Monday 22 September 2014

How to Feng Shui your garden design

Introducing some calm and relaxation to your property in the form of a zen garden is a a brilliant idea. Take some cues from the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui to attract positive energy, and allow the Chi to flow through your space. It is all about harmony, the complementary yin and yang, and is readily translatable to your creative landscaping design in Adelaide. When we think of a healing, joyful garden, most people might leap to an expansive and lush space. While this might be ideal, in reality just about any sized space can be designed according to the harmonious principles of feng shui.

In simple terms, feng shui associates each direction with a colour, element, season, symbol, meaning, shape, number and animal. Divide your garden, however large it is, into nine equal rectangles, like the face of a rubik's cube. These areas will form the basic boundaries that will dictate compass points. Find north and label your rectangles according to their corresponding compass points. Fire is the element associated with the south, with summer, with triangles, with horses, snakes, birds and light. The number for this element is nine, with upward energy, a hot climate and the colour red. This by no means suggests that your garden needs to be packed full of little trinkets that symbolise each area, in fact it is quite the opposite in that many balanced energy spaces are very minimal. It is completely open to your own interpretation. In the southern rectangle that you have outlined, a large tree might be ideal, as this would represent the upward chi flow, as well as attract birds which are the animals of this element. Choose rich red plants that flower in the summer, such as a foxglove or dalia. A sundial with a distinct triangular style would be a beautiful depiction of the sun and light energy that is central to this direction.

Metal is connected to the west and Northwest, autumn, round shapes, monkeys and roosters. The numbers six and seven have special significance here, as does the colour white, a dry climate and an inward energy. Chime bells are a popular symbol to represent this metallic presence. Wood is used in the east and south-East, and depicts the season of spring. Rectangles are the dominant shape, and tigers and rabbits, as well as leafy plants are the main symbols. Unsurprisingly, the colour here is green, with an outward wind energy. A statue that has some blessing or spiritual significance to your future would be best located in the south-east, as this is the location associated with money and abundance. The east symbolises health, wellbeing and family. A play area for the children or communal sitting area would work well here, as well as in the west which is the space of children and creativity. The numbers of significance are three and four. The earth element runs right through the south west, centre and north-east and is therefore important all year round. Use stone or pebbles to represent this earth connection, and take inspiration from animals such as the ox, sheep and dog. This energy moves sideways and the colours and yellow or brown. Two, five and eight (very lucky numbers) are found in this zone. Finally, water is dominant in the north, and the wavy shape reflects this. A water feature or a tortoise is the common depiction of the water element. Ensure your water feature has some gravitational movement, as the downward energy needs to flow. The water element is associated with wealth and prosperity.

Winding paths are a great addition to any landscaping design, and mimic the natural curves of nature. Consider a path that heads North, as this is the direction of career and life journey. Always choose plants that are easy to maintain, as a poorly kept space attracts negative yin energy. Certain species of plants should also be avoided in a harmonized garden, including roses, cacti or anything with thorns. Instead look for inspiration from Chinese gardens, and opt for flowers such as lotus plants, bamboo and plum blossom. When it comes time to plant your new flowers, remember the color harmony that should flow through the environment. Color can reinforce the natural rhythm of your garden. For instance, bamboo will be most auspicious in an easterly or south easterly position as not only is this area governed by the wood element, but it is also associated with the color green. Discover relaxing landscaping properties in Adelaide with The Worx Paving and Landscpaing Supplies at http://theworxlandscaping.com.au/.

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