Feng Shui Tips for Garden Planning

The cold days of winter can definitely be a drain on one's energy and personal happiness levels. However, it's important to remember that spring is actually just a few short months away. Before you know it, the ground will be thawed and it will be time to plant your garden. Why not use the winter months to plan the perfect garden for spring? Here are some feng shui tips you can use to plan a garden that will bring happiness and positive energy to your life throughout the year.

Raising Your Garden's Chi Level

Just as is the case within your home, chi is also important in your garden. If last year's garden seemed cramped, difficult to care for or basically unattractive, vow to change things this year. Plan your planting beds in a way that makes good use of space while also providing plenty of areas for energy to flow freely. In particular, you want to be careful not to form barriers where they are not actually needed. For example, while you might need a perimeter fence to keep small animals or pets out of your vegetable garden, barriers and fences may simply be a hindrance in a flower garden.

It's also important to make sure that energy doesn't move too quickly through your garden. For example, a particularly windy spot could prove to be inhospitable to both plants and people. If this is the case, a wind barrier such as a trellis could actually be a good thing.

Adding the Five Elements

If you want your garden to be well balanced, it's important to make sure you include all the essential elements. Water, wood, earth, metal and fire all need to be present in order to create good balance. Just as is the case with the entire universe, a garden that is lacking or overabundant in one or more of these elements will definitely suffer. For example, if you add too many water elements, your garden's fire element may be overpowered. Look for ways to make all the elements work together in a harmonious fashion. Keep in mind that the position of the elements can also be an important factor to consider.

Balance Your Garden's Yin and Yang

Yin and yang energy can be used to great advantage in the garden. Just as is the case with all things in life, it's important to properly balance active and passive energy. When choosing your plant varieties and landscaping accessories, look for ways to combine bright colors with those that are more subdued, and sharp angled shapes with gentle curves. By doing so, you'll create a pleasing garden that has good energy balance.

Evoking all the Senses

One of the reasons gardening is so enjoyable is that it gives a person a chance to use all their senses. As such, you should plan your garden so that every sense is involved. Beautiful colors, wonderful scents, and even delicious tastes are important to a garden. A wind chime or a trickling water fountain can be used to add sound. Plants that have different textures can be used to involve the sense of touch. The end result will be a garden that has plenty of positive energy and overall appeal.