Feng Shui for Real Life

Jumpstart the geraniums and dial up the dahlias: it's time to start growing something in your garden with a Feng Shui plan in mind. Whether the garden view you see is a lush paradise or a simple hanging plant, you can choose plants and decorations in colors and shapes that represent the Feng Shui Five Elements.

The Five Elements is the Feng Shui term to describe the colors, shapes, and textures around you and the attributes they bring into your life. The Elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and each has a characteristic shape and colors, and represents specific aspects of life. What do the names of the Five Elements conjure up in your mind? Most likely it is the same thing as their attributes: passion, grounding, clarity, movement, and growth, respectively.

Check out these simple ways to activate the Elements while adding a bit of pizzazz to your garden:

Fire Element: Plant red, orange, or purple flowers, then add an outdoor fire pit and lanterns or torches.

Earth Element: Plant yellow flowers, and arrange rocks and clay pots around them.

Metal Element: Plant white flowers and decorate your garden with metal sculptures and wind chimes.

Water Element: Plant blue and purple flowers, and create a water element like a pond, fountain, or birdbath.

Wood Element: Plant green shrubs and trees, then place wooden benches, chairs, or a trellis in your backyard.

To place these Element shapes and colors in the most appropriate bagua area of your garden, first download a Feng Shui bagua that matches the shape of your garden from the "Basics" section at www.FengShuiForRealLife.com. Next, hold the bagua in front of you when you look into your garden from its main entrance. Plant and decorate your garden to match the colors and shapes recommend for each area.

For example, in the Wealth area (upper left hand corner of your garden), grow red roses, purple salvia, or other plants with hot colors or triangular shapes to increase your abundance and prosperity. Plant fruit trees in this area and your wealth will be "fruitful."

If you live in an apartment or condo, you can still have a garden on your balcony or patio. Even though the space is small, use the bagua to map out your outdoor space, then decorate with flowers, small potted plants, or garden ornaments.