Secret Garden Concept

• Secret Garden
  
  If you do not have a lot of time to devote to keeping up a garden, consider creating a landscape without a lawn. Putting down bark instead of grass saves on having to mow regularly. And there is more flexibility to create stepping stone pathways that lead to an array of specially-selected plants and flowers. The garden in the photo has a fairytale decorative element to it, with a wishing well, a parade of tortoises, a fairy, and "a magical rabbit named Harvey." Having less maintenance does means having more time to enjoy just sitting in your secret garden--note the bench to the left, beyond the wishing well.
  
  

Indoor Garden

• Indoor Fountain Garden
  
  There is nothing so soothing as the sound of water splashing gently in a miniature fountain. Make a fountain the center piece of your indoor garden, and surround it with plants and flowers that you like. You can do this on a large coffee table, for example. The potted plants in the photo are pink and purple African violets, which seem to grow especially well in groups. You will have to change the fountain water periodically, of course, and water and fertilize the plants regularly. But the tranquility and beauty they provide make it well worthwhile. For details of how to grow African violets. (See Resources.)
  
  

Oriental Concept

• Statue of Kwan Yin
  
  In this Orient-inspired garden, a statue of the Chinese goddess of mercy, Kwan Yin, is the main focus, against a simple bamboo backdrop put together using bamboo strips. You can create a similar effect with bamboo or wood strips, and a statue of your own choice (for example, cranes, dragons or lions if you prefer), and plants or trees that you enjoy. It is the effect that you are after, so there are no rigid rules to follow. Maple trees, stepping stones and pebbles are other potential elements that you can add. You could also consider creating a Zen garden, which is basically composed of rockery and sand. See Resources for information about the history of Zen gardens, including indoor and miniature Zen gardens.