It’s no secret that a beautiful landscape can lift the spirits. But many gardeners are moving beyond just creating a lovely garden, and are applying the ancient principles of Feng Shui to their outdoor spaces as well.
Feng Shui – pronounced “fung schway” – is an ancient art and science developed more than 3,000 years ago in China. This complex body of knowledge guides people in their choices of colors, shapes, materials and object placements in their homes and gardens.
Those who follow Feng Shui often report improvements in their relationships, financial situations, health conditions and careers, according to Linda Binns, a Feng Shui coach and owner of Boise-based Harmony Inside and Out, LLC.
“Our homes express a great deal about our lives,” Binns explains. “Energy, known as ‘Chi’ flows through our environment. Just by making a few adjustments to your garden, you can coax positive Chi into your home and enhance your life.”
Binns – who specializes in long-distance consultations – offers a few Feng Shui tips for the garden:
Keep plants healthy and remove all dead trees, shrubs or flowers right away. Make sure plants aren’t obstructing the path to your door, or blocking a window. Avoid sharp-edged or pointed plants such as holly near doors or entrances.
Create a protected and private garden environment with evergreen hedges, trees or fencing in the back and sides of your yards.
Curvy pathways allow the Chi to travel more effectively than straight narrow paths. Incorporate curves and organic shapes in your garden as much as possible, and soften sharp edges and angles with flowing plants.
Encourage birds and butterflies into your garden by providing food and plants that attract them. These critters’ movements keep the Chi flowing in the right way – not to mention, they make Mother Nature happy too.
Protect your home from difficult neighbors, power lines or busy streets with guardian statues (such as Buddhas, angels, etc…) on either side of the door. A wind chime outside the front door also welcomes in rejuvenating energy, says Binns. A tree in the right place will slow and stop negative Chi from hitting your home.
Invite positive Chi into your home with a small water feature, such as a bird bath or fountain, near the front entrance. Water represents wealth and prosperity, says Binns. Keep these water features clean, and always make sure the water is running towards – not away from – your home.
Don’t miss Part II about the five elements of nature and how to apply these Feng Shui principles to your garden.
Learn More:
Linda Binns of Harmony Inside and Out, LLC
On Twitter: @LindaBinns
Her book: Feng Shui for Your Relationships: Changing Your Environment to Create Better Relationships
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I simply love this – I want to do this in my own very small back yard – working on the water feature now. Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm, and for your terrific blog. I reviewed your book, and it is one of my "keepers" – a book I know I will refer to again and again.
Laura
Hi Laura: Thanks very much for your nice note. I'm delighted you liked Grocery Gardening too. There will be more Feng Shui tips coming up very soon. Meanwhile, best of luck with your water feature. Teresa
Great post, Teresa! I especially like the tips – directing water towards your house, that's great and I'm glad our water features seem to be doing just that.
Hi Kim and Victoria: Yes, it does appear that your garden's lovely water features do seem to be flowing in the right direction. In fact, I would say your garden scores overall high on Feng Shui factors…lots of good Chi there.
Thanks for stopping by. Teresa
So interesting. Thanks. I do have an angel in my garden by my door and some curvy paths and water, so I'm good I suppose.~~Dee
Dee, From what I've seen of your garden, your Chi is flowing wonderfully. Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for visiting. Best, Teresa
I came over from Kim and Victoria's blog. I love your recent posts. Hope you don't mind if I follow. Carla
Hi Carla: Thanks very much for visiting my blog. Hope you find something of interest and will return again. All the best, Teresa
Wonderful post! I have a circular front garden – it's a perfect circle – and people are drawn into the centre of it in magical ways. I'm starting to understand why!
Thanks, Stevie. How wonderful to have a circular front garden. No wonder people love it. Teresa
Thanks Stevie: I am intrigued now by your circular front garden. It does sound magical. I'm trying to add more circular shapes in my outdoor spaces as well. Enjoy your spring… Teresa
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative
in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
Thanks very much for your message. I’m delighted you find Seasonal Wisdom helpful, and congratulations on your community initiative. All best, Teresa
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