The feng shui style, literally meaning proper positions for harmonious placement, is the best way to create a peaceful and relaxing environment in your garden. Although the practice of feng shui originated in China, it has become very popular in the United States, both in the home and in the yard. There are many practical applications to the feng shui style for gardening, but here are just a few tips and tricks to help you create balance and harmony in a feng shui garden:
The Basics
A feng shui style garden will have a total of eight distinct areas, each representing something different and unique. Each of these separate areas should be recognizable in order to clarify the specific meanings that each represents. All five basic elements should be represented in area of garden and in the ninth sector mentioned below, to achieve best results; all sectors are equally important to maximize your garden`s chi. Leaving out even one can disrupt the harmony and flow of your garden area.
These areas and elements are:
- North-water, metal
- Northeast - earth
- East - water, wood
- Southeast-fire, water, wood
- South-fire, wood
- Southwest-fire, earth
- West - metal
- Northwest - metal
The Sectors
Each sector of a feng shui garden represents a different element, relationship, number, cure or healing factor, and so on. That is why it is so important to be sure that you utilize the right elements in each region of the garden. For example, the northern area will represent water, help with career issues, represents the number one, and should be characterized by waves, curves, water features, metal chimes, and silver plant options.
Separate each sector with a simple footbath, so that visitors, family members, friends, and guests can really get a feel for each distinct individual area. Never create a straight footpath in a feng shui style garden, as this brings negativity to the area, and be sure that the path is the same width (or larger than) as the front door. If the path seems too angular, create a softer and more flowing feeling with shrubbery, plants, and flowers.
Adding Trees
Trees are important for shade, but too many trees can keep the sun from shining in your yard, and this is important for proper feng shui. Make sure that any trees you plant offer rounded leaves, never leaves with pointed or sharp edges. Trees represent many positive elements in a feng shui garden, so take special care of them at all times. Feng shui experts recommend adding two trees to the front door area, one on each side, to accent the door and add the right element of protection to the entryway area.
Ninth Sector
Some feng shui experts suggest adding a ninth sector, representing earth, to the center of your garden area for an overall environment dictator. This t`ai chi is considered to be one of the most important areas of the garden, as neglecting the sector can lead to bad chi flow, or negative influences, in both your life and your garden. Adding this sector can also increase your opportunity for rounded footpaths, offering more of a circle or octagon shape overall.
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