style gardens that goes beyond what meets the eye. Drawing from my own continuous research and experience of more than a decade, I have discovered that Japanese Zen dry gardens are intricate spaces with a profound meaning. Their significance is as timeless and thought-provoking as the pyramids were for the ancient pharaohs and Egyptians. As you embark on your own exploration, you will uncover how the concept of a monotone or limited color palette in Zen style gardens greatly enhances their tranquility and aesthetic charm. I know that at this point s...

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ If you are looking to boost your home's appeal and value, consider incorporating a Japanese Zen style garden or landscape a profitable choice -- as the average house price in Calgary was expected to hit $564,000 by 31 December 2023. For this purpose, you might need the assistance of a landscape architect as they can offer guidance on plant selection, layout, and structures. Their services typically cost between $2,000 and $6,000. Next, to direct the landscaping crews during construction, a garden design plan is necessary. The cost can range from $2,000 to $6,000. The selection of plants and trees plays a vital role in designing a Japanese style garden and landscape. The cost can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the species and quantities you chose. It is advisable to consult with a local nursery or horticultural expert, especially considering that some species may not be suitable for Calgary's climate. For exampl...

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ Watering lawns and gardens is expensive and inefficient, especially in a dry region like Calgary. On the other hand, Japanese Zen dry gardens make use of boulders, stones, rocks, gravel, sand, and plants that can withstand drought conditions. According to the City of Calgary, some 30 percent of all residential water consumption is used for lawn and garden irrigation. In 2023, the average monthly water bill for a household was $111. If households reduce this expense by 30% during the summer months, they could save around $200 per year. With 356,225 families in Calgary (per the 2021 census), these savings are quite substantial. Furthermore, a study conducted at the University of Alberta suggests that incorporating green spaces can lead to a notable appreciation in property values in Edmonton, ranging from 5% to 15%. By applying this 5% increase to the average residential property value in Calgary, which amounted to $555,000 ...

By Jose G. Monagas  |  https://ishidorozengardens.com/ Residents in Calgary have consciously decided to immerse themselves in a haven of peace and tranquility as we introduce the captivating world of Japanese Zen style gardens and landscaping as an option. Meanwhile, both the news and media have consistently reported about how much water is being wasted on unsustainable lawns -- where households consume in excess of 10 thousand gallons of water annually. This phenomenon, known as "the hidden water waste in lawn maintenance" is something we aim to address through our approach. It is unsettling to see how in dry climates like Calgary, homeowners tend to overwater their lawns during the hot summer months in order to maintain their green appeal. Unfortunately, this results in a significant amount of fresh water being lost through evaporation. So, adopting Zen dry gardens is a smart move towards a more sustainable future, as they require minimal to no irrigation -- which is an ide...

By Jose G. Monagas   |    https://ishidorozengardens.com/ In Calgary, the climate gracefully offers a taste of icy serenity and fiery passion. So, you should expect to transition between cold winters and hot summers with plenty of rain. It is prairie-like, and mostly sunny throughout the year. Despite being dry, Calgary is known for being the sunniest city in Canada, with an average of 2,396 hours of sunshine annually. More precisely, July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 16.5 degrees Celsius, while January is the coldest at minus 7 degrees. The wettest month is June with an average of 80mm of rain; and March is the snowiest with around 23cm of snow. In contrast, Japan is a rainy country with high humidity levels. For example, in May, Kyoto has temperatures ranging from 24 to 13 degrees Celsius, with an average precipitation of 154 millimeters. Although Kyoto has a humid subtropical climate, winters can be cold with some snowfall. It is no secret t...