What Is Fengshui In Landscape Architecture?

Fengshui
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The concept of Chinese Qi and Fengshui isn’t confined to the indoors. While you can use these concepts for your interior, say, with sound proofing panels or various plant and space arrangements, you can also apply them to your outdoor environment. 

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your modern patio furniture in Denver or want to rearrange your numerous trees in Portland, Fengshui can help. Continue reading to learn more about how Fengshui can help shape your outdoor landscape. 

What Is Outdoor Fengshui?

Outdoor Fengshui is primarily about eliminating the negative energy that projects onto the house. It contains the concept that positive energy exists already in the space and you must remove the negative elements that pollute that positive energy. The easiest way to do so is by creating soft lines that flow seamlessly throughout the yard and to include natural elements. 

Some examples of how outdoor Fengshui operates: 

  • Water and water features make harsh sounds to remind you of water in nature. 
  • Plants can enrich the space with color, vitality, and movement. 
  • Light displays that nurture the verdant plants you include. For example, a fireplace that creates a light ambiance or a garden light system. 
  • Stone that gives your yard’s ground a solid foundation. 
  • Minimal amounts of metal in the yard can create a sense of wonder in the onlooker. You should only use these elements as accent pieces. 

Plants and Landscaping 

Landscaping elements are the easiest way to establish a proper Fenshui yard. One portion of your yard should bring forth a sense of balance in your spiritual life and career. Another portion should signify unbridled growth. Yet another should display an abundance of health and finances. Lastly, you should include a location without vegetation, one that contains grills and cooking areas, one that promotes human relationships, and a human gathering area with creature comforts.

The Porch 

The porch or patio is most critical for human elements of relaxation. You will travel there multiple times a day and it serves as the meeting point for your guests. The door color leading to this area should match the colors that face your house. Doing so promotes an energetic flow throughout the area. 

Promote Energy with Features

Your outdoor space is just as important for promoting the right type of energy as your indoor space. You don’t want a space that feels hectic or stressful to live in. You can add to your outdoor garden and promote a healthy flow of Qi throughout your yard and outdoor living space. You can also place certain elements in locations based on this information. 

The Painting

Your home’s exterior greatly impacts the energy flows throughout your property. How your home colors interact with the surrounding environment will dictate how you come up with your color scheme. For example, placing brighter colors closer to window trims that face the sun can highlight certain elements and create an attractive, vibrant, and positive energy.

Fengshui
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The Directions

The North

Decorative elements in the north should focus on your career or “why” in life. You can associate water in this direction with water features, such as fountains or bird baths. Deep blues and blacks are the most appropriate colors in this area. 

Northeast 

In the northeast, you should focus on spiritual growth and knowledge. You can add comfortable seats and an excellent view to take the pressure off the rest of the north. This area should focus on comfort and the contemplation of life. One option is a Zen garden with raked sand or gravel around the rocks to remind you of the solid foundation your career path stands upon. In the northeast, the element is earth and you can decorate with earthy colors, including yellows and browns. 

The East 

In the east, your energies should focus on health. This space should be about growth and life. Ornamental trees can bring some green into your space and because one principle of Fenshui is ying and yang, you can balance the pop of green with some colorful flowers. 

The Southeast

The southeast should promote money and abundance. The element used for this area is wood and you can use royal colors, such as purple and gold. You can use wooden ornaments, such as carved turtles and frogs to signify prosperity. You can also use water features in this section. 

The South

The south features fame as its theme and the element is fire to attract attention. This is the space for a grill or outdoor fire pit and you can think of this space as the location to entertain  your guests. 

The Southwest 

The southwest is for lovers and relationships. It should be an intimate location where bright colors foster closeness and vibrancy. You can decorate it with elegant outdoor furniture to ensure it promotes closeness. 

The West

The west should be dedicated to play. It’s an area devoted to either children or more flashy decorations. The theme should be joy and relaxation and the colors are white, gold, and silver. You can place wind chimes in the west to promote a sense of relaxation with playfulness. You can also use the west as the devoted area to practice yoga.

The Northwest

While the Southwest is for close friends and loved ones, you should consider the northwest as the area to make new acquaintances. You should use it as a welcoming area and include open space with flowery plants adorning the surroundings. The decorative element often used in this area is metal and the colors will be more neutral, such as gray and white. 

Some General Tips for Fengshui In Outdoor Landscapes

  • Always consider Qi, the lifeblood of the Fengshui philosophy. It is everywhere. 
  • Create an open are in the front of the house to allow the Qi space to flow. Avoid planting large trees in the front that might obstruct your view. 
  • Keep the mountain behind and the water in front. This means you should prominently display water features. They are the symbol of wealth and you want to welcome wealth into your home, not bury it behind other features. 
  • To establish complete Fengshui, you must include three elements: water, rocks, and plants.
  • Fengshui plants need special attention. Each plant has its own energy and the area of your backyard should have a unique color palette brought together by unique plants and flowers. 
  • Large trees should be planted further away from the house to promote space. Smaller trees and shrubs can be used as an understated barrier. 
  • Proportions are everything in Fengshui. Tall trees can completely throw off the balance of your garden and you can plant trees and shrubs with slight height differences to create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Final Thoughts

When you are creating your outdoor landscape, it is important to take into consideration the principles of Fengshui. It is a centuries-old practice that ensures a harmonious balance between nature and the environment. By adhering to these traditional principles, you can create a backyard oasis that allows for maximum relaxation and enjoyment in your home. With a few simple adjustments, you can create a beautiful and peaceful space that will bring prosperity and good luck to your home.

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