How Does Your Garden Grow? Try a Feng Shui Garden to Create Harmony in Your Life

My son, Chad age 11, has been learning about China in his Social Studies class. When he studied about the teachings of Confuscious, I realized that peace, harmony, health, and joy are essential to our lives. So, I decided to study Feng Shui which is the ancient Chinese art of placement that encourages the positive flow of energy (Chi). This leads to a greater peace and harmony in your life. The belief is that if you create harmony, then health, wealth, and relationships can be altered for the better. Feng Shui incorporates five elements: Earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.

A Feng Shui garden is one way to give a positive energy force to all those who enter. One important rule is to make the entrance to your garden open and inviting. It should provide a haven where people can relax. A suggestion is to plant an arbor of trees, flowers, or make a trellis using wood or metal. This creates an inviting welcome meant to relax your spirit. Make sure your garden faces south because sunlight should reach it so it creates an area of warmth. Why? Fire, or warm energy is considered a positive force and the purpose of the Feng Shui garden is to be positive.

It is not necessary to buy particular plants, especially with the state of our present finances. It is more important to plant flowers that you can afford. Remember, the purpose of this garden is to create harmony which will lead to balance in your life. If you are stressed with the price you have spent, then you will not be able to reap the true benefits from a Feng Shui garden. With that said, focus on flowers that are affordable. It is recommended to alternate between bright energetic colors, like orange and red, with cooler colors, like white and purple.
Keep like colors together. Mix different shapes, and sizes of flowers and plants. The flow of energy is supposed to be slow and free so plant your garden in curved or alternating spaces. A straight row of flowers is not considered to be as free flowing as a curved pattern of gardening. Some common plant species grown in a Feng Shui garden are; tulips, daisies, pansies, and primroses. An important thing to realize is that if the colors you choose for your garden relax you, then the choice is perfect. Small evergreen bushes can be used for the back of the garden to create a boundary. Since wood and metal are recommended, place a wooden or metal, chair, bench, or table within your garden. This will add a sense of balance to the plants and flowers. Stay away from ornate designs because simplicity is the cornerstone of Feng Shui. A bronze statue or wind chime is an easy way to add metal to your garden. If you can add a bird bath or a water fountain this will satisfy the element of water. If you have some dark or shaded areas in your garden, try using some garden lights. They will add light and enhance the low energy level that darkness creates. Lights represent the element of fire and give out positive energy. If you are sitting within the area of your garden, the warm glow of candles always brings in positive energy.

One of the most interesting aspects of a Feng Shui garden is that the energy created will balance the energy within your home. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the middle of both the front and rear of the garden open and low. This will keep the energy from the garden close to you.

One thing, to keep in mind if you don't have any room for a garden. Try placing some flowers in clay pots (earth)near your front door. Do not place them in rows, but stagger them alternately, as the curvy shape of a garden enhances the positive energy. Keep your front door free from clutter. You may wish to place a figure of a sleeping lion or dog on the left and right of your front door. This symbolizes safety, protection, and a feeling of harmony within your home.

I hope I have enlightened you with some peaceful ideas for starting your own Feng Shui garden. Please let me know if you feel the positive effects in your life as you balance harmony, joy, and peace. Good Luck

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