MAKING WAVES WITH FENG SHUI
Feng Shui For The Garden
by Dennis Fairchild
 

Now it’s time for midwesterners to complain about the humidity rather than the snow. And, it’s also time to celebrate Ma Nature’s wonders and get our hands dirty in the soil. The metaphysical mailbag has been filled with concerns about plants and pets lately, so let’s address how the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui (pronounced “fung schway”) views our flora and fauna and other fun stuff.

Dear Dennis,

I’ve read that particular colors of plants have a specific effect on people.
Any quick tips?

Dora; Beverly Hills MI; internet

Dora dear,

Indeed, Feng Shui color coordinating is keen and works wonders. After all, if a depressed or angry person enters a room that is decorated with, say, pinks or sunflower yellow they mellow and feel more positive. The opposite is also true if the same grumpy angered individual hangs out in a space filled with grays or dark tones.

Ditto for our yard decor. Plants unite us with the outside world and instill a sense of connectedness. Generally speaking, gardens featuring yellow blooms are said to imbue more intellectual stamina and provoke one to think, not be lazy. Daffodils and various shades of Tiger Lilies are superb, especially around one’s back entrance or rear-hanging window box. Like the color of the sun, yellow flora begets positive thinking, motivation and is great for dining areas after the sunset. Ditto for pink-colored petals, like carnations or gentle shades of roses.

Red plants are ch’i (meaning “energy”) generators. Ideally, red blooming plants or trees are best when on the back and side of a residence or when placed in a kitchen area or den. The more pink-ish the petals, the more calming the environment and tone of the room. Cut flowers and plants should not be featured in a bedroom, however, regardless of type or smell. There, silk plants or art prints of nature work best.

White bloomers, especially lilies-of-the-valley or pale roses, featured near a front or rear entryway is said to beget open-mindedness, honesty and a willingness to learn and understand. If combined with shades of purple or blue flowers like lilacs, the color is said to make dwellers focus inward on important stuff.

Green, Ma Nature’s fave tone, is said to help inhabitants maintain a sense of self and increases determination to succeed – think the green of dollar bills. The more rounded the leaves, the more financially-strong the esoteric image. Jade plants, indoor rather than out in the midwest, is best. Ditto for begonias. Ivy, alas, has a tendency to keep one “stuck” in the past as they are hardy and withstand uncomfortable temps. On this note, shrubs around a rear or front entrance that are round in shape versus upwardly-pointy are preferred. Pointy tall liner-shrubs like yews and various evergreens should be placed on sides of property, acting like sentinels and protectors.

Dear Dennis,

My mom is moving this month and wants me to relocate her huge ferns to my small front garden. She penny-pinched all of her life, but always paid her bills. I’m afraid that her ferns would make me do the same.

Sam; Keego harbor MI; internet

Dear Sambo,

Universally, ferns survive the toughest of seasons. And, indeed, like the color of dollar bills and precious jade and emerald, they are said to confer wealth and financial stability, especially when placed in odd-numbered clusters away from one’s front or rear entrance. Ideally, the fern should be “discovered” by scanning a garden rather than featured on a porch, for instance.

It’s believed that the thicker and more lush its leaves, the more money comes your way. And to maintain ongoing prosperity, every spring, be sure to separate its babies from its parental source and scatter around the yard. In an apartment or condo, ferns are Feng Shui favorites in upstairs foyers or bathrooms (bathrooms are also synonymous to wealth), but never near front or back doors.

Interestingly, mint – although not related to ferns – is also said to be a money-attracter when planted but not featured in a row on the sides of one’s house. Plus, they repel many flying insects... and, bill-collectors.

Dear Denny,

I love gardening and babies. I’ve been trying to conceive all winter long with no positive results. I know that planting a shrub or such won’t make me fertile, but is there a Feng Shui-flower that could help enhance my chances of becoming a mom?

Catherine; Birmingham MI; internet

Dear Cat,

In addition to eating well, exercise and a healthy life-style, Feng Shui says that planting hollyhocks around the main floor around one’s bedroom will promote fertility. Although not as strong, folklore also suggests that you plant light-blue toned cornflowers where you can see them from your window. If a condo or apartment-dweller, try lavender and other purple-blue like blooms in a window box. But remember: not IN a bedroom. And by the bye, indoor plants should never , never be placed in a pot on the floor. Always set live plants atop a stand. Honor them: give them a special “throne.” After all, it’s a gift from you-know-who.

Dear Dennis,

From your columns and my reading, I know that bamboo is respected in Feng Shui. My wife and I are considering putting in a bamboo fence around the garden. Is this a good thing?

George; Livonia MI; internet

Dear George,

Can’t go wrong with bamboo, it’s said. Feng Shui considers it the plant for longevity and good health. Plus, it’s ecologically sound. Floors, like in my house, of bamboo are said to increase stamina and strength. Outdoors, a bamboo fence or garden hurdle has the same effect. However, when used outside, it’s also implied that the bamboo should be no taller than the height of the tallest resident. And, if used against, say a metal fence, the connectors should be of woven twine, not garbage bag twisters.

Generally-speaking, bamboo fences should be a lighter color than sunrise. Pale is perfect-o; darker doesn’t carry the same impact. Bamboo loves “climbers” so try incorporating some vines, hollyhocks and double your pleasure as well as income.

Dennis Fairchild is the Royal Oak MI author of several books on divination and welcomes queries for publication-consideration for this column at www.DenFairchild@aol.com. To schedule a personal intuitive-astrological consult or Feng Shui on-site evaluation, phone (248) 546-6912.