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Feature article:
Feng Shui Sanctuary Garden
As our modern life encourages us to move more quickly and accomplish
more, our spirits yearn for a quiet haven where we can replenish
our souls. Gardens have long been tranquil places that provide us
with a connection to the unseen energies of the earth. With a few
extra steps we can ensure that it is a place that nourishes our
spirit as well. Creating a sanctuary out of just a small corner
of our yard can yield huge benefits. Here are some tips for creating
a garden sanctuary:
Elements
of a Feng Shui Sanctuary Garden
Location
- Choose a protected area of the backyard. Or choose an area that
you can screen from the hustle and bustle of the street.
Structures
- Add a wood fence or screen of tall plants behind your seating
area to give you support and privacy. A trellis and archways can
be added to give another dimension. This will create an entrance
leading from one area of the garden to another or signify that you
are entering your sanctuary. Large boulders and rocks are great
features that add a grounding element to your space.
Path
- Create a meandering path to your seating area rather than straight
pathways. Stone pavers, bricks, or crushed gravel work well.
Plants
- Use a variety of native plants. Shrubs, trees and perennials are
the most permanent. If you live in the desert though, use native
plants that aren't prickly. (Being surrounded by cacti won't create
the feeling of protection that is needed here.) Add annuals and
biennials for additional color as needed.
Seating
- There are so many different options for seating. A wooden bench
works well. Even a flat rock can serve as a seating area. If you're
going to spend a lot of time sitting here though, make it as comfortable
as possible.
Water
- The water element can be added with wavy shapes like a meandering
path or plantings. Or you can incorporate actual water. Nothing
is quite as relaxing as the sound of flowing water. Water can be
used in an elaborate pond/waterfall, a free-standing water fountain,
or even a bird bath.
Statuary
- Your local landscape store has many different types of garden
statuary. Each adds a unique feeling to your garden - meditative,
calming, fun, or energetic. Choose the one(s) that appeals to you.
Five
Elements: Having a balance of the five elements in your
garden is ideal. There are many different ways to incorporate the
five elements. Try working with the shapes of the elements, their
actual materials, and color to create your balanced garden. Trying
to balance them by using every color will create a visual riot of
color that's very eye-catching, but that won't be relaxing though.
Here is a list of the five elements and their individual characteristics:
Wood:
Green, plants, trees, tall column shapes, wood furniture, decking
Fire:
Red, lights, triangles, pyramids, arrows, animal or people statuary
Earth:
Yellow, orange, brown, rectangles, squares, stones, bricks
Metal:
Silver, white, circles, balls, domes, brass, bronze, metal sculpture
Water:
Dark blue, black, meandering shapes, water features, glass, mirrors
Some items can be several elements:
Statue: If your statue
is of a person or animal, it will represent the fire element. If
it is made of cement or ceramic, it will be an earth element too.
If it's made of metal, it will be a metal element.
Plants are naturally
a wood element. If it has red flowers, it is the fire element too.
If plants are planted in a flowing, meandering pattern, they will
represent water. If they are trimmed to form a ball, they represent
the metal element.
Don't try to over-analyze your garden. Get a general feeling from
your garden and adjust accordingly, if necessary.
Spend time in your garden every day. By creating your own garden
oasis and regularly spending time there, you will develop a stronger
connection with the earth, leading to greater balance in your life.
If you would like more specific help with your Feng Shui garden,
please contact me. I work with a landscape designer who is great
at choosing the correct plants to work in the location. Together
we can create a garden sanctuary that nourishes your spirit.
Joyful gardening,
Joy
Feng Shui with Joy!
Creating harmonious spaces that work for you
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