DIY Network

Feng-Shui Gardening Use this ancient Chinese art form to your best advantage in the garden. From "The Dirt On..." episode DTDO-123

Use the color, texture, shape, size and placement of plants to create a soothing garden.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art form that is all about creating an environment of harmony. The idea is that placing things in a certain way creates beneficial "chi," an energy force that can encourage success and serenity.

Although feng shui is most often used indoors, the term literally translates to "wind and water," so it's definitely suited for outdoor areas like your garden too.

Below, landscape designer Kelly Shaeffer explains how to transform your garden from cluttered and chaotic to soothing and calm.

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Figure A

Consider color. Color expresses emotion so it's a great tool for bringing positive energy into the garden. On the downside, it can also be overused, creating clutter and chaos. To avoid this, choose a soothing color palette: greens, whites, calm yellows and purples (figure A). Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Coral Bells 'Marmalade' (Heuchera 'Marmalade'): soft bronzy foliage
Kaffir lily (Clivia miniata): soft yellow flowers
Loropetalum (Loropetalum sp.): soft, arching purple foliage
Sweet flag (Acorus calamus): yellow grass

Choose plants with soft, contrasting textures. Textures affect the energy of a space just like color does and you have to pick the right mix of textures to achieve a serene look. Lamb's ear is soft to the touch so it's very soothing. You can also choose plants that look soft like these:

Australian tree fern (Alsophila australis): lacy look (not hardy)
Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans): soft, interesting texture
Phormium 'Cream Delight': soft, arching texture

You can even break the rules a little here. If you like a spiky plant, place it next to your other plants and see if it blends. That's the key — getting everything to flow together.

Look for plants that will balance out the heights of the different plants you've chosen. Proportion is key to creating a balanced design. If you have a huge tree with small plants, it won't look or feel right. Choose a dwarf variety of that tree and balance it out with medium-sized plants.

Figure B

Water is the last element you'll need for your serenity garden (figure B), whether it's in the form of a pond, a fountain or a small creek. The reflections bring about contemplation, and moving water is very relaxing. The water feature adds a wonderful finishing touch, and with a running fountain, it even adds a little liquid music.

Create an entire garden with these elements in mind, and you will end up with a harmonious space that does affect your attitude.

GUESTS :
Kelly Shaeffer
Landscape Designer and Owner, Plant Providers
Website: www.plantproviders.net