Feng shui is a system of interconnection that leads to a reinterpretation of the long-debated question, “Is it genetics or environment that sets the stage of destiny?” Feng shui in the garden addresses many levels of interconnection, most importantly improving the degree of harmony and balance in your life and developing the quality of air in your home.
A client had been reading a feng shui book and realized that the “wealth area” of her home was missing. The property assessment confirmed that fact along with two more critical issues. In our assessment, we look carefully at the movement of the air—the speed of movement throughout the property, the pattern of movement, whether it is moving clockwise or counterclockwise, and the quality of the air.
On the road in the front of their property, noisy cars filled the property with exhaust and continually pulled the energy away from the house. With a louder noise, trains traveling on the back edge of the property pulled the energy out of the yard. There was uneven flow of energy throughout the two-acre property, and several energy vortexes (similar to a whirlpool in the water). It was uncomfortable to walk and difficult to grow flower or vegetable gardens.
For the part of the house that was “missing,” we installed a square garden that gave the house a unified feel. We planted crystals and prayers in each corner. It was covered with a pergola covered with lablab bean (Dolichos lablab), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), Malabar spinach (Basella rubra), and her favorite variety of roses. In the back, she chose to plant clumping bamboo in the wealth area of the property, and various types of flower and fruit trees on the edge. In the front, we planted her favorite native shrubs that would help keep the air clean and present at her front door.
In this chapter, you will explore some aspects of feng shui to better understand how to apply this ancient discipline/science to your garden: basic theories of Yin/Yang, the Bagua, the Five Phases, and the psychology of flowers and color.
The study of feng shui began thousands of years ago in Asia as a way to harmonize one’s personal life with the surrounding environment. Feng shui literally means wind and water. The golden age for landscape design in Asia extended from the twelfth to the eighteenth centuries. But 5,000 years before, many principles and rules of garden design evolved in China.
Although ancient Japanese gardeners were heavily influenced by Chinese gardening practices, the garden designers of Japan had a deep respect for nature, a sense of sacredness and the pursuit of purity in form. The system of feng shui developed from observing the flow of wind and water, and how that flow influenced people’s lives.
Both wind and water, of course, are major holders and movers of chi. They consist of chi and a multitude of different plant, stone and wildlife energies from the environment.
Wind and Water
Chi is the life force of All in the concept All is One—One is All. It’s the breath, the breath of the earth, of the universe. Chi is in the air and water; it fills the space between each cell. Chi is the essence of power, beauty and wisdom within each person, each flower, tree, animal, the four Elements of water, air, fire and earth. The presence of chi is indestructible, and is a common thread throughout all creation. As we breathe in, we become one in breath with all that lives.
In that oneness, hearts open, wisdom is known. There is a deeper awareness of the true identity of self. Another concept related to chi is good-fortune chi, called sheng chi. A goal for the entire landscape is to keep the sheng chi from being blown away. The sheng chi, the wind and the water are to be harmonized together and sustained in all the gardens within your landscape. Each time a door or window of your home is opened, an abundance of sheng chi can enter.
Tips to keep the sheng chi in your garden:
Keep sheng chi from blowing away by installing a windbreak of trees or shrubs. It is recommended to choose one or two plants for each hedge. In different areas of my landscape, I choose different plants. As an example, for a hedge on the south edge of the property, I am using evergreen, wildlife-friendly gallberry (Ilex glabra) and a tall variety of the yellow-flowered beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis). On the northern edge, I have two long stands of clumping bamboo.
Fountains, ponds, or other water treatments create, capture and move sheng chi.
Attract wildlife to your landscape, because they bring and circulate sheng chi.
Make the lines of the garden edges soft and flowing.
Throughout your landscape, the plants establish the quality and type of energy, or chi, that is released into the air and integrated into the wind. Every plant in your garden has a gift to share. Each plant radiates its brand of chi into the air; when that chi has fragrance, the gift is highly valued. The wind accepts and stirs them all together into your personal healing garden blend. The wind blows these energies around your landscape; the speed is influenced by the placement, size and density of the plants. The potential for wind is modified throughout the day by an interplay of plant growth, sunshine, shade and moisture.
Temperature fluctuations happen as the sun’s heat is trapped in the garden beds, absorbed by the soil or used by the plants. When night cools the temperature, the cooler air sinks lower, only to rise later with the warmth of the sun. This process moves air along with flying birds, hummingbirds, butterflies or other insects. Wind chimes or other hanging items capture and release the air, adding the energy of sound. Taking a breath with gratitude, awareness and intent is all that is required to be nourished. To summarize, chi and plant energies can be taken in by drinking a cup of tea, with the intent of the mind pulled into emotions, or you can nourish your soul with just a breath.
Plants influence the element of water because where they exist, their evaporation flows into the air for effecting rainfall and redistribution of water. Different plants develop the ability to pull water from the soil and can retain water in varying amounts. The marama bean tuber (Tylosema esculentum) can hold up to 90 percent water. It is a traditional source of water for the native Africans, Hottentots and !Kung. Harvested, the beans can be stored without refrigeration for several years. Tall trees or shrubs thicken the air with leaves while raising the height in the space.
Water is held by earth and given the form of a creek, pond, lake or riverbed. A well symbolizes spiritual depth and wisdom; water is thought to be the source of all life. Water tends to absorb the energies in the air; the qualities of those energies can be felt in the water’s reflection. Any water treatment in your garden is considered to be a sacred or special space. A small pool, contained by rocks and reflecting the sky or the moon, is a restful space to discover your self or receive intuitive guidance.
Feng Shui Principles Used in Ancient Gardening
Two concepts that are vital to ancient Japanese gardens remain essential feng shui design elements today: the Yin/Yang and the Five-Element Theory—or, in their respective ancient terms, Theory of Mutual Opposites and Theory of Five Phases.
Yin/Yang or Theory of Mutual Opposites
The Yin/Yang or Theory of Mutual Opposites explores dualities in nature. Flowing in continual interaction, a yang state is complementary to yin, even though both seem to be in opposition. Darkness of night is yin, which moves forward into the yang light of day. Although sunshine fills a garden with yang chi, the yin shade is ever present and the amount of both changes as the sun moves across the land. The same is true of the presence of heat (yang) and coolness (yin), and dry or wet soil. Significance is in the extreme. Conservation of water is required when there is a serious shortage of moisture. Sustainable solutions are required when there is too much rainfall and violent storms. Balance is achieved frequently by a good combination of both.
Theory of Yin/Yang as Seen in a Garden
In any garden, there is interaction between the yin and the yang. As change happens during the year, one or the other might become out of balance. To bring balance of too much growth (yang), a plant is pruned. On the other hand, that same plant might be placed near a plant that requires more shade, and its yang qualities will support the yin qualities of the shade-loving plant. Below is a list of yin and yang features that can help you be more consciously aware of creating balance between yin and yang. For example, use light flowers with dark stones. A balance can be made between fast-moving water and large stones or a statue.
Yin and Yang in The Garden
YANG |
YIN |
Hot |
Cool |
Sunny |
Shady |
Absorbing light |
Reflecting light |
Air or water moving fast |
Air or water moving slow |
Shallow water |
Deep water |
Hilly land |
Flat land |
Acid |
Alkaline |
Trees upright |
Trees bending |
Young tree |
Old tree |
Pointed or triangular shape |
Round shape or wavy lines |
Red, orange, yellow |
Blue, white, black |
Spicy, bitter, acidic |
Sweet, salty |
Red, orange, yellow |
Blue, indigo, violet |
Broad leaves |
Fine leaves |
More Examples of How to Apply Yin/Yang or the Theory of Mutual Opposites in Your Garden Design
The hill in a bermed garden bed is balanced by a group of flat rocks reclining at the base.
Water fountains and bird baths are balanced with nearby vegetation.
Tall plants are grounded with shorter surrounding foliage.
Heat trapped in the south, southwest or western garden areas can be cooled by a round water fountain or a water garden in a round tub.
Shallow water seems deeper when the color of the water is black.
Plant trees or shrubs in threes or multiples of three.
For a good balance of Yin/Yang include both flat land and hills or mounds throughout your landscape.
Locate the Bagua
I would like to incorporate into your landscape sketches the use of another ancient feng shui tool—the bagua. It is used to evaluate any space by superimposing an eight-sided shape over the landscape or each garden bed. This power form is a guide for placement, color and the five Elements. It delegates arrangement of the major aspects of life: fame, relationship, goals, children, family, growth, wealth, knowledge, helpful people, and career or life journey.
How to Locate the Eight Aspects of the Bagua
With your imagination, the bagua is superimposed over any size space. When applying it to the garden, it can be placed over your entire property or any garden area, patio, pool or balcony. Locate the aspects while holding the bagua in front of you, while standing at the front edge of your property and looking toward the back. That will show you each area. Career is in the center of the front edge of your property. The area for the Helping people is on your right, and the Knowledge area is on your left.
Looking straight ahead into Fame, on the far back edge of your property: to the right of Fame is Relationship, and to the left is Wealth. Children/Goals is located on your right, between Relationship and the Helping people. Family/Health is located on your left, between Wealth and Knowledge.
Feng shui has many layers and subtleties. This chapter cannot cover the depth of feng shui. To grasp the multitude of subtle nuances, I feel that training with a master feng shui teacher is necessary. What I want to do is make these ancient tools available for you to use at least at an elementary level. I feel they are very important ingredients to any garden and to your life. You can begin to look at your landscape and garden areas as avenues for making life less stressful and your business more prosperous.
Garden Tips for Using the Bagua
Superimpose the bagua over any garden area or the landscape. To enhance any area or garden, simply check out the information on the bagua for specific life aspects, elements and colors. Choose any to include in the specific garden or area. For more details, read over the information provided for each element.
First, assess your entire landscape with the bagua to know the location of the eight aspects of life.
Choose a life aspect for which you want to experience change or growth; locate it and add the items, colors or elements that relate. You will find that bubbling water fountains are great in the Wealth or Career areas.
Choose colors of flowers that reflect the bagua.
When you energize one aspect in more than one area of your landscape, it can increase the influence on your life.
Application of Five-Element Theory or Theory of Five Phases
The five Elements are seen as the five basic components of the natural world. Similar to yin and yang, none are fixed. Each contains some aspect of the other; each has the ability to transform each other and your garden. Although this information is a very important aspect of feng shui, its full complexity cannot be covered in the next few paragraphs. What is included for you are detailed facts about each element in relation to the bagua and aspects of life, color, shape, yin/yang, taste, characteristics and garden tips which include multicultural references. The five Elements are listed below.
How to Locate the Five Elements or Five Phases in Your Garden
Place the bagua over the landscape and each garden bed. Take notice of what elements are present and how the elements are being represented.
Locate each element for the entire landscape and in each garden.
Assess for the presence of each element and how it is represented in the various gardens.
When you feel an element needs to be emphasized, represent it in as many garden beds as possible and in the overall landscape.
When emphasizing with color, the color can be utilized in any shade or hue.
An appropriate method to include an element is to use shape, color, edibles that relate to the characteristics, and any items that symbolize the element.
Bagua placement: Career or Life journey, at the front of the house.
Color: Black. The color black is very limited in nature; I include dark colors that appear black, e.g., indigo, dark green, dark purple; also blues, greens and turquoise.
Shape: Asymmetrical or wavy; spaces that are reflective have no set design; patterns of water are irregular.
Yin/Yang: Yang is moving water; Yin is still, quiet water.
Taste: Salty.
Edibles: Marama bean, mountain spinach, saltbush, savory, sea orach, lovage, black tulip.
Characteristics: Shui is the word for water in feng shui. Water, the psychological symbol of emotion, is inspirational, relaxing, receptive and reflective, and it pulls the focus within. It is responsible for growth, development and reproduction, and it requires a vessel to be sustained. Clean, clear water symbolizes intellect, inner wisdom and intuitive insight. Flowing water gathers energies from the air to disperse them later into the wind. In the process, it teaches how to go with the flow or move easily around a blockage. As a dissolving agent, the substance absorbed is very difficult to remove.
Garden Tips for Using the Element of Water
Harmony is created with meandering paths and edges.
Because they are abundantly found in a river, stream, or creek, add smooth, rounded stones. When choosing a stone from the river, take time to observe the natural flow of water over stones, and the colors of the stones when wet and when the stones are dry. Notice how the rocks are set into the riverbed and on the banks of the river.
To give a watery feel, any items found in or near water can be added to the garden or path edges.
The reflection from a meandering river or creek, pool, waterfall, fountain, pond or lake adds peaceful chi to the environment.
Reflective or shiny surfaces such as gazing balls, mirrors, or windows allow emotions to surface.
Plants that have black flowers and leaves can emphasize your career and depth of intuition or emotion.
In the natural world, a lake would not be a lake without the earth holding it. The creek without its creek bed would not be a creek. In the natural flow of rivers, water builds form by the way it flows and cuts into the earth. In the garden, water flow is guided to move from the north or east toward the south or southwest.
Sustaining abundance of life, water is the nursery of all creation and growth.
Water fountains produce chi and stimulate wind; place near the front door and in the Wealth, Career, Helping, Goals or Growth areas. Avoid in the Fame or Relationship areas.
Art representing black tortoises, dolphins, whales or other fish, shells, seagulls or other water birds can provide a water element in a landscape; a crane symbolizes longevity.
The black tortoise is called the Sacred Guardian of the North. It is a yang force which supports protection and provides strength, stability and longevity. To represent the black tortoise, place items that can provide solid support at your back. For example, install a trellis, arbor, wall or a grouping of tall trees grounded with shrubs and smaller herbs or flowers behind a bench or other type of seat.
Bagua placement: Family and Health.
Color: Greens and blues.
Shape: Columnar shape; tall, rectangular.
Yin/Yang: Yang; growth is yang.
Taste: Sour.
Edibles: Collards, rose hips, clover, goji berries, sorrel, rosemary, mints, amaranth, basil, comfrey, parsley, dill, fennel, chicory, echinacea, lavender, sage, artemisia.
Characteristics: The element of wood is intuitive, organic, stable, kind, generous, determined, virtuous, organized, flexible and expansive.
Garden Tips for Using the Element of Wood
The element of wood is represented by tall, columnar structures, a rectangular-shaped garden bed, a chimney, columns, flagpoles, trees, gates, doors, pergolas and decks.
Include wooden furniture and accessories, or any cloth made from plants, to represent the element of wood.
Art representing a blue or green dragon, butterfly, eagle, birds, trees, herbs and flowers develops integrity, organization or determination; an elephant denotes wisdom, integrity and strength.
The green or blue dragon is called the Sacred Guardian of the East, a yang force which expresses happiness, good luck and your wise, spiritual self. In the garden it is placed to the left, which is called your “dragon side.” Vegetation or other garden accessory items are higher than white tiger items, which are installed on the right. In physics, energy moves clockwise around the human body.
Bagua placement: Fame, acknowledgement.
Color: Red or purple.
Shape: Triangles, pyramids, angular, cones, sharp peaks and points.
Yin/Yang: Yang.
Taste: Bitter.
Edibles: Jerusalem artichoke, cabbages, broccoli, chard, endive, bergamot, leeks, lettuce, red salvia.
Characteristics: The element of fire is able to purify water and earth. It is warm, stimulating, invigorating, refined, creative, motivating and enthusiastic. The colors of fire are orange and yellow. It has a natural tendency to burn quickly and then burn out. It is out of control unless contained in a vessel. Fire’s ability to clear away the debris, clutter or excess has been utilized for eons. Ancient farmers burned their land to reduce disease and harmful insects. Fire allowed ancient people to remain on their land for longer periods by adding cooked foods to their ordinary diet.
Garden Tips for Using the Fire Element
Fire is represented by a triangular-shaped garden bed, electrical items, lighting, fireplace, barbecue grill, steeples, sloping roofs, pagodas, dormers with pointed window frames, and red brick walkways or walls.
Avoid sharp and pointed plants near the front entrance.
Fire is seen in sunshine, candles or a campfire; it purifies with incense and sage smudging.
Fire’s heat can be contained in garden areas that are edged with red brick or flat stones. In cooler climates, this type of area is placed in the south, southwest or west to extend the growing period and expand plant varieties. Water-wise containers can be used to more easily move cold-sensitive plants inside during the winter.
Chili peppers and plants that have red or purple foliage, flowers or berries provide fiery qualities to your landscape.
Art that depicts a scarlet bird, crimson phoenix, red-tailed hawk, cardinal, waxwing, oriole, lizard, salamander, wolf, coyote, porcupine, fox or horse represents the fire element.
The crimson phoenix is called the Sacred Guardian of the South. It is a yin force and traditionally placed in the front. This is represented by a small hill or footstool supporting your feet. Install a small bermed garden bed in front of your home. In this location, place items that give you happiness or that help your life be easy and effortless.
Bagua placement: Children, goals, creativity.
Color: White, pastel, metallic finishes.
Shape: Circle, oval, arch, dome, round.
Yin/Yang: Yin.
Taste: Spicy.
Edibles: Anise, hot peppers, cayenne, dill, garlic, ginger, mint, mustard, onions, oregano, parsley, thyme, white yarrow.
Characteristics: The metal element symbolizes heaven or Shambhalla and is felt in devotion, joy, inner strength or righteousness. Having the ability to express feelings or ideas, this element promotes communication, enthusiasm, mental clarity and independence.
Garden Tips for Using the Metal Element
Metal is represented by round garden beds, round containers, rounded hills or a berm, curved edges and domed or arched trellises.
Round garden beds make the best sun traps.
Art that represents the white tiger or black bear, or items made of such metals as steel, copper, brass, iron, silver or gold reflect the element of metal.
The white tiger is called the Sacred Guardian of the West. It is a yin force, ready to defend you, and expresses your quiet nature. It is placed on your right and kept quiet and peaceful. White tiger items are lower than the dragon items.
Bagua placement: Relationship.
Color: Yellow, orange, brown.
Shape: Square, flat or plateau.
Taste: Sweet.
Edibles: Aborigine’s potato, sweet potato, beans, carrots, cabbages, corn, cucumber, peas, squash, sweet fruit, sweet basil, yellow or orange flowers such as calendula, yellow violets, geranium, pansy, dandelion, marigold, nasturtium.
Yin/Yang: Yin.
Characteristics: The earth element is love and relationship, abundance, fertility, longevity, truthful, faithfulness, trust, sincerity, stability, loyalty, dependability, supportiveness, heaviness and grounding. It can be alkaline or acid, and strikes a balance between giving and receiving. The yellow snake symbolizes the element of earth, along with the turtle or tortoise who maintains the same body structure through eons of time.
Garden Tips for Using the Element of Earth
The Element of Earth is represented by a square garden bed, square containers, baskets, boulders, stones, marble, granite, flagstone, sand, gravel, adobe, concrete, and square tile.
Large rocks are good when placed in the southeast area of the property.
Square storage or tool sheds are stable and give the feeling of being able to last a long time.
Install a solid line of squared-off shrubs in an area that is next to a busy road.
A good placement of yellow chrysanthemums is in borders along the eastern garden area.
Art representing the yellow snake, elephant, turtle, tortoise, cow, ox, moose, elk, buffalo, or dog, or items made of ceramic, clay, wicker, feathers, crystals or gemstones.
The yellow snake is called the Sacred Guardian of Within. It is a yin force that symbolizes your intuition. It is found in the center of the landscape or any garden area.
