6 Tips to Include Feng Shui in Your Garden

Feng Shui – the ancient art of harmonising space. 

Feng Shui can transform any space into a nook of balance and positive energy with the help of qi – vital energy. 

With Feng Shui principles, your garden will no longer be just a collection of plants, but a space aligned with the forces of nature. 

If you want to know more about how Feng Shui can redefine your garden, check out these 6 easy suggestions to make that happen. 

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that harmonises individuals with their environments. At its core, it revolves around the belief that the arrangement and orientation of objects and spaces influence the flow of energy, called qi (chi). This energy impacts one’s well-being and fortune, so it’s important to let it flow freely. 

Feng Shui translates to “wind-water” in English. It combines 2 fundamental elements of Chinese culture, the invisible forces that shape our environment. 

Feng Shui aims to create spaces that promote harmony, balance, and positive energy. To do so, it encompasses aspects of design and layout principles from architecture and interior design to landscaping. 

6 Tips for a Feng Shui Garden

Now, let’s talk about what you all came to his blog for – the 6 tips for creating a Feng Shui garden. But before that, remember that everything in Feng Shui is a suggestion and there are no hard-and-fast rules. 

So, feel free to mix and match what fits into your garden and ignore what doesn’t. 

Here’s how you can start:

Have the 5 Elements

As Feng Shui focuses on balance, it’s important to have all the 5 elements present in your landscaping. For example, if you’re starting with wood, integrate this element through wooden furniture, trees, plants, arbours, or pergolas. For fire, use decorative candles or a firepit to add warmth and brightness. 

Add earth by using stones, pebbles, or rocks in your pathways or arrangements, while metal elements can take the form of wind chimes or sculptures. Last but not least, water can be present through a fountain, a small pond, or a reflective birdbath. This will foster equilibrium throughout the space every day. 

Add a Gathering Space 

If you have the space for it, designate a serene area within your garden that beckons interaction. This gathering space doesn’t need to be fancy – just arrange weather-resistant chairs or cozy benches around a coffee table or a fireplace. 

Then, surround this area with lush greenery or add some flowering shrubs. Now, the space becomes a focal point that encourages meaningful conversations and relaxation. 

Remove Straight Lines 

Feng Shui doesn’t like straight lines, so avoid them wherever you can, especially leading up to your front door. Replace rigid lines with winding pathways and curved plant beds to soften the garden’s appearance and allow qi to slow down before entering your home. 

Curves promote the flow of energy and allow it to meander through space freely. You can even add plants with rounded flowers or foliage like topiaries to further incorporate this principle. 

Use a Plant Mix 

A diverse range of plants is essential to ensure ease of maintenance and preserve the garden’s energy flow. According to many Feng Shui consultants, you should incorporate a blend of low-maintenance plants to maintain greenery and vibrancy. High-maintenance plants are not the best choice because they can wither and disrupt the energy. 

If you don’t have time to tend to a lively garden, use high-quality artificial plants like faux hedges that stay green all year round. 

Declutter the Space

Clutter and unnecessary additions will obstruct the garden’s natural flow. Remove any inessential items, overgrown foliage, or debris that may damage the harmony. Keep pathways clear and ensure your live plants have adequate space to grow and thrive. 

By maintaining a clutter-free environment, the qi in your garden will circulate and create a more peaceful atmosphere. 

Use Lights

Last but not least, illuminate your garden with string lights, solar-powered fixtures, or lanterns placed along pathways or garden features. You can even drape lights across trees or around a pergola. Proper lighting enhances the garden’s ambiance during the evenings and extends its beauty into the night. 

Use the interplay of light and shadow and create pockets of brightness that draw attention to the most captivating corners and elevate the darker and drearier ones. 

Finishing Thoughts 

The timeless principles of Feng Shui will help you fashion a harmonious sanctuary for yourself and your loved ones. With each carefully placed element, you’ll make a garden that’s much more than an ordinary outdoor space. 

If you’re ready to start practising the art of Feng Shui, choose some of these 6 tips and use them as guiding principles in your journey to a more vital garden.