Garden Designs for Peace and Wellness

My sister is into feng shui, the ancient practice of arranging your home and living space to reflect peace, prosperity, health and wellness into your life. It’s about energy, she tells me, and removing blocks to energy.

I’m not sure I “believe in” feng shui, but I have noticed a certain peace, tranquility and stillness in Asian-inspired gardens. Take the gardens at Maymont, the grand estate in Richmond, Virginia that I visited last year. The Japanese garden was so cool and green and inviting on a hot August day. I could have spent the afternoon simply watching the sunlight sparkle on the water and the koi splashing in the shallows.

 

 

 

In my own garden, I have but one nod to feng shui. My sister (of course – who else?) sent me the Buddha kitty. He now guards my water element, the tiny little pond. I don’t have koi, but I do have two goldfish. The cats named the goldfish Snack and Appetizer. Fortunately, the fishies are doing well.

 

The good folks over at Pottery Barn sent me the following graphic to help you include element of Eastern feng shui into your garden if you choose to do so. I’m surprise at how naturally I used some of the elements already before reading this graphic. For instance, my little rock garden and pond are in the northern corner of the garden, which is good feng shui. The woods and water, our little creek, are to the east. All of these are supposed to help with peace and harmony.
For me, there’s nothing quite as peaceful as some time spent working in the garden. I love pausing during my chores just to feel the breeze caress my cheek or the wind ruffle my hair. The wind chimes tinkle merrily, and hummingbirds squabble overhead, and through it all the perfume of a thousand flowers greets me. This is my tranquility and my peace. Feng shui or not, to be among growing things is healing for me.
Below is from our friends at Pottery Barn. Enjoy!