Feng Shui in the Garden

If you haven’t yet heard of Feng Shui, allow us to introduce you to the subject. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy that believes in attracting and guiding the flow of cosmic energy to influence your health, wealth, and happiness. If you are already familiar with Feng Shui, you should know that it is assumed by many that the same fundamental principles that apply to your home also apply to your garden, maybe even more so since the energy in your home is brought in from the outside.

Feng Shui means ‘wind’ and ‘water’. According to Chinese tradition, everything in the world contains ch’i, the cosmic life force. Ch’i means to flow freely like wind and water, but it is alleged that its movement can be blocked or trapped. This, it is believed, can cause disharmony or misfortune in your life. The movement of ch’i is thought to be influenced by several things such as colors, shapes and sound. The purpose of Feng Shui is to ensure that ch’i is flowing smoothly and gently without being allowed to stagnate or move too quickly. This harmony in your environment is understood to create harmony in your life.

Feng Shui starts with basic gardening maintenance. Ch’i is believed to stagnate in areas where junk accumulates. Clean up your patio or deck and screen your garbage cans. Throw away any broken pots or planters. Good cultural practices are also considered important in the flow of ch’i. Mow your lawn, pull up weeds, edge your beds, remove dead plants, prune any broken or damaged limbs, stake plants, control insects and disease.

Ch’i requires smooth curves to flow. It is funneled by straight lines but impeded by sharp angles. It does not need to be costly or time consuming to remedy problems. A straight walkway can be softened with the addition of curved beds on either side. You may also try planting perennials that spill onto a walkway to break up straight lines. To help ch’i flow gently around corners, consider the addition of a tree, shrub or climbing vine. A curved bench is another option.

Bright colors, especially red, are used in Feng Shui to attract ch’i. Poor Feng Shui, it is believed, is remedied by placing the five elements, recognized by the ancient Chinese, in their appropriate direction to beneficially affect the movement of ch’i. These elements, supplied by nature are: wood, fire, earth, water and metal.

Why not try some of the remedies below? They may assist with the flow of ch’i in your garden and perhaps you will reap the benefits of good fortune Feng Shui reportedly imparts.

Feng Shui Remedies

North Element: Water
Influences: creativity and personal growth
Incorporate: ponds, streams, fountains, sound, the colors of blue and black

Northeast Element: Earth
Influences: knowledge and wisdom
Incorporate: Stone benches, rock gardens, boulders, statuary, patio, color

Northwest Element: Metal
Influences: fatherhood, interests outside the home, travel. Incorporate: statues of deities, saints and cherubs, wind chimes, sun dials, the colors of gold, copper, silver or white

East Element: Wood
Influences: harmony, health, family
Incorporate: fruit trees, herbs, play equipment, the color green

Southeast Element: Wood
Influences: wealth and material possessions
Incorporate: wooden planters or troughs, arbors and trellises, trees and flowers, the color green

Southwest Element: Earth
Influences: motherhood, romance, love
Incorporate: metal benches for two, metal tables and chairs, the colors yellow and brown

West Element: Metal
Influences: children, socializing and entertaining
Incorporate: dining table and chairs, children’s play equipment, area for sunbathing