From the garden experiences of Felder Rushing

It’s not a religion, or complicated - feng shui (fung-shway) is simply trying to create a pleasing, harmonious design, coupling common sense and the art of good placement. It works with, not against, nature, and takes into consideration many different elements. Though no two gardeners use the same “recipe” here are a few basic principles to consider.

Assuming there are universal energies flowing around us at all times, feng shui (which means the flow of “wind” and “water”) tries to attract that which is good, and minimize that which is bad, to balance passive and active qualities (yin and yang), and to create a positive, happy relationship between us, our home, and the environment.

Five elements or forces (wood-fire-earth-metal-water) can be arranged in a natural or productive cycle, and we can redesign or modify unnatural or unhappy elements of design such as excessive straight lines, sharp angles, narrow walks and steps, poor lighting, clutter, contrasting colors, competing sounds, bad weather exposure, poor plant choices, etc.

Here are just a few elements of “good” feng shui:

- Use of the classic feng shui “armchair” shape in garden design - high
back, arm rests, foot stool, good use of weather patterns

- Balanced shapes, sizes, and textures of plants, and harmonious colors

- Balance in all other elements: Areas of light and shade, open and
hidden, water with rocks, wood with metal, etc.

- Straight lines made curved or toned down with plantings; vines used to soften walls and cover sharp edges; naturalistic pruning techniques

- “Poison arrows” - pointed objects, triangles, or anything straight (look at your front walk) aimed right at the house - hidden or diffused

- Statues, rocks, and other contrasts including garden benches, trellis,
fish pond, and even sounds (wind chimes) in scale and not overdone

- Pavements wide and curved, preferably not solid concrete, with soft
mounds or berms for interest and to slow down positive feelings

- Water feature that has movement, preferably across the view, not
away or directly towards the house

- Encouragement of air movement, birds, butterflies, and peacefulness

Feng Shui is an attitude, as enhanced by how we arrange our surroundings. It's a good way to garden!