Feng Shui

The philosophy of Feng Shui is embraced by people who are aware of the impact their surroundings have on them.  In the garden Absolutely Bushed can determine the best locations for the different activities you intend to pursue there, but also taking into account of the plants in the garden and their needs, which are equally important if the environment is to thrive. In the Feng Shui garden the design principles of the ancient Chinese landscapers are used to create, not Chinese gardens but indigenous ones which relate to our own psyche as well as to the spirit of the place where we live.  By using local plants and natural methods to grow them Absolutely Bushed can make a garden in which we can distance ourselves from the hurly burly of modern living and gain repose. If you have ever walked into a garden that peaked your senses so that you can recall the sensations of that space years later, you have experienced Feng Shui's universal forces in harmony and balance.  

Trees

In ancient China, trees were regarded as having special powers.  Trees are used to enhance space, to obscure unwelcome features and to balance other features in the garden.  They need to be planted meticulously to reflect a number of philosophical principles as follows:

• Trees should grow naturally, since their beauty is in their true shape.
• A single tree can be admired for its shape, bark, leaves and blossom.
• Groups of trees should be in odd numbers; threes or fives.
• Trees with branches growing horizontally, such as cedar or spruce, should be planted alone.
• Weeping and pendulous trees, like willow or birch, do not mix with those bearing horizontal branches.

Colors In Your Landscape

Feng Shui practitioners believe that it is possible to determine a person's health or mood by the colors they use in their environment and that is possible to alter perceptions by changing colors or by combining them in a variety of ways.

White and Silver- White symbolizes new beginnings, purity and innocence.   An all white garden appear fresh and clean and, in the evening light, luminous. Although calming, there may be a deadness to a large all white garden unless it is carefully planned with many different shades and shapes of green to vary it.

Yellow- This color is associated with spring and late summer.  It stimulates the brain. It is a rich and cheerful color, but, in its paler forms or when combined with white, it can feel overwhelming.

Red-Red plants will dominate a garden when planted in large patches.  They will make excellent spot plants to draw the eye to a certain area. Its also associated with wealth luck.

Blue- This color is peaceful and soothing. Blue borders have a sedative effect but unrelieved blue can be gloomy. Blue plants can be mixed with white and silver foliage and with soft pink flowers.

Purple- Purple is impressive, dignified, and spiritual. A purple border can be sumptuous and restful at the same time.  Mix purple with blues, whites and soft pinks for calm.

Pink- This is a warm color and draws people to it. It is linked to with purity of thought and has the positive association of happiness and romance.

Orange- Orange is a rich, warm, happy color, but difficult to place.  It is probably best against a dark green background.

Green- This color symbolizes growth and harmony. Spot planting, using pots of colored plants and bulbs, is very effective against the backdrop of a green garden.  In itself the green garden, containing various shades and shaped of foliage can be restful, tranquil place.  Green is the predominate  color in the Chinese garden.

Some Plants and Their Fung Shui Meanings Aspidistra: Fortitude Chrysanthemum: Resolution Cypress: Nobility Gardenia: Strength Hydrangea: Achievement Jasmine: Friendship Lilies: Emblem of summer and abundance Narcissus: Good Luck Orchid: Endurance Peony: Wealth Pine: Longevity Pomegranate: Fertility Rhododendron: Delicacy

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