A garden says a great deal to you as you pass it. Just like inside the home, it is also a reflection. An empty garden shows loneliness and that finances may be limited, and a garden that is overgrown shows your life as overwhelming and busy. Always ask yourself what your garden is saying to you. A garden should create a sense of inner peace. Providing nurturing and support for our lives. The earth is the mother on which the creative power of life is made. The soil, flowers, plants and wildlife are the earth’s gifts for us to honour, cherish and enjoy.
It’s nice to be able to hear flowing water and birdsong in the garden. These are wonderful things to hide the sounds of road traffic or other noises that are not good to hear. The use of herbs in your garden adds colour and life; they also contain medicinal properties that have been used for centuries like plant herbs such as basil, jasmine, lavender and rosemary.
Spending time in your garden brings you closer to the nurturing and healing power of mother nature. It truly is an honour to spend time in the garden and connect with the land and soil. As you do spend time in the garden, send care and love, and the garden will give that back to you through pure beauty, smells and nourishment. Allow your garden to grow naturally without using chemicals and fertilisers.
Your garden can provide a sacred space for friends and family to gather and connect. The pathways should flow like a meandering stream and not like a straight road, so avoid dead-end paths and complex formations. Landscaping should be given love regularly, so don’t let it get too overgrown, don’t cover walkways and entries, or shadow the house. Keep the garden well maintained. Always keep rubbish bins hidden. Clear clutter from garden sheds and have the necessary shelving to keep all the tools and equipment organised.
Balance the five elements – fire, earth, water, wood, and metal – into landscaping that harmonises and balances your garden. Choose plants that are plentiful and look rich and vibrant. Great colours are plants with red, purple and royal blue flowers. Plant flowers with soft leaves and avoid plants with thorns, spines or pointy leaves, especially by the front entrance area as this will keep away the positive energy.
Invite wildlife to your garden by adding bird baths, fountains and bird feeders. Consider planting flowers that attract humming birds and butterflies. A water feature is always a great addition; it must be positioned in the correct location for enhancement. The best locations are in the east and south-west corners. It’s very important to keep it clean and make sure it flows either in a 360-degree pattern or towards the house.
We love to have trees in the garden, however, make sure they are not placed in a direct line with any entrances, especially the main entrance as this will block the energy from entering your home. Try to keep a balance of yin and yang (dark and light) when thinking of the trees. Avoid trees that will completely block the light: too much of anything is not good. Again, balance is the key. Have a beautiful view from every window and door, and it will give a feeling of pure abundance and joy. Your garden can be a perfect retreat for you to enjoy.
Written by Amanda Collins.
Amanda Collins has been featured on Fox News and other stations as a leading feng shui consultant. She’s a trainer for the International School of Feng Shui, a Deep Yoga teacher and a guide for sacred journeys around the world.
