Although you could plant a few nonflowering shrubs in a Zen garden, they are not necessary -- it’s more about creating an abstract, minimalist, mostly barren "sea" for meditative viewing, using mostly gravel and a few sculptural or statuesque rocks. But not all gravel -- or rocks -- are kid-friendly. With the right color, texture, type and sized materials, your visually peaceful garden will be one the whole family can enjoy.

Color

The gravel’s color is essential to creating the garden’s relaxing aura -- it should be easy on the eyes. A neutral, pale gray or tan gravel would be easy to look at for extended periods compared to the brightness of white gravel, for example.

Size

Gravel size plays an integral part in a Zen garden. Choose a material that is small enough -- about 1/3 inch in diameter -- for your rake to easily comb through, while leaving a visible trail or lines from the rake’s tines. Gravel is a better choice than sand because wind and rain will not disturb the designs.