One of the earliest meanings of feng shui is the study of climate, geology and vegetation.  It was thousands of years ago in China that the seeds of this natural science were sown.

Natural climatic conditions such as wind and water were viewed as sacred signs that were looked upon by shamans as ways to help determine the most auspicious places for houses, altars and graves. When ideal spaces were not attainable, their search for remedies led to the ideology of feng shui, blending Taoism, astronomy, alchemy, astrology and shamanism.

In early times, Chinese philosophers seeking refuge and the serenity of nature headed to the countryside to paint landscapes of majestic mountains reaching up toward misty skies with winding rivers and pine trees.  Their awe of natural beauty was expressed on silk scrolls, screens and ceramics, as well as through verse, poetry and calligraphy. It was from this desire to be in harmony with the natural world that the philosophy of Taoism was founded, based on simplicity, intuition, spontaneity and the way (Tao) of nature. 

Feng shui is about the flow of chi and how it affects the human energy field. Taoism is about the unity of humanity and nature. Combining the two, it became apparent that having comfortable and harmonious environments helped inhabitants to survive and thrive.

Today, most folks have a tendency to focus on feng shui for home interiors. A garden, however, can be viewed as our outdoor home.  It is a beautiful representation of using the principles of feng shui to achieve the Tao connection. We can create a place for us to feel protected and sheltered as we link to the earth spirits.

In a feng shui garden, it is important to focus on the following key aspects:

Connectedness – Tao
Balance – Yin/Yang
Chi – Balance

To begin, make a list of the vegetation that you fondly recall from your childhood. This will result in positive associations that bring about feelings of comfort and belonging. Only choose plants that you love and are comfortable caring for. A high maintenance garden will result in additional stress in your life.

If you have a shed, treat it as if it were a room in your house and discard whatever is broken or unused. Clutter is a huge Tao disconnect and sheds are easy places for us to store all that stuff that we just don’t know what to do with. Without creeping too far from the garden area, the same applies to your garage!

From a yin/yang perspective, maintain a balance between sparseness and overgrowth. Be knowledgeable about plants that require sun and consider those that are happy with shade. Flower colors in the yang family are red, orange, yellow and white.  Blue, purple, violet and pink have yin energy. There is more to the beauty of flowers than meets the eye. A 10-month study performed by Rutgers University in NJ indicated that flowers can minimize depression and have a long term positive effect on moods.  It stands to reason that we send bouquets to friends and loved ones who are not feeling well or to celebrate happy occasions.

A still landscape has no life. Use movement and sound to activate chi through the use of a wind chime or mobile, bird bath or bird feeder. To further encourage wildlife, include plants that attract birds, butterflies or hummingbirds.

Healthy vegetation is a must have. Keep your beds tidy and be sure to remove and replace any dead or dying trees/shrubs.  Replace cracked pots or planters. Chi comes into our homes thru windows and doors – let it be positive chi. Conversely, if the garden is full of junk, weeds and stale energy – this too will make its way into your home!  

Use taller plants and shrubs to help protect your property from severe weather, promote privacy and block out any threatening or visually unappealing objects that face the property. Be careful not to have bushes or trees that are too close to the house blocking window views. Not only does this result in stagnant chi but it cuts off our Tao connection.

Include a threshold to your garden to provide a welcoming feeling and separate public domain from private. This can be done thru an arbor, trellis, ceramic pots or pillars. Create an edge – even an indoor room needs a wall. The use of borders helps to define space.

According to feng shui, the world is defined by the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.  Each one has its own shape and color evoking different emotions.  A garden benefits from balanced elements.

Wood
Rectangular
Green
Growth & change
Examples: plants, decks, fences

Fire
Triangular
Red
Action & motivation
Examples: lighting, candles, barbeques

Earth
Square
Beige, terra cotta, shades of brown
Safety & stability
Examples: clay, brick, tile

Metal
Round
Grey, white, silver
Clarity & focus
Examples: furniture, stones, sculptures

Water
Undulating, irregular shapes
Blue, black
Acceptance & flexibility
Examples: fountains, ponds

Circular stepping stones get the chi flowing. Round shapes have metal energy, and in the creative cycle metal makes water, which represents abundance. A meandering path is more inviting so it is best to incorporate curved pathways.  To mitigate the effects of a straight path, place potted plants on either side of the walkway

The sight of a hammock instantly provokes feelings of relaxation. Provide various areas for seating - a small bench for meditative purposes, two chairs for a more intimate setting or a table for social gatherings or dining. Random seating sends the message that it is ok to sit, relax and stay a while.

A vegetable garden offers us the opportunity to eat foods that are not contaminated by chemicals and herbicides. Another option not to be overlooked is the enjoyment of herbal fragrances. In addition to their aromatic properties, they can also be used for medicinal purposes. Lavender has a calming effect, basil is known to relieve headaches and sinus problems, while jasmine can aid with depression.

Gardening is an outward and visible expression of our selves. It is all about connecting with our environment by tuning into our intuition and using our five senses – hearing, smelling tasting, seeing and touching.

Garden making is no less a form of art than painting. We can be like the Taoist philosophers and artists and create a place where we can connect with nature, meditate, relax, or laugh and dine with friends. By designing with the principles of feng shui, our garden will support us physically, spiritually and emotionally.