Why not? The philosophy of yin and yang can be applied in the layout of a garden to bring about balance and harmony and Feng Shui is all about balance and harmony in nature. A balanced and harmonious environment is the harbinger of ch’I- the cosmic breath of life. The principle of Feng Shui is that we absorb this ch’I from our environment passively and enhance our earth luck.
The garden may be big or small, just keep in mind the following rules—
- First and foremost a garden should have a regular wall or boundary. It gives a feeling of continuity and balance.
- Bridges and paths should be constructed in a zigzag manner having rounded contours to avoid shar ch’I and encourage good ch’I.
- Garden pebbles should be in mosaic to emphasize duality of yin and yang.
- Statues of symbolic animals such as tortoise, dragon lion, deer and crane should be placed according to the respective directions to enhance the garden and bring good luck. The four sides of a garden are associated with mythical animals: east with azure; south with red phoenix, west with white tiger and north with black tortoise.
- A stream symbolizes wealth and is usually built to the east of the garden a lake on the other hand is kept on the south end. Water falls are placed in the north. Pavilions or gazebos should occupy the west side. The banks of the lakes and ponds should be as natural as possible .Water lilies should be planted in them as they represent uprightness and protect the garden against evil influences. Live goldfish should be kept for good luck.
- Trees that symbolize longevity like pine, willow and cypress should be planted in the east. Similarly flowers such as chrysanthemums, orchid, plums should be selected for their longevity .Bamboos can be planted in the north.
- Pagodas are placed in the northeast or southwest directions (the doors of the devil) to repel evil influences. In smaller gardens miniature porcelain pagodas can be used and Miniature Mountains can be made to act like protective hills.
- Always avoid leaving any decaying or rotting plants in the garden. All trees stumps should be uprooted as they attract stagnant ch’I.
Garden tended according to the Feng Shui principles will not only grow well but will also have an aesthetic appeal.
