Feng shui in the garden has a history dating back thousands of years. Rules and tips for garden design according to the Asian theory of harmony can be found here.
The Chinese doctrine of feng shui is primarily known in our Western world for interiors. The furnishings and alignment of furniture can be selected according to this theory. However, its basic principle can also be applied in a very similar way to another part of the house or apartment, namely the garden.
THE THEORY OF BALANCE
The principles of feng shui deal with the harmonious design of our living spaces. The aim of Chinese wisdom is to create and maintain a balance between the central forces of yin and yang. Our environment should be designed in such a way that it radiates harmony, which is also transferred to the human body.
IN THE GARDEN
According to the teachings of Feng Shui, people are in constant interaction with the outside world. According to Daoist belief, there is an energy not only within us, but also in everything that surrounds us: Qi (or “Chi”). In order for this energy to flow continuously, the ultimate goal in feng shui is to keep our interior and exterior in optimal balance. Wind (feng) and water (shui) symbolize the poles of change in the world, which balance each other out.
When designing your garden according to Feng Shui, it doesn’t matter how much you believe in the effects of Chinese teachings. Nor do you have to use only Asian plants. Feng shui can be implemented just as well with native plants.
THE BAGUA PATTERN
To lay out your garden according to the Feng Shui pattern, you should first think through its basic structure. The so-called Bagua pattern is helpful for a harmonious division of your garden area. According to this Chinese trigram, eight elements of equal size represent the central building blocks of our lives. In the center is a ninth element: the life energy (or Tai Chi). In a certain arrangement, all areas should strengthen and balance each other. The resulting harmony should also have an effect on the garden visitor.
Depending on the size of your garden, the pattern can be realized in different ways. The nine segments do not always have to be laid out over a large area. You can simply use what they stand for as a mental guideline, even in a smaller garden.
THE MEANING
Career: According to Feng Shui, success in the private and professional sphere is located in the first section. The segment faces north and should be characterized by the element of water. Accordingly, colors in deep blue or black are suitable. Orchids or bluebells are recommended as plants. Curved paths or watercourses also support the element of water in the first garden area.
Education and knowledge: The knowledge area in the north-east should stand for pausing and silence. Calm colors such as yellow or brown support the element of earth and are intended to promote concentration and self-knowledge. This part of the feng shui garden is particularly well suited to a sheltered seating area where you can retreat. Rock plants and perennials in soft earth tones are ideal. Woodruff, for example, is a good choice here.
Family and health: In the third segment in the east, the chi should provide vitality, health and movement. Fast-growing plants, watercourses and strong colors, as well as wooden elements, support the vitality of this area. You can provide the family area in the feng shui garden with seating areas where you can recharge your batteries with family and friends.
Wealth and finances: In the south-east, strong plants and trees should support spiritual and material wealth. You can also place large flower pots or decorative elements here. The best colors for the fourth Bagua segment are green and blue-green.
Fame: The element of fire is assigned to the segment in the south. The segment symbolizes the reputation and wisdom of the inhabitants. This area of the feng shui garden is suitable for creating a fireplace or strong light sources. Powerful, fragrant flowering plants are particularly well suited to this area. Red, orange or bright yellow are suitable colors. Pointed leaves, thorns and red flowers stimulate the energy of the south. Red roses or cacti, for example, are suitable.
Partnership: The segment in the south-west is said to represent the cultivation of our interpersonal relationships. According to Feng Shui teachings, balance should be particularly important here. Simple, square flowerbeds without many embellishments are often found here. The area also represents the element earth. Earthy tones such as yellow or brown are recommended. You can also create a rock garden in the second segment. Roses or lavender are suitable plants here.
Children and creativity: This section of the garden according to Feng Shui stands for the element of metal. Everything that makes your children happy belongs here: slide, sandpit, swings or small caves made of branches. Simply let your children design this area themselves. Everything here should represent cheerfulness. Fruit bushes, vegetables or berry bushes are particularly suitable plants here. Fresh, cool colors are ideal.
Friends: The segment facing north-west also contains metal as an element and stands for support from and through our fellow human beings. Cool colors such as white or silver, as well as metallic elements are ideal for this area. Suitable plants are spring-like tulips, daffodils or brightly flowering shrubs or small perennials such as lady’s mantle or camellias.
The center: The central part of your Feng Shui garden according to the Bagua pattern is the center. Surrounded by the eight different segments with strongly opposing energy fields, everything should come to rest here. The center of your feng shui garden should therefore be free of everything. Here you can create a simple lawn or add some gravel. In the center, less is more.