SPYROS GERAVELIS LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The Zen Med garden

    The Zen Med (Meditarranean) garden combines the minimalist serenity of a traditional Japanese  garden with the sun-soaked aesthetic of Mediterranean landscapes. Its reference to the gardens of the East is focused not in form, but mostly in the spirit they convey. It does not copy  specific Japanese elements but instead recognizes and appreciates the philosophy behind Japanese architecture and gardening—the integration of nature and the search for a "timeless" harmony. It doesn’t include folklore decorative elements, but it approaches the garden with  reverence to nature and natural elements, investing them with and projecting a certain “sacredness” that is the essence of the Japanese art of garden making. 

Simplicity and Balance: Clean lines and uncluttered spaces evoke a sense of calm. The Japanese ability to combine functionality and aesthetics without superfluous elements,is a trait also found in Greek tradition.Simplicity, clarity, and the sense of harmony as expressed in the  Japanese Zen gardens, with their simple lines and unrefined natural elements, inspires us  to seek the "essence" of space and focus on austerity and purity.

Natural Materials: Use of sand, gravel, and stones, alongside native Mediterranean plants of the maqui and garrigue, clipped, as they actually are in the natural landscapes, due to grazing .  Gravel covered surfaces, reflect the beach or dry riverbed, key features of the Mediterranean landscape. Strategically placed rocks provide focal points, reminiscent of Mediterranean cliffs or Japanese Zen symbolism.

Flowing Design: Paths and patterns mimic natural movement, with smooth transitions between spaces.