We all want a place that we can go for relaxation and peace, but there is not always room within the home to design a beautiful oasis. For those of us with limited space inside, consider creating a peaceful garden with feng shui techniques. A garden provides a place where you can sit back and enjoy life, and it typically does not cost as much as you might think.
Here are a few terms that you should become familiar with as you design your feng shui style garden:
Feng shui: Chinese term having to do with using elements to balance chi and promote harmony and well being.
Ch`i, or Chi: Positive energy, promoting health, success, prosperity, wisdom, creativity, and similar attributes. Negative chi has the opposite effects.
Bagua: Zones of balance, nine total, each having a different symbolism and importance. When you create your garden oasis, it is critical to pay close attention to each bagua in order to maximize the feng shui garden`s potential. The nine baguas are:
- Wealth
- Fame
- Partnership
- Family
- Energy
- Children
- Knowledge
- Career
- Friends
Feng shui items: Items that represent the five elements: wood, water, fire, earth, and water. Balance is not attained unless there is adequate representation from each element when utilizing the feng shui garden style.
Although there are many experts who offer their own opinions on how to create a feng shui garden, most note that there is no real set of rules for designing a peaceful feng shui style garden oasis. As long as each bagua and item is represented in the correct order and in equal amounts, or as close as possible, your mission is accomplished. There are no specific plants, flowers, trees, or shrubs that are best for any specific bagua, as long as the symbolism is achieved effectively.
The only real rule that should be remembered when creating a peaceful garden with feng shui is that paths should never run in a straight line. Allow the chi to flow freely, wandering in the garden in a relaxed manner until finally coming to your home, so that the feelings are relaxed, calm, and peaceful. If you have no option but straight paths for some reason, consider allowing the plant life to take over the path, giving it a more broken and twisted look, to accomplish the same goal.
Do not forget to make your garden functional, offering comfortable places to sit or recline and enjoy the surroundings. The garden should not be a sterile environment, all look and no touch, but instead a place where you, as well as your family, friends, and guests, can enjoy spending time together and in the garden area. Benches, seats, hammocks, and similar methods should not be overlooked as you create the space.
Finally, do not be afraid to get creative with your feng shui garden. Water features, bright colors, vivid earthy tones, rock art, and even metals can all be incorporated easily into the garden, allowing each of the elements to balance and harmonize, creating the perfect atmosphere for any feng shui style area.
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