When I do a Feng Shui consultation I take a walk outside with clients and make suggestions regarding the outside of the home. However, most of the concentration is usually inside. Several years back I was asked to do a series of lectures on Landscape Feng Shui for a group of master gardeners in Shreveport, LA. so I started also doing Landscape Feng Shui consultations. Though most of us focus on the inside of our structures, much can be done outside to create beautiful environments and good Feng Shui.
All plant material including trees, bushes, and flowers are considered to be the wood element in Feng Shui. However, if you look beyond material to shape of leaves, color and growth pattern, the other elements of fire,earth, metal and water are also represented. To include all five elements in your design, vary the size, shape and colors of your plant material.
Here are some additional tips for Landscaping Feng Shui
- Make a clear path to the front door to wecome visitors and chi (energy). An obstacle on your pathway denotes an obstacle in your life. Gentle curves are best for pathways; if yours is straight, soften it with plants.
- Have a greeter at your front door to wecome you home. This could be in the form of a statue, fountain, topiary or colorful plant.
- Remove dead or sickly trees, plants and flowers immediately. Dead plants symbolize death in an area of your life as well as looking unappealing.
- Plant material by the door and leading up to the door should be "friendly". Sharp leaves or overgrown plants can be "threatening or menacing", or even create obstacles.
- Landscaping should be tallest in the back of the home for maximum privacy. Create a protective embrace around the sides of the home with plants, fences or berms.
- Add a fountain or water feature. A water fountain by the front door creates good money chi. Make sure all or some of the water flows towards to house.
- Use lighting effectively. Light is a good way to bring the fire element into your landscaping. It provides safety at night (consider a motion detector light). Use accent lights to highlight plants or architectural details.
- Use moving objects such as whirligigs, weathervanes and rotating sculptures to lift and circulate chi and bring a whimsical element to your design.
- Use local plant material as much as possible. Not only is this the "green" way to go because the plants don't require lengthy transportation, they will be haridier. Weather patterns are becoming more extreme and recent years have seen more plant loss. Using local plant material is the economic choice.
For a Landscape Feng Shui consultation in the Tampa Bay, Orlando or Sarasota areas, or to have Diane Ross speak at your event, call 813 972-1357.
