Plants That Work For A Zen Garden
Acer p., Buxus, Thuja o., Cordyline, Carex, Sedum, Nepeta
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Plants That Work For A Zen Garden - Plant By Numbers - Plant Pack is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Plants That Work For A Zen Garden highlights at a glance!
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Plant Class
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Botanical Name
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Brand
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Growth RateModerate
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Bloom PeriodYear-round
Characteristics
Where To Plant
When To Prune
- Late Spring
Water & Moisture Needs
- Moderate
Sunlight Needs
Soil Needs
Growing Zones
Create a Serene Zen Garden With Plant by Number Design
Looking to bring calm, balance, and beauty to your outdoor space? The Zen Garden Plant by Number is a tranquil 18 by 9-foot layout designed to evoke peace through texture, color, and structure. Whether you are dreaming of a minimalist garden or want a meditative corner in your landscape, this easy-to-follow design offers simplicity and style without the need for a professional designer.
Crafted by landscape architect Katie Weber, this layout uses soothing greens, graceful form, and layered interest to create a restful retreat. With low-maintenance plants that offer year-round interest and gentle movement, this Zen-inspired plan is perfect for modern landscapes, Asian-style gardens, and small backyard sanctuaries. Designed for USDA growing zones 5 to 8 in full sun, this garden is as peaceful as it is practical.
What’s Included in the Zen Garden Plan
This 18-foot by 9-foot layout works beautifully in:
- Side yards or narrow backyard borders
- Modern or minimalist landscapes
- Meditation areas or shaded seating spaces
- Along patios, fences, or gravel paths
The design includes a professional layout, clear plant placement diagram, and a step-by-step installation guide so you can plant with confidence! Your carefully selected plants arrive at the proper planting time for your growing zone with expert care and maintenance tips.
Your Zen Garden will include:
- 1 Japanese Maple for graceful form, burgundy foliage, and structure
- 2 Boxwood for evergreen symmetry and sculptural shape
- 1 Cordyline for striking foliage and a touch of tropical flair in zones 8 to 11 or as an annual accent/houseplant in cooler climates.
- 3 Sedge Grass for movement, texture, and calm color
- 3 Sedum groundcovers to fill in space with soft green and seasonal flowers
- 3 Catmint for fragrant blue flowers and pollinator-friendly color
This combination of structure, color, and calm motion is the heart of Zen-inspired design. The Japanese Maple anchors the space while grasses and groundcovers add rhythm and flow. Selected to grow best together by our experts, these plants arrive ready to plant at your doorstep!
Step by Step: How to Install a Plant by Number Garden
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Pick Your Plan: Download the Zen Garden plan PDF, which includes layout, plant list, and care guide.
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Prep Your Site: Clear the area of grass and weeds. Shape the bed and amend the soil if needed.
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Lay Out the Design: Use the included diagram to position each plant. Optional plant markers can help!
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Dig and Plant: Dig holes twice as wide as the pot and plant at the same depth as in the container.
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Water and Mulch: Water thoroughly, then apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to retain moisture.
- Maintain and Enjoy: Follow included tips for deadheading, watering, and pruning.
Caring for and Maintaining Your Zen Garden
This garden is made to be as easy-care as it is enchanting. Most of the plants are drought-tolerant once established, deer-resistant, and tough enough for variable weather.
- Refresh arborist mulch or gravel each spring for a clean appearance
- Prune Boxwood lightly in spring to keep shape
- Trim Catmint after flowering to encourage a second flush
- Japanese Maple may be pruned lightly in late winter to maintain form
- Sedum and Sedge require minimal care and tolerate drought once established
Peace of Mind Starts With Planting
With the Zen Garden by Plant by Number, you can turn any part of your yard into a calming escape filled with beauty and balance. The professional layout gives you structure, while the low-maintenance plant palette keeps the space meditative and relaxing. Whether you are sipping tea, reading a book, or simply enjoying the breeze, this garden invites stillness and reflection.
Order your Zen Garden plan today and start building a backyard sanctuary that soothes the soul. We’ll ship your plants and kit to your doorstep at the proper planting time for your growing zone!
