Feng Shui in the Garden
The garden is a wonderful place to introduce feng shui principles. Here you can create a tranquil oasis of peace and calm, and boost the overall feng shui of your home. There are a few key features to keep in mind when incorporating feng shui into your garden design.
Houses are usually made of straight lines, so in the garden you can introduce soft, flowing shapes and curves. Paths or driveways should be gently curved to allow chi (or positive energy) to flow smoothy. If you do have a perfectly straight driveway you can soften the edges by planting shrubs or flowers.
Feng shui is always concerned with balance. So in the garden you can have something textured and something smooth, something short and something tall, hard and soft, sunlight and shade. Placing something hard, for example, like a rock next to something fluid like running water, creates harmony and looks beautiful.
Indeed, clear running water is considered to be excellent feng shui. Water has long been a symbol of wealth and abundance. But the water must be clean! If you have a bird bath that’s full of stagnant murky water toss it out. Make sure you top it up and replace with fresh water regularly. A water fountain that has a small pump and creates flowing water is best, and you get to enjoy the pleasant sound of running water. Tip: the water should always flow towards the house, not away from it.
If it’s possible, having a little summer house or pagoda in the garden is a real treat. It can be a great place for children to play with their friends, or for you to go and relax, or practise your yoga!
Bring elements into the garden that are attractive and functional too. Have a comfortable outdoor table and chairs, consider hanging a wind chime from a branch and it will send a gentle trinkling sound in the breeze. And keeping a bird feeder in the garden is a lovely way to attract more wildlife.
All healthy plants are good feng shui but there are some plants that are especially good because of the symbols they represent. These include jasmine, azaleas, chrysanthemums, lilies, magnolias, roses, cherry trees, bamboo and pine trees.
Finally, choose your favorite flowers that you like best and plant them in the garden to bring you joy each time you see them. Have fun creating your feng shui garden and bring in the colors, natural elements and items that you love. Remember you are looking to achieve harmony and balance in a natural setting.
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