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Saturday, April 08, 2006

Feng Shui for Outdoor Spaces

By HGTV Editorial Team

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that allows for maximum energy flow and chi (or natural life force). While many have seen the benefits of Feng Shui in interior design, taking it outdoors is not as difficult as you may think.

Feng Shui balances the five natural elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Ponds and birdbaths are a great way to introduce water into your garden; metal can be incorporated as garden ornaments or wind chimes; to restore earth in your garden, make sure some earth is visible by not overcrowding your flower bed; a wood bench will add more wood to your backyard nicely; and fire is achieved by have a barbecue, chimenia or torches.

You’ll also want to minimize clutter as much as possible. That may mean leaving enough spaces between flowers and plants in order to avoid overcrowding. It also means keeping pinching dead leaves or flowers as soon as they’re spotted. This path to simplicity should also be used when choosing garden furniture. In Feng Shui, the simpler the better.

Curves are also important to hold the flow of chi. If your garden path is bone straight, consider altering it to a more meandering and curved one. Just as curves are found in nature, so is Yin (masculine) and Yang (feminine) energy. Yang is characterized by passive, soft and dark colour; Yin is hard, active and light. Think about keeping these in balance when choosing plants, ornaments and other outdoor décor elements.

Lastly, think uplifting. If you have a tree or shrub that points downward (such as a weeping willow), balance it out with plants that grow in a strong vertical line and emphasize upward growth. You can also achieve this uplifting ambience with bright vibrant colours — just remember to balance it with darker more somber colours. And don’t forget about whimsical elements that encourage a smile and fun.

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