Feng Shui garden landscape design unites mountain (Shan) and water (Shui) energy. This philosophy originated from the ancient Chinese gardens which incorporated the art form called Shan Shui, meaning mountain water. Mountain energy is symbolic of good health, harmony and stability. It is also associated with yang, meaning strong, hard, tall and vertical. One can identify this energy in mountains, higher terrain and mounds. Virtual mountain energy can be duplicated by adding boulders, raised planting beds and walls to any home or garden landscape designs.

In Feng Shui, water symbolizes the potential for wealth. Water energy is yin, soft, flat and horizontal. One can identify this energy in actual water such as ponds, pools and fountains. Virtual water energy can be realized in pathways and a river of stones.

The 4 main ingredients to consider for your garden and landscape design are:

Heart: this is the focal point of your yard; it defines the intention of your outdoor space

Threshold: that which defines your personal space from public space

Pathway: that which invites and draws you and nature’s life-force into and through your garden and landscape

Accents: carefully selected enhancements that elicit positive feelings, artfully enrich your scenery and encourage rest and relaxation. “If the individual temporarily abandons human will and so allows himself to be guided by nature, nature responds by providing everything.” –Masanobu Fukuoka

Feng Shui methods used to assess your surroundings are:

Yin and Yang: complimentary systems which create depth and dimension

Armchair Theory: creates boundaries that attract vibrant chi and also supports and protects you

Space & Time: tells us where to place certain features; defines influences on occupants based on eight directions and tells us when to do certain activities

Occupants: reveals the unique relationship between you and your property

Land Shape and Contours: the form and condition of the landscape or gardening design reveals the adjustments and corrections required to avoid energy leaks, create symmetry and improve energy flow

Advanced Flying Star: most important is when and where to locate water and mountain energy

A flourishing garden reveals healthy Feng Shui energy. Plan your landscape design according to Feng Shui principles for greater vitality and prosperity and to establish a platform for inner serenity and healing.