Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has been practiced for centuries. Although most designers apply Feng Shui’s principals to the inside of homes it can be used for much more. Feng Shui can be used to redirect energies in people’s gardens too; bringing positive energy into peoples lives and assisting all the flowers and wildlife to flourish.

Anyone who is familiar with feng shui will be aware of some or all of the recurring features. The principles used in architecture and interior design can also be applied to the garden in a new context.

• Plants and Flowers are a great source of energy that when used well can bring a lot of positive energy into your life. Depending on the season you may be limited as to what you can grow. To improve you flow of chi think about how the plants are arranged. One of the focal points and aims of feng shui is to remove clutter in a physical sense that ultimately removes it in a mental sense also. When arranging plants try not to overcrowd individual areas. A few sparsely planted flowers in a single area will bring much more benefit than a large amount struggling for light and nourishment.
• Colour is another major influence that can be used to direct and improve energy around your garden. Accessories and furniture that are in complimentary colours may help to increase levels of chi and general well being. This can also be applied to flowers and plants blossoming in different seasons. Flowers that are in warm tones such as reds, oranges and yellows will empower you and reward you with increased physical energy. Flowers with cool tones such as light blues and mauves will give more of a claming effect, helping you to relax and focus.
• Equally important to the presence of certain elements is the Arrangement and how they are presented. Different materials and fixtures can bring positive effects when implemented correctly. Wood is a material that has many benefits and can be easily introduced by adding a bench or other wooden fixtures. To provide good chi the bench needs to be put in a quiet area where it isn’t competing with other aspects of your garden for attention. Similarly water can be used to bring harmony to your garden. If you have enough space and time to create and maintain a pond then this would be ideal. Once again the power lies in the simplicity of the arrangement and the tranquillity it brings. If you can’t accommodate a pond other features can be added such as a bird pool. Remember the key isn’t in extravagance but the presence and positioning.