Have you ever wondered how to bring a touch of Feng Shui magic and charm to your backyard or patio space? The concept of Feng Shui, rooted in ancient Chinese beliefs, is said to bring harmonized energy to a property. While traditionally seen in Chinese homes, this ancient wisdom can be applied to modern life as well. In this article, we will explore 17 simple yet effective feng shui tips to introduce positive energy into your outdoor spaces.
Consider your Yard’s Position
The position of your yard plays a crucial role in Feng Shui. Each compass direction holds a different orientation in Chinese culture, and aligning your garden's layout with these themes can enhance balance and harmony.
- Northern regions are water-oriented, making them ideal for water features such as pools and ponds.
- Eastern areas have a wood-like orientation, perfect for growing trees and plants.
- South represents fire and warmth, making it suitable for plants and prosperity. It's also a great place for fire pits.
- Western-facing spaces balance out eastern gardens well, allowing for easy incorporation of plants.
Apart from these compass bearings, consider the other "middle ground" areas of your garden, such as the north-eastern, south-eastern, south-western, and north-western corners. Each area has its unique energy and is suitable for specific types of plants.
Avoid Entering your Patio in the North-East / North-West
To create balance and Feng Shui on your property, carefully consider where you place your patio doors or gates. Energy typically enters from these points, so it's important to balance it with pleasant and relaxing scenery. Avoid areas such as garbage collection sites, hospitals, and government buildings. Instead, place gates and patios in the southeast or southwest areas of your home.
Understanding the Elements of Plants
In Feng Shui, the five elements are metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Each type of plant corresponds to a unique element. Adding plants with their respective elements to your garden or patio space can significantly increase balance and serenity in your home.
Caption: Feng Shui Plants
Never Plant Trees in the Centre of Your Garden
While planting large trees in the center of your garden may seem like a common design choice, it can overshadow your home and disrupt the balance of light and shade. Instead, opt to plant large trees out of the way, allowing natural light to flow freely in your garden. Similarly, avoid placing your tree-like patio umbrella in the center of your garden.
Don't Plant Trees Near Your Windows
To maintain Feng Shui in your home, avoid planting trees or placing patio umbrellas near your windows. This ensures the balance between indoors and outdoors is not disrupted, and the level of darkness inside your home is not increased. Keep trees far from your windows, and regularly trim any overhanging branches to keep the windows clear.
Follow the Feng Shui Theory for Plants
When planting flowers or crops, consider the Feng Shui theory to achieve optimal balance. Align each region of your garden with the respective compass direction to promote balance and harmony.
Choose Succulent Plants
According to Feng Shui beliefs, succulent plants with wide, thick stems and leaves can bring happiness, success, and good omens to your property. Avoid plants with thin leaves, stems, or fragile flowers, as they may not align with the desired energy.
Remove Any Dead Trees and Plants
Dead or dying trees and plants are believed to bring negative energy and distress into your life according to Feng Shui principles. If you notice any plants or trees in your garden that are dying or slanting, it's time to remove them and create space for new growth and positive energy.
Keep Your Fencing at a Suitable Height
In Feng Shui, maintaining the right height for your fence is crucial to maintain harmony in your garden. Aim for a fence that is between 1.5 meters and 1.9 meters to ensure a balanced and harmonious energy flow.
Keep your Fences Level
An uneven fence is believed to bring bad luck and death in traditional Chinese cultures. To instill harmony in your property, make sure your fence is consistent in style and height, promoting positive energy and balance.
Choose a Square or Round Fence
According to Feng Shui principles, a square or circular fence represents peace, harmony, and stability. When planning your new fence line, opt for a stable shape that promotes unity, solidarity, and peace for your property.
Maintain your Fence at all Times
While ivy and vines may add aesthetic appeal to your fence, they can disrupt the sense of order in Feng Shui. Keep your fence clear of ivy and vines to prevent negative energy from entering your home.
Don’t Use Too Many Paving Stones
While paving stones may seem luxurious, using too many can create a cold and lonely feel in your property, according to traditional Chinese culture. By reducing the number of paving stones, you can infuse your garden or patio space with vibrancy, life, and energy.
Caption: Paving Stones
Choose a Semi-Circular Pool
In traditional Chinese culture, square, rectangular, or polygonal-shaped pools are believed to bring distress and bad luck. Opt for a semi-circular pool to invite wealth and luck into your home.
Keep the Pool Away From Your Home
Placing a pool close to your home may disrupt harmony inside your living spaces due to refracted sunlight. To maintain balance, it's advisable to keep the pool away from your home. Consider placing Adirondack Chairs or Chaise Lounges between your house and the pool to achieve your Feng Shui goals.
Only Have One Pool or Pond
According to ancient Chinese traditions, a garden should have only one pool or pond. Having more than one may bring imbalance and disaster to your home, as it symbolizes crying.
Consider Pool Depth Carefully
If you're fortunate enough to have a swimming pool, ensure that the depth is shallow. A shallow pool provides a balance between relaxation and health, and keeping the pool at least 80% full is believed to promote wealth.
In conclusion, creating a sense of Feng Shui in your property doesn't have to be an impossible goal. By applying these 17 tips, you can transform your backyard or patio space into a harmonious and balanced oasis. Give it a try and experience the positive energy and tranquility it brings to your home!
-"All the tips above come from our website manager's aunt, a Feng Shui expert in Hong Kong."
Now I'd like to hear from you. Have you ever tried any Feng Shui tips? How did they work for you? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below. Don't forget to share this post with your family and friends, and let them benefit from these Feng Shui tips too!
