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

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung schway”) is the ancient Asian belief that everything around you and me affects us – colors of rooms, furniture placement, locale of home. And, indeed, the types of plants and flowers that we place in our space.

For centuries, many rich and famous folks have incorporated Feng Shui into their homes and businesses. And, for hundreds of years, these “tips” have been regarded as secret, private and only for the privileged and wealthy. So be careful who you share this with, OK?

Bottom-line: in order to bring happiness into one’s home, surrounding gardens and landscapes must reflect and titillate Ma Nature. Although constructed by human hands, gardens should never look like a pet cemetery or be a generic “cookie-cutter” lay-out cranked out by a computer. And, of course, one can have a Feng Shui garden in an apartment, as well – think window-box or potted pretties. The Feng Shui-basics are that red-toned plants are Ma Nature-motivators for increasing health and physical energy; yellow buds bring clear thinking and the ability to state your case and thoughts; white doesn’t offer much intuitive oomph, so try to minimize this color from your front areas as its pale shade is said to make co-habitors angry, scattered, want to retreat.

Let’s first tackle types of plants that are Feng Shui-fine. The Silver Crown (Cotyledon undulata) is a member of the catcus family. Like the common nursery Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) that is often found in many Chinese restaurants and homes, this thick, leafy, luminescent beauty features fan-shaped leaves with a silvery sheen. When placed in the southeast portion of a garden or home, it’s said, like its emerald brother, to bring prosperity and improved income, especially in gathering and dining rooms.

Similarly, the hearty Philodendron scandus, a shade-loving plant with heart-shaped leaves, is also known for its money-attracting properties and calm during turbulent relationships – especially when featured in the southwest of a home or garden (but keep it out of the bedroom, unless you like arguing). It comes in a variety of colors. The deeper its green, the more powerful its charm. But try not to plant this hearty green-guy near a favorite tree as it has a tendency to “take-over,” creating hostile ch’i (pronounced “chee” – energy).

Tree-wise, you can’t go wrong displaying a healthy Peach Tree (Prunus persica), the favorite fruit of Chinese Immortals. Ditto for Cherry trees, the Orange tree or any flowering bush with orange or pinkish buds. The Chinese word for “orange” sounds like the word “gold.” To attract money, place a pair of Orange trees (or, maybe, even a duet of oranges) on both sides of your front door or near the main entrance of your dwelling. Best to feature them (in this case, always in twos) in a light earth-toned container, preferably with moss-covering.

Fushias, with their dangling lantern-like flowers, are considered very positive when placed in a southeastern area of your plot or place. The deeper the pink, the better. However, other “crying” -shaped plants like weeping willow or wisteria are not considered auspicious for home-owners to display due to a “sadness” symbolized by their downward-turning shapes and buds. Purple wisterias are best, by far.

And don’t be overly concerned about midwest weather with these items. Plant them in moveable pots and bring them indoors when Ole Man Winter approaches. On another note, beware of having too many bonsai plants indoors as their symbolic connotations suggest “stunted growth” rather than abundance. If you, like me, are a bonsai fanatic, keep them indoors clustered around the westerly sector of your home, suggesting that loved ones and family will “stay put” or not grow.

Because liliac’s flowers are fragrant, Feng Shui views them as fickle, inconsistent and fleeting— they are an emblem of youth but not maturity. When you’re stuck in old thought patterns, toss a bouquet of blueish lilacs on the dining room table or in the den and open up your mind. These are the flowers for writers and artists. Afterwards, throw them to the divas in your compost pile once their aroma fades or toss petals into a pot of boiling water on the stove as a natural incense.

Upward-growing rectangular shrubs and trees are considered very favorable, especially when planted/located in the east or southeast; avoid situating them in southwest and northeast spots whenever possible. Their shape is good and act as ch’i-builders for health, recovery. Spikey, umbrella-like trees or shrubs are not honored as “good” unless situated in the east or southeast.

If there are only one or two flowers that you’re able to have, plant or place a peony or chrysanthemum – both esteemed as attracting great happiness, affection – in your southwest or east areas. The deeper the red or golden hue, the better. The opposite is true with Impatiens flora: Feng Shui frowns on them; but if you gotta have ‘em, plant the white rather than scarlet and avoid arguments, sloth, scatteredness.

Let’s briefly run down the esoteric impact of your land. North areas are associated with water, love odd-shaped flora and fauna and bird feeders, fountains; its colors are blue and black. South is what’s called a Fire element/Phoenix and should always be well-lit; spikey and scarlet plants with abundant green leaves are best. The west enjoys round-shaped leaves, metal chimes or bells. In the east, ornamental trees, especially bamboo are favored, as well as flowers with huge bud displays, like hydrangeas.

The southwest areas enjoy pebbles and rocks and stones rather than plants. Ditto for the northeast. The northwest is also a good place to hang your metal windchime or display a metal sculpture or long, long-leafed greenies. The southeast is called Small Wood and prefers tiny little blossoming plants like tea-roses, dandelions, lilies-of-the-valley.

Your landscape should be carefully edited to showcase the natural beauty of local plants. Refrain from filling the front lawn with flora and fauna alien to your region. You don’t have to be a master gardener or Ma nature-buff to enjoy Feng Shui-flora and fauna. Just play with the basic principles. Grow with the flow.

Dennis Fairchild is the author of several books on divination, including “Healing Homes: Feng Shui – Here & Now.” For personal astrological consult or on-site Feng Shui info call (248) 546-9612. If you have a question about Feng Shui to be considered in a future column email DenFairchild@aol.com.