Feng Shui, pronounced foong-shway, originated in China more than 4,000 years ago and has been practised in the Far East for centuries. It means living in harmony and is the art of tuning into seasonal changes and nature to bring health, wealth and good fortune.
The practice has gained popularity in the West during recent years and is usually applied to interior design. According to experts the positioning of plants and other objects is important for the flow of energy through your garden. For example you should avoid cacti or plants with spikes as they create aggression and tension.
A feng shui (pronounced foong-shway) garden doesn’t have to look oriental. It is the positioning of colours and elements that should make your plot feng shui. Most gardens designed using this method are asymmetrical and the centre of the plot is left open. Where possible everything should look natural and you should try to have a mixture of shrubs, trees, flowers and ornaments.
You can plan your entire garden or just individual flower beds. Where you position different coloured plants, objects and paths is important and before you begin planting you will need to establish what parts of your garden are in the north, south, east and west.
North: The north represents career and financial success. Flowers planted in this part of your garden should be dark blue or purple, such as periwinkles and bluebells. South: Poppies, penstemon, roses and other red coloured flowers are best planted in the southern section of the garden. This area represents fame and reputation.
East: The eastern sections of your garden are said to symbolise health and family. It is recommended to plant foliage plants such as hosta, fern and lamb’s ear. West: The western areas represent children and fertility. Yellow and white flowers, such as marigolds, daffodils, daisies and lilies are best planted here.
In addition to the different colours it is also recommended that you try to combine wood, earth, water, metal and fire into your plot too as this helps to further balance your garden.
Wood and earth: Usually both of these elements are present in a garden already, but you can plant more trees or shrubs in the eastern section for the wood element. Orange trees are particularly auspicious and represent good luck. Another lucky tree to plant is the apple tree because it symbolises peace.
If you want to have more earth elements in the garden you could try placing stones or ornaments in the south western area. Fire: A fire pit or barbecue located in the south of your garden can further enhance the fame and reputation area of your life.
Water: A pond, birdbath, fountain or an area of flowing water to the south east of your garden is said to increase wealth. Other good places for water features are in the east, which is symbolic of health and family or the north, which represents your career and life path.
Metal: Wind chimes are supposed to create healing vibrations in the air and the best place for them is in the western part of your garden. Pathways should be curved as this allows positive energy to flow through the area. Paths with straight edges and sharp angles should be avoided because they are said to cause tension.
Make sure there is plenty of sunlight as dark areas are said to disrupt the harmony of your garden. Try to keep trees pruned and remove any dead leaves and debris as this is believed to create negative energy.
Walls, hedges and fences around the garden should be kept in good repair as this is supposed to ensure positive energy stays in your garden.