There are many styles in landscape design. Two main ones stand out: the simple and the landscape style. The principles of the second fitFeng Shui-Lehre, which have become very popular recently. More and more hobby gardeners want Feng ShuiDesign a garden. What does this philosophy teach us when planning the outdoor area? This is a system of rules and principles on how we can create a harmonious environment to achieve health, happiness and prosperity. Feng Shui is used in various areas, but primarily in architecture and interior design, but the greatest interest is the ancient Chinese teachings in landscape design.
Designing a garden – the basics of Feng Shui
The word “Feng” means wind and “Shui” means water, so Feng Shui symbolizes the two key elements in the life of the ancient Chinese. According to the Chinese rules, which we have completely adopted today, when choosing a place for a new building, you must also evaluate the surrounding landscape. If you have a Feng ShuiDesign a gardenthen you should pay great attention to the surrounding forests, because their location and shape strongly determine the fate and future of the house.
In ancient China, it was believed that every house was guarded and protected by mythical figures. The ancient Chinese saw their task as increasing the positive influence of mythical creatures. Turtle, phoenix, tiger, dragon and snake are symbols from Chinese mythology and are considered Feng Shui animals. Each of them corresponds to a certain element, color, world direction and has its own symbolism.
The turtle is a symbol of longevity and support. The phoenix symbolizes welfare changes, luck and hopes. The tiger symbolizes powerful defense, the dragon brings success and the snake symbolizes wisdom and patience.
There must be a phoenix in front of the house. You can place a turtle at the back of the house. The relationship between the Dragon and the Tiger represents an important hierarchy. The Dragon is higher than the Titer, so it must be the same outside. Hedges and small shrubs have their place on the west side of the yard and actively growing trees and tall shrubs thrive best on the east side. If you want, you can also use real symbolism, with small statues or figurines of the mythical animals described above.
Design a garden – divide the outdoor area into different zones
The Chinese Ba-gua octagon helps us to design the various functional areas. It consists of nine sections, eight of which are triangular. Each section corresponds to an aspect of human life. The octagon has its element, color and world direction. It determines the garden plan, the cardinal directions, and as a result the garden is divided into nine zones.
Flower beds are not typical of the Chinese style. The flowers are simply part of the overall natural composition; they grow freely, without planning.
In the west – a place for recreation area
Northwest – “Friend, Teacher”: A good place for recreation area. If you have a Feng ShuiDesign a garden, then you should place metal art objects exactly in this zone. This means that the basic color here is white, combined with silver, blue, but also yellow, like the color of gold. Asters, peonies, ornamental grasses, forget-me-nots and irises grow well in this area.
West – “Kids”: The most convenient location for an outdoor playground. Plants with white or silver flowers such as delphiniums, snowdrops, lupines, the metal element prevails here and these flowers emphasize it. Useful addition can be the yellow and orange color, thanks to the flowers rudbeckia, chrysanthemums. The tulips are particularly recommended.
South – Tall plants and steps make the garden appear structured
Southwest – “Relationship”: A good place for peace and relaxation. The accent is on such plants that symbolize love and friendship. Pink, red and purple are the popular colors here, and the flowers chosen include asters, carnations, roses, lilies and phlox, which reflect the power of the earth through their golden-beige tones.
South – “Glory”: This sector refers to the social status of people. Higher plants in a pyramid-shaped design with orange and red colors are appropriate here, these are the different types of maples, sour milk thistle, and also medicinal herbs. Other herbs such as peppermint, basil, lemon balm are also welcome in this zone.
Southeast – “Wealth”: The appropriate location for a water feature. Water is a symbol of wealth and eternal movement. The best plants for this sector are multi-leaved lupins, fragrant violets, purple bells (Heuchera). The strong silhouette of a tree with narrow leaves is a must in this zone. You can also grow different types of onions here.
East – a harmonious zone where you can relax
East – “Family”: In this garden zone, family relationships are presented. You can create hedges here. The zone is dominated by the element of wood and the green color, which is the symbol of fertility. The harmony here is rounded off by early blooming flowers such as primroses, crocuses and others.
Northeast – “Knowledge”: A good place for perennials that symbolize the continuous process of learning, also well suited for fruit trees. The earth element is dominant here and the dark green color, represented by willow, juniper, etc.
North – create a water garden
North – “Career”: Changes in career can be expected from this zone. Plants with curved leaves are in demand here, the dominant element is water, the accent colors are blue and purple such as clematis, plum, iris. Complemented by apple, jasmine, narcissus and phlox.
In the middle of the garden – medicinal plants with golden yellow and orange leaves
Garden center, the center – “Health”: The heart of your garden concentrates the positive energy. Here you should grow medicinal plants, as well as those with golden yellow and orange leaves. These include irises and yellow day lilies; they emphasize the dominant element, the earth.
So, how is your garden designed? What kind of flowers and trees grow there? Do you want to follow the Chinese rules for harmony in your garden design? I'll definitely do it in my little garden. Or at least I try to do it! I wish everyone many pleasant hours in a wonderful outdoor area full of peace and harmony!
Outdoor area with harmonious design
Creating an allotment garden – tips for designing in the Feng Shui style
Allotment garden with tall perennials and bushes
Rock garden with garden pond in the middle
Waterfall in the garden
Garden on the hillside
Allotment garden designed according to Feng Shui principles
Water garden– Stone bridge and garden bench in one
