Fountains and Feng Shui

The term Feng Shui is heard a lot these days, but did you know that it can be applied to your garden fountains as well? Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placing and arranging items into a space in order to achieve harmony and promote the flow of positive energy throughout the body. This is called the chi (pronounced ‘chee’).

You might be interested in knowing that the literal translation of Feng Shui is ‘wind-water’. The popularity of this art is fairly new in Western cultures but the art itself has been practiced in the East for centuries. As we learn more about it, more people are beginning to understand its benefits and are applying it to their home gardens.

Feng Shui works on the common use of the five elements. These elements are earth, wind, fire, wood, and metal. When these five elements are in balance, one can achieve a higher state of harmony and peace. If the elements are not balanced, a negative chi can take place.

The five elements each correspond to certain colors and objects:

Water can be introduced into the home through the use of fountains and ponds. The use of water fountains in the garden has long been associated with peaceful feelings and stress reduction.

Metal can be added to the garden area through furniture, wind chimes, or a sculpture.

Wood can be introduced into the garden through furniture or pieces of small art.

To add fire to your garden you can use candles or incense.

Earth can be added through clay pots or planters, bricks and sculptures.

One of the easiest ways to add Feng Shui to your garden or yard is by using a fountain collection that has been designed for that purpose. You can find many attractive sets, in all price ranges that include a water fountain along with several other pieces that harmonize the set into a single theme.

If you wish, you can even hire a landscape contractor to visit your property. He or she can help you lay out a peaceful and tranquil area for your garden. Their assistance can be invaluable when it comes to laying out walkways and other special aspects of your new garden.

A landscape contractor can be especially useful if you plan to lay out a rock garden or wish to insert pebble beds as décor areas for your garden. When you are speaking with landscape professionals, ask if they have any experience with Feng Shui gardens. You may be surprised at how many do these days.