Feng shui in the Garden

HOLISTIC GARDENING

By Miles Trench

FENG SHUI IN THE GARDEN PART 1

Balance

Attaining balance is a major goal in Feng Shui. An excessive amount of one element creates an imbalance that causes a disruption to the flow of chi. The Tai Ji is the Chinese symbol for ying and yang. It shows that there should be a little bit of black where white seems to dominate, and vice-versa. This wisdom signifies that too much energy of one kind leads to an imbalance in our environment, which is then reflected as problems in our lives.

An example from the plant kingdom is an area of kikuyu or buffalo grass that is overgrown and is strangling other plants. This is a case of green energy gone mad. Conversely, a large area of bare, flat concrete is a lifeless expanse that has no living things to soften the harsh setting. This situation is devoid of life-sustaining green energy and people living nearby would no doubt sense the negative sha chi generated – like in those endless steel and concrete jungles we call cities. The secrets to achieving balance are:

1. Incorporating plants, objects and structures that serve to represent the five basic elemental energies.

2. Incorporating appropriate shapes or designs that add an elemental energy that may be lacking or missing. These should be useful, decorative or have some meaning or value to you.

Examine each ‘room’ of your garden to see if all of the five elements are represented and don’t be afraid to experiment or try something new.

Some Feng Shui ‘cures’

If there is too much green energy – try placing a small brass statue or sculpture to represent the element of metal. A splash of supportive colour in an area lacking energy may be just the thing to enliven a dull or lifeless spot. Moving objects create energy in stale areas. Light, too, can be used to energise and uplift dark or shadowy spaces. (Solar-powered garden lights are a great eco-friendly option.)

A couple of pointy-leaved plants, suitably positioned, are another way to help cure an imbalance of excessive metal energy in a particular spot. Wave shapes or a flowing pattern on a bare brick wall (representing water energy) will help subdue excessive earth energies that may be present.

Intuition is the key. Listen to your inner voice. Have a good look at where your garden may need enlivening. What would make it brighter, or darker; less bare or maybe roomier? Does it require more shade or perhaps less sun? Only you know what will feel right and remember the one thing we do have the power to do is to make changes to our immediate environment so that we feel more comfortable and ‘at home’ in the places that we spend so much of our time.

Summary

Plant in favourable sectors – the east, south-east, south or north Use supportive elements in each sector – colour, shapes and materials. Ensure balance by incorporating objects, plants, structures or designs, so that each of the five basic elements is suitably represented.

Stay tuned for Part two in the series: ‘Placement’… Web site for further info:

http://au.geocities.com/milestrench_22/milestrenchwebpage.html

smiles from miles :O)