A garden, back yard, or terrace can give you the most direct connection to the nurturing ch’i of the earth, atmosphere and the vitality of nature. Regardless of its size, it’s where you can directly experience the cycles of growth, watch blossoms come and go, and strike a balance between a fast-paced, modern world and a simpler, more peaceful existence.

More important than the style is the overall sense of balance, harmony, and life force. Begin with the form, and determine the entry, boundaries, and gateways. Develop these with the feeling you want to create. Themes can range from wild to highly ordered, and will use the same general principles.

Ch'i will enter at the main gate and flow on the pathways you provide. While meandering walkways or steppingstones can make for an easy, natural circulation, straight paths and rectangular forms can give stability and a more formal structure.

Trees, shrubs, or plants that keep their leaves through winter, have stronger ch’i than annuals, so it’s important to view the rhythm of change through the seasons. Each living element will have its own unique energy, expressed by form, color, and actual composition. Bamboo has a presence of strength, support, and upward growth. Fruit trees, well tended, and bearing delicious fruit, connote abundance and accumulation. Artfully formed bonsai can convey a quality of skill, attention, and natural perfection. Herbs and vegetables can bring nurturing, organic ch’i right to your kitchen table.

Natural elements like rocks, stones, pools, or fish ponds add another dimension, as due gazebos, shrines, tea houses, sitting areas, statues, meditation spots, wind chimes, bells, and strategic lighting.

Applying the Ba-Gua to the garden gives even more opportunity to coordinate the colors of flowers or a specific design element with the corresponding meaning of an area. A water feature in the Wealth area, red flowers, a fire pit, or altars in Fame, or a serene statue in the Helpful People area will strengthen and support the whole site. What’s in the center often provides a focal point to unify and harmonize the different parts and ingredients, returning the power of place to your own center in a profound and harmonious way.

For design assistance for your garden or landscape project, please call or send an e-mail so we can discuss your site, circumstances, and vision, to determine how to best incorporate Feng Shui.

Dowsing, and Earth Energy Problems

Some sites have earth energy problems, and can benefit from dowsing, a subtle technique often used to locate water, that can provide insights and information in unusual circumstances. As an experienced dowser, I'll use this technique in the context of my Feng Shui work, particularly when the standard methods are'n enough. Dowsing is also a great way to locate benefical energy points, and is a wonderful aid when choosing the best places on a property for specific activities