Jul 15, 2010 0
From Weed Pile to Feng Shui Garden
The overall goal of your garden should be to achieve a pleasing and inviting natural space. The arrangement of all your plants, pavers, fencing and other decorative elements is key to creating a sanctuary instead of a weed pile. That is where Feng Shui principles come in.
In review, Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice that combines arts and sciences to create a pleasing, harmonious environment of good Chi. Chi is the universal energy that is embodied in all things. If there is something out of place, this can create an imbalance in Chi. The overall goal is to set up your garden in such a way that you have a positive flow of Chi that ultimately influences all areas of life.
You don’t necessarily have to believe in Feng Shui in order to put its principles into play. Regardless of your beliefs, if you want a Feng Shui garden retreat, follow these practical advice.
When it comes to the garden, you will want to follow Feng Shui practices and start at the entrance. In the best situation, your garden entrance will face south as it will get the most sun exposure. If possible, do not choose an imposing fence gate as it will make your garden area feel uninviting to people as well as Chi. A gate with an open design is best as it will keep out trespassers of the human and animal kind while at the same time still allow sunlight and positive energy to enter the garden.
In terms of plants, there are no specific varieties that particularly shout “Feng Shui.” Therefore, you will want to employ various colors from plants and flowers to invoke a variety of moods, just as they would inside the home. For instance, for a cool and calm space, choose white flowers as well as cool looking purple and periwinkle colors. These are more soothing than vibrant yellows, reds and pinks that are more spirited.
If you love both the bright and energetic colors in addition to the more soothing ones, do not allow them to intermingle. Instead choose specific areas of the garden and plant the bright ones in one place and calming ones in another. Also, allow green plants to be planted amongst the flowers to provide a gentle buffer for the different types of energy they exude.
Balance is also important when planting. Allowing too many plants in one area is akin to clutter which can drop the energy levels dramatically. Patience needs to be practiced so that you give the plants and flowers enough time to grow lusher and take over some of the empty spaces instead of giving in and trying to plant more flowers and greenery right now.
Of course, what is in season will also dictate how you apply Feng Shui to your garden area as well. Just remember that no matter what flowers are in bloom you will want to balance the primary colors of flowers along with some that complement them. And don’t just stick with one kind of flower or plant either. It’s good Feng Shui to choose a variety of shapes for your flowers even if they have the same color. This adds texture as well as energy.
Incorporating herbs in your garden are beneficial as well. Some herbs such as lavender and sage can then be picked and used inside the home for aromatherapy purposes. You don’t have to stick with just plants in the ground either. Use whiskey barrel or ceramic pot planters scattered throughout your garden to add interesting elements and elevate some special plants or flowers.
If you plan to build a walking path in your garden, try to create a winding paving path instead of a straight path which encourages energy to rush through instead of taking its time. A birdbath or even a trickling water fountain is other great elements to incorporate into your garden. The water is viewed as good luck and representative of abundance in the Chinese culture where Feng Shui was derived from. For those cooler nights, how about installing a chimenea in a specially paved area in your garden too?
Creating a tranquil garden befitting of Feng Shui principles is fairly easy once you have an understanding of how positive and negative energy flows. As long as you follow these principles, you have free reign as to the types of flowers and plants. The result of your efforts is a charming, peaceful space perfect for relaxing.