Greening Your Landscape Feng Shui Style
Start This Spring on The Right Foot With These Simple Yard Tips
Mar 17, 2009
Most people believe feng shui principles apply to internal spaces only; however, what we need to remember is feng shui originated in the outside environment. It's principles rely on the forces of nature, the cyclic changes of seasons, time of day, and land topography. Qi assessment should begin from the outside in order to determine if an environment will support and nurture the occupants. Strong Form School principles is paramount for sheng (healthy) qi to propagate.
Soil Integrity
Look for sandy or or high organic soil base with minimal compaction. The more soil is compacted the less ability it has to absorb water. This will trigger excessive watering and work against preserving natural resources. Avoid clay base soil at all cost. Clay not only is resistant to absorbing water, but rebounds the suns radiation to the surrounding area. This is very problematic for health.
Vegetation
Strong and healthy vegetation suggests the land is fertile and sustainable. Good support to the rear and sides of the structure with an open front allows qi to navigate the land properly. Preserving all trees and plants during construction and/or remodeling stages maintains the integrity of the soil base. By honoring the natural landscape and using indigenous plants keeps natural bacteria and fungi at proper levels.
Xeriscaping
Replacing a good portion of green turf with gardens and hard permeable scaping saves on water usage. Keeping these gardens at least 24 inches from the foundation prevents potential mold growth. Layering the landscaping with height variations is aesthetically pleasing and good for proper soil PH. For example, start with a large canopy tree, then move to a lower tree, add shrubbery, herbs, root vegetables, ground cover, and vines.
Water Cisterns, Rain Gardens and Water Chains
Instead of using your hose to water your gardens and waste the earth's natural resources, be creative and build rain gardens into your landscape. These gardens are natural or dug shallow depressions designed to capture storm-water runoff. Cisterns or water chains work on the same principle but are either a container (cistern) or decorative chain with cup pouches that capture water runoff from the roof. The water chains are fabulous, as they add the quality of sound every time it rains. That's a wonderful feng shui accoutrement.
Natural Pesticides
Pesticides kill the natural bacteria and fungi needed for healthy soil. Besides planting various complimentary forms of vegetation, incorporate biological pest control. This is a method of controlling pest by using their predators.
Yard Feng Shui
Apply the 8 directions of the ba-gua template over the yard. Each direction pertains to one of the 5 elements used in feng shui and represents a part of your life. Have fun with the ba-gua and be creative with your landscape. Here are a few feng shui garden tips:
- East - Plant lots of greenery, add a water feature, wooden bench or herb garden.
- Southeast- Plant year round vegetation, hang a bird feeder or birth bath, build a Koi fish pond.
- South - Perfect for the fire pit, barbecue, or a lovely wooden pyramid ivy stand with bold red flowers.
- Southwest - Create a romantic vignette with bistro table, candles, red or yellow flowers.
- West - Have fun here with the kids play gym, croquet set or hobby items. A splash of white low growing flowers or metal lawn art is perfect for this direction.
- Northwest - Add metal lawn ornaments, weather vane ,or large stone sculpture.
- North - Entice qi movement with a straight walkway with wavy pattern, water features or imposing structure like an arbor.
- Northeast - Create a zen meditation garden for daily contemplation. Place rockery and any spiritual landscape art.
Making small landscape adjustments such as solar lighting, rain catchers, various natural pathway materials, herb and vegetable gardens, wind chimes, eco-friendly outdoor furnishings, and natural pesticides is a powerful way to save natural resources and propel healthy qi around your property. This spring why not green your landscape feng shui style!
