Holistic Gardening – Feng Shui in the Garden Part III

Holistic Gardening – Feng Shui in the Garden Part III

In the previous articles, we discovered how the ancient Chinese art of feng shui can help us create a food garden so we can access Nature’s secret energies to grow nutritious food plants in our edible gardens at home. Read on now to learn about the auspicious number 8 Star…

            The 8 star is an earth star; it fosters family cohesiveness, increased spiritual awareness, and a focus on money and success. Not such a bad star after all! In fact, traditional Chinese beliefs rate the number 8 as a very auspicious number, and one that can bring luck and prosperity to our everyday lives. To energise this luck, it is suggested that we look closely at the north-east and south-west sectors of our homes and garden. During this next twenty year cycle – up until the year 2023 – take special care of these areas by keeping them free of clutter and negative energies.

            Feng shui tells us that the north-east is an earth sector, and in this period the positive
8 energies can be enhanced by adding a ‘mountain’ or earth-type feature to the area. In the garden, this may take the form of a small rockery or landscaped feature, or perhaps a number of square-shaped, terracotta pots (remember the representative shape of the earth element is square) that contain broad-leafed plants. In fact anything that ‘speaks to you’ of the earth or earth-like features will be effective. Use your intuition and it is best to use natural forms that inspire or make you feel at ease.

            As in all feng shui conceptions, the idea of balance is very important: This means keeping all additions and changes to a garden room or sector, in proportion to the overall effect, and to consider the size and dimensions of any existing plants, structures, objects or features. The aim is to subtly encourage the prosperous facing 8 star – not to overpower it completely!

                                                                      Summary

Feng shui shows us ways to live in harmony with our environment. It holds guidelines to improve our quality of life through a positive interaction with nature and the forces and energies that make up our world. This is achieved by: - Closely observing our immediate surroundings; the landforms, structures and natural features that affect our homes and gardens - Understanding the role of compass direction in planning and garden design - Making changes to the position of plants, objects and structures to enhance the positive energies around us - Considering the role of the sun, seasons, colours, shapes and materials, and the way they can be used to augment the energetic qualities of our environment - Understanding the dynamics of the five basic elements and their influences - Appreciating the need for balance and harmony in our daily life and choices.

Recommendations:

1. Plant in the east, south-east, north or south sections

2. Plant in full sun

3. Use supportive elements

4. Ensure entry path is clear, level and welcoming

5. Divide your garden into ‘rooms’ – each with a special theme

6. Balance the five elements in each room.

            Well, I hope you enjoyed out little foray into feng shui, stay tuned for more
articles on holistic gardening techniques and for more information of this subject
Google: “miles trench” (with parenthesis). Next time, Organics. Bye, smiles from miles J