DIY A Personalized Zen Garden Using Affordable Dollar Tree Supplies

If you've been looking for an easy way to instill a calm and relaxing mood in your home, you may have found yourself wondering, "What is a zen garden, and what makes them different?" An indoor zen garden usually has a sand-filled tray, a small rake for creating flowing patterns, and decorative items that you find meaningful, such as colorful stones or succulents. Raking and arranging the elements is said to enhance tranquility, and with a few Dollar Tree items, you can create your own zen garden at a pleasantly budget-friendly price.

TikTok creator @risseroe offers this affordable mini zen garden DIY that makes a great addition to the home office, the bedroom, and especially the bathroom, as it's the one room in the house where you can escape for some privacy. To make your own tabletop garden, you'll need to head to Dollar Tree for a decorative square sign with a recessed surface (like this Harvest Theme Tabletop Decoration), White Decorative Sand, black paint, and some nature-inspired elements, such as green and black fake succulents, river rocks, and small mushroom decor. If desired, you can also grab your favorite aromatherapy essential oil. Essential oils offers some of the best natural ways to fragrance your home, and you can mix and match them to your heart's (or nose's) content. Add your own combination of essential oils for different purposes. Mix sandalwood and bergamot to reduce anxiety, combine rose and patchouli for relaxation, or freshen the room with sweet orange and ylang ylang essential oils. Combining your garden with essential oil aromas gives you a sensory benefit on every level.

To make your Dollar Tree zen garden, remove any embellishments from the sign to leave a flat, recessed surface. Paint the sign black. Once the paint is dry, cover the box's bottom with a layer of sand. Then, decorate your garden with your Dollar Tree items, like Black Decorative Accent Polished River Stones or Floral Garden Reindeer Moss. For more decorating options, take a tour through Dollar Tree's fairy garden section. You'll find many items that may be meaningful to add zen to your garden, such as bridges and watery elements. Add a tiny pond, a small stream, or a wishing well. Remember, this is your personalized zen garden, and you can add whatever enhances your sense of calm and peace.

To complete the project, create a mini rake using bamboo skewers and a wooden dowel rod. Cut the dowel to make the rake head. If you're new to cutting wood, save yourself some time with the woodworking tip every beginner should know before cutting — always cut on the cut line's waste side. With a nail and hammer, punch holes for the rake teeth along the dowel's length, and add another for the handle. Cut the sharp tips off four skewers and gently press them in, and insert the handle into its hole.

Finish up by finding a place to put your mini zen garden. If you don't have room for it, grab a Dollar Tree Large Decorative Hanging Wall Shelf with Rope. Mount it on the wall, and position your zen garden where it doesn't take up surface space.