Jizo Garden Caretaking

Our Jizo Garden is asking for our loving attention. Jizo Bodhisattva is an archetypal being dedicated to the protection of women, children, and travelers.

Our Jizo garden is reached via an uphill path across the creek and continues through the garden to the Jizo shrine. This garden was created for a Jizo-focused retreat. Paths and garden boundaries are established and a meditation bench is in place, along with planted flowering shrubs. Over time, visitors have added small Jizo figures and reminders of children/childhood.

We are ready to continue this mindful gardening project. First, we'll define a few more paths and planting areas, and cut back more weedy grasses. We’ll also start propagating more of the natives that grow wild in the meadow, such as Chinese houses, Douglas and Fernald’s irises, blue-eyed grass, and yerba buena (which makes a soothing minty tea).

Once fall and early winter rains have soaked the ground, we'll start planting. We’ll water new plants during dry spells, hauling buckets of water up from the creek, until their roots are established. Rain brings weeds also -- and more mindful weeding opportunities.

We are currently gathering on Wednesday mornings, Saturday mornings, and Saturday afternoons for mindful care of this dedicated space and we welcome your participation.

You may want to wear thin gardening gloves (or go bare-handed), knee pads, a small stool, or something similar if you prefer to kneel while weeding. Also, consider bringing a water bottle and a sun hat.

Depending on the day, work sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and/or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. You're encouraged to bring a bag lunch and spend time connecting with the sangha after or between working sessions. Come for the full or partial day as your schedule allows.

INTERESTED IN ONGOING PARTICIPATION?

With several jobs needing regular attention, sign up to participate in occasional Jikoji projects.

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