Feng Shui and Water Features
Danielle Dickinson
Feng Shui and Water Features
Feng Shui (translated literally means wind and water), dating back over 5000 years, is the ancient Chinese art of positioning objects for harmony and balance in the environment. Water plays an important part in this traditional belief. Water is equated with the flow of Chi which is the energy or life force of the universe, believed to be present in all living things. Where Chi flows freely and accumulates there is health, abundance and prosperity. Where Chi stagnates there is illness and decay.
The positive flow of Chi is vital to a garden and its movement throughout should be free and uninhibited. Barriers to Chi must be removed and in cases where this is impracticable Feng Shui cures can be employed to allow for the smooth flow if Chi. On the flip side Chi flowing too fast through a garden is just as unsettling.
Water can be used to slow down or speed up the flow of this powerful life force and can be introduced to your garden via a pond, fountain, water feature or waterfall.
There are a few simple principles to follow when establishing a water feature in your garden:
•The best position for a water feature is in the north, east or south east corners of the garden. This is likely to bring wealth and prosperity.
•The water should flow toward the house facing the main entrance or a large window to invite Chi into your home. This is not necessary where a water feature has an even flow of water over all sides. The direction of the water flow should never flow away from you home.
•Where a waterfall is used the flow of water must be considered. To strong will be destructive to the Chi and too gentle will do nothing.
•A water feature must be proportionate to the garden. Too small will symbolize a lack of abundance and too large may be too powerful for your home.
•Remove clutter such as debris and dead plants / foliage from your garden. This will inhibit the flow of Chi.
•It is important to maintain your water feature properly, avoiding build ups of algae, dead leaf matter and unsightly slime. Water needs to remain moving, clean and fresh to harness the Chi.
•Check your feature regularly for cracks and leaks which allow the Chi to escape.
•Introduce goldfish to your water feature to encourage wealth.
•Where water is lost through evaporation remember to top up your water feature to replenish the Chi.
Adding a water feature to your garden need not be expensive or difficult. A simple ready made water feature can be installed in preference to a grand, expensive water feature. Far better to have a simple feature that is easy to maintain rather than a huge pond and waterfall set-up that may prove time too consuming for today’s busy person.
Whether you believe Feng Shui is nonsense, superstitious belief or not there are few gardens that will not benefit from the application of its principles both practically and aesthetically. Apply these principles to your garden and you may soon reap the rewards!
About the author: Danielle Dickinson is an avid water feature enthusiast. She is a regular contributor to Gardening Magazines. Visit her website http://www.waterfeaturesonline.com.au for more information on building and maintaining any type of Water Feature as well as a huge range of water gardening products.
The latest information and news on Gardening:
Yahoo! News Search Results for gardening
Top Ten 2009 Gardening Trends (Lexington Clipper-Herald)
(ARA) - Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn "back to the future" to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.
Plot user touts gardening benefits (The Naperville Sun)
Gardener Julie Federico says she is OK with Option 1A, with one caveat. "As long as I could still get a plot where they're located on West Street," Federico said. "I could continue to walk or bike there." Federico has participated in the garden plots program for the last five or six years. She began gardening on a plot with a friend, but has been tending a plot on her own for at least the last ...
Gardening events (The Jackson Sun)
If you're looking for gardening tips, you can't afford to miss the Southern Home & Garden Expo with more than 1,500 exhibitors representing home design, remodeling and landscaping Jan. 16 -18 at the Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road in Memphis.
City to offer classes on herbs, organics, gardening (This Week Olentangy)
The city of Powell will offer three classes this winter and spring on organic housecleaning, gardening and herbs.
New year offers plethora of gardening learning activities (The Vicksburg Post)
Happy New Year! I truly hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. In spite of having to replace a water heater and having to make an unexpected trip to the dentist for a chipped tooth, I really enjoyed the last couple of weeks.
5 Tips for Hydroponics Gardening (PIZZAHEROS)
When seeds first sprout, they are said to be germinating. In hydroponic gardening, this happens within a growing medium, which can be any number of things. The best choices are composted bark, expanded clay, gravel, peat moss or sand.
Plant Exchange: Gardening Is Local Woman?s ?True Hobby? (Yankton Press & Dako...
Q: May we visit your evolving county yard and garden?
Keep Gardening In Winter With Spice (Yankton Press & Dakotan)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. ? At her family-run herb farm in Vacaville, Calif., Rose Loveall-Sale hears the same question often this time of year.
U. of I. Extension offers gardening program (Villa Park Argus Press Spectator)
Four Seasons Gardening, a 12-session program presented by University of Illinois Extension, will cover a wide array of gardening and landscaping topics.
Library plans free gardening classes in Murfreesboro (The Tennessean)
Linebaugh Public Library System is offering a new set of free classes devoted to nature, gardening and "do-it-yourself" nature activities.