Feng Shui is a 3,000-year-old Far Eastern art that teaches us to design our living areas and gardens in such a way that the positive life energy “Chi” can flow freely, accumulate in energy centers and transfer its power to the residents. If harmony is achieved in the environment, happiness, health and prosperity are guaranteed. Today we will try to explain the mystery surrounding the teaching and give helpful design tips for your garden. There are just a few rules of Feng Shui garden design that you should follow in order to benefit from complete harmony.
At the center of theTeachstand for Yin and Yang. It is these opposing forces that form life energy and must always be in balance with each other. For this reason, you must not allow one element to dominate over the others in your garden. For example, lots of dark foliage, representing yin, should be combined with a light element to create harmony. The search for balance can also be found in the teaching of the “Five Elements”.
What you absolutely need is a bagua grid. It divides the space into nine bagua zones, which denote different areas of life, colors and one of the five elements. Every zone can be specifically promoted through Feng Shui measures. Bagua is most often depicted as a nine-part grid in a rectangle or octagon shape. The location of theZones on the floor planYour garden is determined by the cardinal points.
Tai Chi Center – “Health”– The center of the Bagua concentrates all positive energies. From here they should flow into the other zones. So that these energies can flow freely, the area in the center of the garden should be designed openly. With lawn or gravel. Terracotta pots, brick walls and ceramic accessories emphasize the earth element.
North – “Career” –The prevailing element in this zone is water, so you can choose plants and accessories that match it. Blue and white flowering plants such as clematis, jasmine, iris and a bubbling fountain promote success at work. You can make the garden paths in this area more interesting, but also always keep them clean. Add mirrored surfaces and objects that shine in the sun.
Northwest – “Helpful Friends”is called the northwest area. It is associated with the metal element and should represent interpersonal relationships. The positive energy is activated through sculptures and art objects made of metal and harmoniously balanced with plants such as camellia, asters, irises and peonies.
Northeast – “Knowledge” –The earth element predominates in the area of knowledge. It is best to set up a cozy reading corner or a retreat for meditation. The relaxing oasis can also be nicely completed with a Zen-style rock garden.
South – “Glory” –The Bagua field for fame is associated with the fire element and represents what others think of you. Extravagant eye-catchers in red and red blooming flowers can promote positive energy and help you feel more confident. A fire pit or barbecue area can be installed in this zone. Good lighting is also very important here.
Southwest – “Partnership” –Place a romantic bench with a pergola there and plant flowers that symbolize love such as climbing roses that bloom in red, pink or purple. The energies are only activated by colors such as brown, beige and ochre.
Southeast – “Wealth”– Running water is a symbol of prosperity in this teaching, so this zone is the perfect place for a water feature, fountain or bird bath. Since the wood element is assigned to this Bagua field, wooden decorations or a strong tree are desirable. Purple flowering plants such as blue lupine, delphiniums and lavender work best here.
East – “Family” –This garden zone represents family relationships and is attributed to the wood element. A comfortably furnished garden lounge or dining area with an outdoor kitchen where the family can gather would be ideal here. Harmony here is achieved through the following design elements: vertical gardens, hedges, high plantings, fountains and wooden garden furniture.
West – “Creativity, Children”– The western section is assigned to the metal element. Round shapes and metal decorations such as wind chimes are very popular here. If you have children, you can set up a small playground there, with a sandpit or a swing. White, yellow and orange blooming flowers such as tulips and chrysanthemums would beautifully complement the cool shine of the metal.
