The obvious goal of maintaining a zen garden is to find inner peace and comfort—hence the zen—as you rake intricate designs and patterns into the sand. But for some people, that zen actually comes ...

Zen gardens are mostly about what's not in them. No cutesy bird feeders hanging from trees. No knockout roses. No in-ground sprinkler system. No grass. They are far removed from wildflower pastures.

This summer has been one of extreme heat, smoky air, wild winds, monsoon rainstorms and unaccustomed humidity. What is needed now is serenity, beauty or, more precisely, a Zen garden, healing garden ...