Practical Tips for a Zen Raked Garden Construction

Here is our clear, practical, step-by-step guide to creating a serene Japanese raked gravel area (karesansui style) with feature stones, designed specifically for a small garden.

1. Decide the Mood & Scale (Very Important)

For small spaces, simplicity creates calm.

Practical choices:

• Area size: even 1.5 × 2 m works well

• Colour palette: one gravel colour + one stone type

• Number of feature stones: 3 or 5 only

Rule to remember: Fewer elements = more serenity.

2. Mark Out the Area

What to do:

• Use string, a hose, or sand to outline the shape.

• Rectangular or soft organic shapes both work—just avoid complex curves.

Tip: Slightly irregular edges look more natural than perfect squares.

3. Prepare the Ground Properly

This step determines how long it looks good.

Steps:

1. Dig down 10–15 cm

2. Remove all weeds and roots

3. Compact the soil

4. Lay heavy-duty weed membrane

Optional but recommended: Pin the membrane tightly to prevent movement.

4. Create a Stable Base

Why: Prevents gravel sinking and uneven raking.

Steps:

• Add 3–5 cm of sharp sand or fine gravel

• Level and tamp firmly

5. Choose the Right Gravel

This defines the entire look.

Best choices:

• Size: 6-14mm

• Shape: angular 

• Colour: silver grey granite

Avoid: bright white, mixed colours, or very small gravel (hard to rake).

Depth: 4–5 cm

6. Select & Place Feature Stones (The Soul of the Garden)

Use stones that look weathered and natural.

Stone types:

• Granite

• Limestone

• Sandstone

Sizes (example for a small area):

• 1 main stone: ~50–60 cm

• 2 smaller companions: ~30–40 cm

Placement rules:

• Bury each stone ⅓ into the ground

• Tilt stones slightly—never lay them flat

• Place stones in asymmetrical groups

• Avoid lining stones up or centering them

Japanese principle: Stones should look like they’ve always been there.

7. Add Subtle Accents (Optional)

If you want soft contrast without clutter:

Good options:

• Moss around stone bases

• A single clump of Hakone grass

• One dwarf evergreen or acer outside the raked area

Keep plants at the edges, never in the centre.

8. Rake the Gravel

This is where serenity appears.

How to rake:

• Use a wooden Zen rake or small garden rake

• Straight, parallel lines for calm

• Circular ripples around stones

• Leave clear “flow space” between stones

Tip: Rake in one direction only—don’t overwork it.

9. Frame the Space

Framing makes it intentional and peaceful.

Simple options:

• Natural stone edging

• Dark timber edging

• Clean gravel-to-lawn edge

Avoid plastic or bright materials.

10. Maintain the Calm

Very low effort, very high reward.

Ongoing care:

• Re-rake after rain or leaf fall

• Remove debris promptly

• Top up gravel every few years

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Too many stones

• ❌ Symmetry or centring

• ❌ Bright white gravel

• ❌ Mixing stone types

• ❌ Over-planting

A Simple Starter
If you want further ideas:

• 2 m × 2 m area

• Pale grey gravel

• 3 stones (1 large, 2 medium)

• Straight raked lines

• Moss at stone bases only