For the uninitiated, Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) is a very old Chinese philosophy dating back to the 4th Century and recorded in an ancient tome entitled “I Ching”. It has its base in science and magic and will teach you how to live in harmony with nature and understand the flow of Chi (good energy) and the Yin/Yang balance. It is highly respected and used extensively in places such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia and has become very popular in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. In Lina Visconti’s book Feng Shui Going with the Flow, she writes: “By understanding your surroundings and altering the position of certain objects you can create a harmonious environment which will improve your fortunes and enable success, love, prosperity, health and happiness to flow to you in abundance.”
Plants are recognized and recommended by Feng Shui masters as the most potent and effective way to diffuse bad Chi and energize good Feng Shui. Ever wonder about the significance of Lucky Bamboo? It is considered to be the all-time favourite of the Chinese because it symbolizes longevity, good health, durability and endurance. If you can grow it outside, try at the back of your house for good luck in business, making sure that the old or dead growth is cut back Bamboo, is one of the most respected and auspicious plants and will be effective no matter where you plant it as long as you do not allow it to grow out of control and become a nuisance.
The pine tree is also a symbol of longevity and, planted together with a cypress on the West side of your property, they symbolize an eternal friendship that stays constant in adversity. Always remember to choose a pine that suits the size of your home and lot otherwise the good energy that it produces will become too powerful, upsetting the balance and negatively affecting you.
A white magnolia tree planted in the front garden is said to attract happiness while one planted in the back yard symbolizes a slow accumulation of great wealth.
Chrysanthemums, Fuschias, Begonias and Peonies are extremely important and auspicious flowers. The Fuschia exudes Yang energy and is regarded as a good-fortune symbol; the red peony is highly prized but, also, very effective in all other colours and is linked to relationships, marriage or romance. Double Begonias can be substituted if you prefer not to grow Peonies. The yellow Chrysanthemum (globe variety) is greatly esteemed by the Chinese and the Japanese because it is believed to create great happiness and joy.
Plants such as Pyracantha, Hypericum, Cotoneaster, Roses, Tomatoes all provide abundant, red-coloured fruit and, as a result are plants that are considered to carry very good luck.
Leaves that are rounded, symbolize money and wealth as does the narcissus and water lily. Since Ferns have a more delicate foliage they have a yin energy and combined with the yang energy of hostas produce a very harmonious effect.
Try to avoid using weeping plants which are associated with sadness, stunted plants which symbolize blockages or restrictions. If you insist on having them in your garden, they should be planted away from the entrance or the gate to your yard. Plants with thorns, cacti in particular, emit hundreds of tiny poison arrows and symbolize a dry, hostile environment. Roses are considered to be neutral since their floral beauty and rose hips neutralize the effect of the thorns. The only consideration is that they be placed away from the walls and pathways of the home and grown as hedges or on pergolas. When roses are planted nearer the gate in flowerbeds by the side of the home they take on the role of friendly sentinels and are considered to be beneficial.
Above all, make sure that whatever you have in your garden is healthy. The vitality that comes from it will be beneficial in all areas of your life.