THE FENG SHUI GARDEN

Applying Feng Shui to your garden creates a more harmonious environment.  If it is too shady and you trim your tree; if shrubs are overgrown and you prune them; if you have dead or diseased plants and you remove or replace them - that is all good Feng Shui.

The garden reflects the health of the environment.  The healthier the plants, the better the Feng Shui.

CURVED LINES

The diffusion of negative energy created by sharp LINES directed to your house is one of the main functions of Feng Shui in the garden. Hence, walkways leading to the house should be curved, allowing the beneficial forces of Sheng Chi to flow into your home.  Any sharp angles or structures overlooking your garden should be softened by planting shrubs or a tree to block them.

In Feng Shui curves are preferable to straight lines.  Therefore, paths within a garden should meander gently from one area to another.  If you have a straight, paved path, use shrubs at the borders to grow over the edges and soften the line and help prevent the harmful Sha Chi from surging through your garden.

Positive Chi is attracted to water, and of course an active water feature such as a fountain or fish pond with running water will create even more of the positive energy.

SYMBOLIC PLANTS

Certain plants are desirable in a feng Shui garden.  They are symbolic of the good things of life.  A few of these are bamboo (Youth and Good Luck), cherry (Fruitfulness), jasmine (Friendship), orange (wealth), conifer (tolerance and Longevity) and water lily (fortitude).

BEDS AND BORDERS

In setting up beds and borders in the Feng Shui garden, remember that curves are desirable over straight lines.  The garden beds should be of freeform shapes and if there are any short beds that have to be straight, use shrubs that can hang over and soften the straight line of the bed.  It is better to have an overgrown border that blurs the definition of the line than a neat, straight  one.  Any beds in the center of the garden or surrounded by lawn should be circular or oblong in shape.

GARDEN FURNITURE

Careful selection and utilization of garden furniture and accessories add the finishing touches to the Feng Shui garden.  They should provide beauty, serenity and comfort.  

The first consideration in selecting garden furniture is practicality, but the furniture must also be comfortable.  Place it where you can relax and meditate, and where you can have a clear view of the garden.  Statues, urns, rocks and ornamental pots are accessories that can further beautify the garden, but they should be made of natural materials such as stone, wood and clay.

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If you have any gardening news or tips you would like to share, or if you are having a problem in your garden, e-mail me at thehappygardner@tstt.net.tt

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