It is believed that how you set up your home and garden can influence the rest of your life. To the Chinese, chi is the life force, or energy, that must be kept in balance. In order to use the feng shui philosophy as a tool while designing your garden you must balance the five elements of wood, metal, earth, fire, and water. Another aspect of feng shui is the placement of your plants, furniture and accents in the garden.
Start with the entrance of the garden. A wooden arbor makes it clear where to come in and makes the garden inviting. Creating focal points throughout the perimeter will carry energy through and around the garden. When choosing plant material keep in mind that shape, color, texture and fragrance have a strong impact on energy flow. The plants you choose will depend on the area of your life you want to enhance. For example, a birch tree, which is thought of for a successful marriage, bends rather then breaks in a strong wind. For the greatest impact of this plant it could be placed to the lower right area of the yard or garden. This is the relationship area. The left of the entrance is reserved for wisdom. To best utilize this area plant some yellow flowers, representing the color of clarity.
The color red is vibrant, strong, and stimulating. Plants such as Japanese maple, red twig dogwood or red flowering annuals or perennials should be planted in the back left of the garden, this is self-empowerment area. The cooler blues and whites will do best toward the center which represents health. Balance and diversity are one of the main principals of feng shui.
Lights or candles can help you navigate through the garden at night offering safety, comfort and represent a fire element. A grill can also offer a fire presence. It's important to have a relaxing area to your garden. This may be a good area to have benches and tables to eat on. This area should be uncluttered and open. Herbs such as lavender, basil and rosemary potted in natural terracotta pots can be placed in small groupings around the eating area and will provide subtle fragrance. Water in a pond or birdbath can be very soothing as well as providing for birds and butterflies. If using water in the garden is not practical, it can be represented with curved lines in edges or borders.
You can apply the principals of Feng Shui in an area as small as a doorstep. It only takes one pot of flowers to completely alter the way you feel when you approach your front door. To create a harmonious space in your garden this spring, choose flowers such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, primroses and pansies. Come visit Barlow’s this month to pick up some colorful container gardens to lift you spirits as well as brighten up your home. On Sunday, February 25 at 1:00 pm we are offering a FREE Feng Shui class taught by our garden designer, Kirsten Soriano. Just stop in that day, no need to sign up ahead of time. Kirsten is also available for custom garden consultations to help you design your feng shui garden and pick the right plants for your life.Come see Barlow's at the New Jersey Garden & Flower Show for special pricing.