HOLISTIC GARDENING
By Miles Trench
FENG SHUI IN THE GARDEN PART 1
Balance
Attaining balance is a major goal in Feng Shui. An excessive amount of one element creates an imbalance that causes a disruption to the flow of chi. The Tai Ji is the Chinese symbol for ying and yang. It shows that there should be a little bit of black where white seems to dominate, and vice-versa. This wisdom signifies that too much energy of one kind leads to an imbalance in our environment, which is then reflected as problems in our lives.
An example from the plant kingdom is an area of kikuyu or buffalo grass that is overgrown and is strangling other plants. This is a case of green energy gone mad. Conversely, a large area of bare, flat concrete is a lifeless expanse that has no living things to soften the harsh setting. This situation is devoid of life-sustaining green energy and people living nearby would no doubt sense the negative sha chi generated – like in those endless steel and concrete jungles we call cities. The secrets to achieving balance are:
1. Incorporating plants, objects and structures that serve to represent the five basic elemental energies.
2. Incorporating appropriate shapes or designs that add an elemental energy that may be lacking or missing. These should be useful, decorative or have some meaning or value to you.
Examine each ‘room’ of your garden to see if all of the five elements are represented and don’t be afraid to experiment or try something new.
Some Feng Shui ‘cures’
If there is too much green energy – try placing a small brass statue or sculpture to represent the element of metal. A splash of supportive colour in an area lacking energy may be just the thing to enliven a dull or lifeless spot. Moving objects create energy in stale areas. Light, too, can be used to energise and uplift dark or shadowy spaces. (Solar-powered garden lights are a great eco-friendly option.)
A couple of pointy-leaved plants, suitably positioned, are another way to help cure an imbalance of excessive metal energy in a particular spot. Wave shapes or a flowing pattern on a bare brick wall (representing water energy) will help subdue excessive earth energies that may be present.
Intuition is the key. Listen to your inner voice. Have a good look at where your garden may need enlivening. What would make it brighter, or darker; less bare or maybe roomier? Does it require more shade or perhaps less sun? Only you know what will feel right and remember the one thing we do have the power to do is to make changes to our immediate environment so that we feel more comfortable and ‘at home’ in the places that we spend so much of our time.
Summary
Plant in favourable sectors – the east, south-east, south or north Use supportive elements in each sector – colour, shapes and materials. Ensure balance by incorporating objects, plants, structures or designs, so that each of the five basic elements is suitably represented.
Stay tuned for Part two in the series: ‘Placement’… Web site for further info:
http://au.geocities.com/milestrench_22/milestrenchwebpage.html
All the best, miles :O)
miles trench
Author Bio
Published:
Expected - October 2008, Divan 7 – Institute of TAFE, Victoria (poem) ‘a moment’
August ed. 2008, Scibbligum - ‘Very Highly Commended’ & ‘Highly Commended’ – (2 poems)
August ed. 2008, Warm Earth Organic Gardening (article) My No-Dig Veggie Garden
July ed. 2008, Back Yard Farmer (Earth Garden) (article): Basic No-Dig Gardening
March 2008, Scribbligum - ‘Highly Commended’ - (poem) Flores
October 2007, Kerneweck Lowender - ‘Highly Commended’ A Piece of Paper
December 2006, ‘Writing Right’ - Poetry Prize
April/May 2006 – Grass Roots Magazine (article) Do a Number on Your Garden
May 1999, Grass Roots – (article) Marion Bay
June 2002, That’s Life (article) Look What I Can Do!
October 2001, Winner of Across the Valley Short-story award – Martin’s Secret
May 1999 Third Prize International Library of Poetry – Winter
November 1998 Nimbin News - Papermaking – An Ancient Craft Revisited
April 1998 – Australian Business Opportunities – ‘Recycling’
December 1997, New Age Guardian – Papermaking.
Oeuvre to Date:
56 poems, 26 short stories, 1 book, various fragments and many ‘works in progress…’
Aspiring to:
Complete and release novella Runcifal (a horror fantasy);
Release my collection of short stories entitled ‘The Ravings of a Sane man’…
Publish Good Seed Good Soil Good Mulch and How to Create a School Garden
Motto ‘Learn, create, explore and believe ‘
