Feng Shui Gardens - Bring in All the Elements
A Feng Shui Garden - Is Peaceful and Calm
A garden is an outdoor space that should be inviting and a place to relax. Arranging and decorating the garden is key to creating the oasis you dream of and not an unruly jungle. The same principles of Feng Shui work in gardens as well as inside the home. Energy moves throughout the garden and having healthy happy plants is part of the flow of energy. Feng Shui gardens begin at the entrance, just like the home. Find the garden’s opening and place something of importance there like a gate, pergola or arbor. Colors have a strong impact on the flow of energy too. Hot colors like red and yellow will lift energy in the garden. Cooler garden colors like white and purple are soothing. A Feng Shui garden encompasses balance and harmony in plantings and flowers. There needs to be enough space in the garden and room to grow. If everything is too tight, plants are unhealthy and the jungle begins. For the Chinese, plants in the garden are the source of feelings and hopes; therefore, everyone feels drawn to different plants in different ways. Some of the meanings of garden plants are:
- Woody plants – create movement
- Fire plants – provide a humorous atmosphere and beauty in the garden
- Earthy plants – bring peace and a stability to the garden
- Metal plants – provide a resilience to the garden elements and strength
- Water plants – strong and serious in nature
Accessorize the garden with Feng Shui tools. Fountains, birdbaths, wind chimes, flags, banners and more are just a few of the items when placed in a garden bring life and energy. Stay away from garden furniture that is ornately designed. Natural materials that coordinate with an outdoor setting are best. A focal point is lovely in a garden such as statuary or gazing ball. Gardens can be reflective and a place for meditation and commune with nature. Too much noise in a garden is distracting. A path up to the garden should leave the person on a meandering journey. Curves and nooks should be built into the garden for an interesting walk and a place to sit down and relax. When decorating the garden, bring in Feng Shui elements from earth, fire, water, metal and wood. The following are some examples:
- Wood symbolizes a new beginning and natural air purifiers - arbors, benches, planters, garden furniture
- Water symbolizes life on the planet, we cannot live without water - bird bath, fountains, geysers
- Metal encourages creative ideas and brings about change - wind chimes, whirligigs
- Fire is hot gives a spark to projects - grills, outdoor lighting, citronella candles
- Earth represents the mountains and soil of the garden - clay pots, terracotta, stone, boulders
The principles of Feng Shui can be used in any garden, large or small, rooftop or acreage. It is important that the changes you make through Feng Shui bring an element of calm, balance and harmony. Create an outdoor garden or small terrace garden that is a place to call home and relax.
Don’t try to force anything. Let life be a deep let-go. See God opening millions of flowers everyday without forcing the buds.
- Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
See Also: Furniture ● Desks and Offices ● Entrances
