December 21, 2005

In today’s busy world, many Americans are turning to the calming effects of feng shui in their homes and places of business. But feng shui is no longer just a design concept to be used indoors.

The calm, soothing effects of feng shui can be integrated in your own outdoor garden and can create a relaxing outdoor retreat for every member of the family.

A feng shui garden can be created anywhere and does not require a large space in your backyard or porch area, which makes it ideal for most families today. In fact, it is recommended that your begin your feng shui garden in one central location and maintain it on a small scale so your outdoor space will not be overwhelmed by the elements of the garden. Also, keep in mind that the principles of feng shui call for the balance of waves and curves, not the sharp edges of straight lines and right angles. As such, design your garden in a circular nature to allow for the natural energy flow of the feng shui design. When creating your garden, begin by standing in the center of your garden space with a directional compass. Using a compass will help you in determining the eight directional areas which are essential in the feng shui principle: north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west and northwest. Each direction symbolizes a unique and distinctive set of characteristics in the feng shui principle, so place objects that correspond to those characteristics in each direction.

North:
The northern direction symbolizes creativity, new ideas, inspiration, music and art, so water elements are ideal to place in the northern section of your garden.

Northeast:
The northeast direction, which symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and nature, is ideal for earth elements and will benefit from objects such as rocks, brick, stones or a stone bench.

East:
In the east, objects that enhance the wood element, such as trees, plants, wooden columns and shrubs bearing fruit and herbs are recommended in order to symbolize new life, growth, family and healing.

Southeast:
The southeast symbolizes wealth and abundance and is ideal for placing flowers, plants, posts, columns or fish.

South:
The southern direction, which symbolizes dreams, opportunity, achievement and happiness, is a great area in which to display the corresponding fire element, such as burning leaves, fire pits or a barbeque.

Southwest:
In the southwest, objects that correspond to the earth element, such as a loveseat or two-seated bench, is recommended in order to symbolize romance, marriage, love, motherhood and relationships.

West:
The western direction symbolizes creativity, youth and entertainment, so the corresponding metal element is best achieved by placing a bar, playground, sunbathing area or outdoor entertainment area in this direction.

Northwest:
Finally, the northwest direction symbolizes international trade, supporters and helping others, so the corresponding metal element can be symbolized by utilizing statutes of angels, cherubs or metal wind chimes.

Whatever items you use to place in your feng shui garden, keep in mind that adding too many objects may lead to overfilling and cluttering of your garden, which would negate the balancing and calming feng shui effects that you are attempting to achieve. It is recommended that you place a chair or bench in one direction of your garden to provide a sitting space for reading, napping, bird-watching or relaxing. Also, be sure to leave a path for walking through your feng shui garden, which can be left natural or enhanced by stepping stones.

Feng shui can provide a natural, calming, relaxing effect on your lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to stay only indoors. The same principles of feng shui can be transferred to your outdoor garden as well. Using these principles outdoors can create a serene and tranquil environment for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.