by Zach F

Created on: May 10, 2010   Last Updated: July 18, 2010

Although often associated with interior decorating, feng shui actually began as a theory on placing homes within the natural terrain, and with balancing outdoor elements, so it can easily be used to create a relaxing atmosphere not just inside, but around, the home.  Even without a total re-design, a few small changes can be made to make your garden a more relaxing getaway using feng shui.

First, it is important to understand that feng shui is based on physical layouts and balance.  There are five elements in feng shui; water, earth, fire, metal, and wood.  It is important that each is represented.   There are also eight segments of the yard, corresponding to different areas of influence in life.  The career segment is to the north, and benefits from water and metal elements.  Wisdom, to the northeast, and relationships, to the southwest, are positively affected by earth.  Family is to the east and is strengthened by wood, as is wealth in the southeast.  Reputation is directly to the south, and is represented well by fire.  Children and creativity in the west benefit from the constructive element of metal, as does travel in the northwest.

In addition to focusing on the areas of the yard the decorator needs the most help in, and using the appropriate element within the areas, there are a few general concepts which should be followed.  The garden should never be a simple rectangle, and the paths through it should wander and meander.  This keeps the flow of the chi moving and picks up extra positive energy on the way.  The garden should also be kept neat and alive.  Any dead plants or clutter, as well as plants or dirt creeping onto walkways, should be immediately removed.  Plants, including trees, which die, should be rooted out completely, rather than cut at the trunk or stem.

Open gates are said to be as welcoming to chi as they are to guests, so these are never a bad addition.  Items which create motion are an important part of attracting chi and keeping its flow.

Water is the essence of chi, and water features are an important part of the feng shui garden or yard.  Even in a small yard, there should be at least one water feature.  It is important that the water flows and is not stagnant, as stagnant water leads to stagnation in chi and life energies.  Waterfalls or meandering streams are ideal.  If there is space, a fish pond should be added, with eight red or

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