Feng Shui, often recognized for its influence on interior design, can offer valuable insights that extend beyond the walls of our homes. Outdoor feng shui encourages us to harmonize with our natural surroundings, including the outdoor spaces we hold dear. By applying these principles to our gardens, patios, and other open-air areas, we can create environments that nurture a sense of balance, tranquility, and positive energy.
Autumn’s outdoor Feng Shui delights with a vibrant palette—golden yellows, fiery oranges, and rustic reds embrace nature’s transformation.
Understanding the Five Elements and Bagua of Feng Shui
One of the most important principles of Feng Shui is the Bagua. The Bagua, or “eight areas” in Chinese. It’s a map that helps us understand how different areas of our space connect to various aspects of our life. By understanding and applying the Bagua, we can enhance the positive energy or ‘chi’ in our outdoor spaces.
In Feng Shui, the universe is made up of five basic elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of these elements has its unique characteristics and can influence our lives in different ways.
Wood: The Wood element represents growth, vitality, and expansion. In our outdoor spaces, the Wood element can be represented by actual wooden objects, plants, or even the color green. Incorporating the Wood element can bring a sense of renewal and vibrant energy to your space.
Fire: As you might have guessed, fire is all about passion, transformation, and action. It’s that spark that drives us forward. In our outdoor spaces, the Fire element can be represented by lighting, the color red, or even a barbecue grill or fire pit. Including the Fire element can help to stimulate activity and promote social interactions.
💰 Prosperity Pointer: The crackling sound of a fire can create an ambiance of abundance and attract opportunities. 💰
Earth: The Earth element symbolizes stability, nourishment, and grounding. It’s that sense of being connected to the world around us. In our outdoor spaces, the Earth element can be represented by the soil, rocks, or the color yellow. Incorporating the Earth element can help to create a calming and nurturing environment.
Metal: Metal represents clarity, precision, and efficiency. In our outdoor spaces, the Metal element can be represented by metal objects, white color, or round shapes. Including the Metal element can help to bring a sense of order and clarity to your space.
Water: The Water element symbolizes flow, abundance, and communication. In our outdoor spaces, the Water element can be represented by water features, mirrors, or the color black. Incorporating the Water element can help to promote a sense of tranquility and reflection.
☘️ Lucky Lesson: A well-placed water feature in your garden can also attract positive energy and good luck. ☘️
Understanding and balancing these five elements in your outdoor space can create a harmonious environment that not only looks great but also supports your well-being.
In outdoor Feng Shui, a fish pond symbolizes abundance, harmony, and the flow of positive energy, enhancing tranquility and prosperity in the environment.
The Role of Plants
Plants play a significant role in Feng Shui. They embody the Wood element, symbolizing growth, vitality, and prosperity. But not all plants are created equal in the eyes of Feng Shui. Some plants can bring positive energy into your outdoor space, while others might do just the opposite.
The Best Plants
When it comes to choosing plants for your outdoor space, it’s not just about what looks good. It’s about what feels good, too. Here are seven plants that are known to bring positive energy and good luck according to Feng Shui principles:
- Bamboo: Known for attracting peace and wisdom.
- Jade Plant: Believed to bring wealth and prosperity.
- Citrus Trees: Symbolize abundance and good health.
- Rosemary: Promotes purification and protection.
- Lavender: Encourages calmness and serenity.
- Peonies: Represent romance and love.
- Sunflowers: Symbolize longevity and good luck.
Bamboo holds vital significance in outdoor Feng Shui, symbolizing strength, growth, resilience, and harmony with nature’s flow.
☮️ Peaceful Pointer: Choosing a soothing color palette, such as soft greens and blues, enhances the peaceful ambiance. ☮️
Plants to Avoid
Just as some plants can bring positive energy, others can disrupt the balance of your outdoor space. Here are seven plants that you might want to think twice about:
- Cactus: Their spiky nature can create ‘Sha Qi’ or negative energy.
- Poison Ivy: Its toxic nature is believed to bring negative energy.
- Dead Plants: Symbolize stagnation and can block positive energy.
- Thorny Plants: Like roses, can disrupt positive energy, unless the thorns are removed.
- Old Trees: If they’re too close to the house, they can create a sense of pressure.
- Hydrangeas: In some cultures, they’re associated with heartbreak.
- Large Potted Plants: If they’re too large, they can overwhelm the balance of the space.
Feng Shui is all about balance and harmony. So, when you’re choosing plants for your outdoor space, consider not just their aesthetic appeal, but also the energy they bring.
💰 Prosperity Pointer: Incorporating plants with vibrant and healthy energy can attract luck and prosperity. 💰
Applying the Principles to Your Backyard
Here’s some hints on how you can optimize the layout of your backyard using Feng Shui principles and the Bagua.
Optimizing Your Backyard Layout
The Bagua, or Feng Shui energy map, is a crucial tool in arranging your outdoor space. It divides any given space into nine areas, each representing a different life aspect. Here’s how you can apply it to your backyard:
Areas of the Bagua
 | Knowledge Area (Earth, Northeast): Emphasizes learning, personal growth, and intellectual pursuits. This is a great place for a quiet reading nook or a small library. |
 | Career Area (Water, North): Addresses professional success, life purpose, and contribution to society. This area is associated with water, so consider placing a water feature here, like a fountain or a small pond. |
 | Helpful People Area (Metal, Northwest): Represents support, mentors, and influential individuals who provide assistance and guidance in various aspects of life.This area also relates to metal. A seating area here can invite helpful energies. |
 | Family Area (Wood, East): Centers around family relationships, ancestry, and a sense of belonging. Wood is the element for this area. Planting trees or adding wooden furniture here can enhance this energy. |
 | Health Area (Earth, Center): Concerned with physical and mental well-being, vitality, and balance. This area should be kept open and clear to allow energy to circulate. |
 | Children/Creativity Area (Metal, West): Nurtures artistic expression, creative endeavors, and self-expression. This area is associated with metal. Consider a metal sculpture or wind chimes. Also a good place for a childs play area, like a cubby house or a sand pit. |
 | Wealth Area (Wood, Southeast): Represents abundance, prosperity, and financial well-being. This area benefits from lush, healthy plants and wind chimes. |
 | Fame Area (Fire, South): Focuses on reputation, recognition, and personal achievements. Fire is the element here. A fire pit or candles can activate this area. |
 | Relationship Area (Earth, Southwest): Pertains to love, partnerships, and harmonious connections with others. Earth is the element for this area. Stone sculptures or a rock garden can be great additions. |
The goal is to create a balanced and harmonious environment where energy can flow freely.
The Significance of Your Backyard’s Slope
In Feng Shui, the slope of your backyard can significantly impact the flow of energy. A backyard that slopes downward away from the house can symbolize draining away of wealth and health. To counteract this, you can use plants, fences, or rocks to create a “stop” for the energy. On the other hand, if your backyard slopes upward, it can create a supportive energy, symbolizing a mountain at your back.
However, the most important thing is to create a space that feels good to you. Your backyard is an extension of your home, and it should be a place where you can relax and rejuvenate. So, take these tips as a guide, but don’t forget to listen to your own intuition and make your backyard truly your own.
☮️ Peaceful Pointer: Thoughtfully arranging plants and flowers in a feng shui garden promotes a sense of balance. ☮️
Creating a Feng Shui Patio
Your patio can be more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a good book. With the principles of Feng Shui, it can become a sanctuary of positive energy that enhances your life.
Applying the Bagua to Your Patio
Just like your backyard, your patio can also benefit from the Bagua. Here’s how you can apply it:
- Knowledge Area (Northeast): Consider placing a bookshelf or a small statue symbolizing wisdom here.
☘️ Lucky Lesson: Placing statues or symbols of lucky creatures like dragons and turtles can enhance your garden’s luck. ☘️
- Career Area (North): A water feature or images of water can enhance this area.
- Helpful People Area (Northwest): Metal furniture or a bell can be placed here.
- Family Area (East): Wooden furniture or a plant can activate this area.
- Health Area (Center): Keep this area open and clear for energy to circulate.
- Children/Creativity Area (West): This is a great place for a craft table or a sandbox for kids.
- Wealth Area (Southeast): Lush plants or a wind chime can be placed here.
- Fame Area (South): A candle or a lamp can represent the fire element in this area.
- Relationship Area (Southwest): A pair of chairs or a love seat can enhance this area.
A gazebo in outdoor Feng Shui provides a harmonious space, promoting relaxation, balance, and connection with nature’s energy.
The Use of Color
Color plays a significant role in Feng Shui as each color represents a different Feng Shui element. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right colors for your patio:
- Wood (Green, Brown): These colors represent growth and vitality. They are excellent for the east (family) and southeast (wealth) areas of your patio.
- Fire (Red, Orange, Purple): These colors symbolize passion and energy. They are suitable for the south (fame) area.
- Earth (Yellow, Brown): These colors symbolize stability and nourishment. They are good for the northeast (knowledge) and southwest (relationships) areas.
- Metal (White, Gray): These colors represent clarity and precision. They are suitable for the west (children/creativity) and northwest (helpful people) areas.
- Water (Blue, Black): These colors symbolize calmness and wisdom. They are excellent for the north (career) area.
Use these guidelines as a starting point, but always choose colors that make you feel good. Your patio should be a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
💰 Prosperity Pointer: Proper use of colors, such as rich greens and earth tones, creates a nurturing and prosperous atmosphere. 💰
Furniture and Other Outdoor Items
The furniture and items you choose for your outdoor space can do more than just provide comfort and functionality. They can also play a significant role in promoting harmony and positive energy.
Metal sculptures play a vital role in outdoor Feng Shui, harmonizing energy, promoting clarity, and adding contemporary elegance to landscapes.
The Role of Furniture in Promoting Family Unity
Furniture can serve as a powerful tool to promote family unity and enhance the energy of your outdoor space. Here are seven items that can help:
- A Round Table: A round table symbolizes unity and equality, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings.
- Comfortable Chairs: Comfortable seating encourages longer, more meaningful conversations.
- A Hammock: A hammock can provide a fun and relaxing spot for family members to bond.
- A Bench: A bench, especially when placed under a tree, can offer a peaceful spot for heart-to-heart talks.
- A Picnic Table: A picnic table can encourage casual, enjoyable family meals in the open air.
- Outdoor Rugs: Outdoor rugs can define spaces and make them feel more inviting.
- A Swing or Rocking Chair: These can provide soothing movement that promotes relaxation and open communication.
Remember, the key is to choose furniture that encourages interaction and makes everyone feel included.
The Placement of Trash Cans, Mirrors, and Fire Pits
Even practical items can be placed thoughtfully to enhance the Feng Shui of your outdoor space.
Trash Cans: While necessary, trash cans should be kept out of sight as much as possible to prevent the energy of waste and decay from affecting your space. Consider hiding them behind a decorative screen or in a closed cabinet.
Mirrors: In Feng Shui, mirrors are used to reflect and double the energy. They can be used in the outdoor space to reflect beautiful views. However, avoid placing mirrors where they reflect sharp corners, clutter, or other negative sights.
Fire Pits: Fire pits represent the fire element and should be placed in the south area of your garden or patio to enhance recognition and fame. However, safety should always be your first priority. Ensure your fire pit is safely away from trees, furniture, and other flammable materials.
Remember, Feng Shui is all about creating a harmonious flow of energy. So, take the time to consider the placement of every item in your outdoor space.
In outdoor Feng Shui, a firepit creates a focal point, brings warmth, and ignites vibrant energy gatherings.
The Front Door and Porch
Your home’s front door and porch serve as the main gateway for energy to enter your space. In Feng Shui, their design and arrangement are of utmost importance.
The Importance of the Front Door’s Location and Direction
The front door is known as the “mouth of chi,” where all your home’s energy enters. Its location and direction can significantly impact the energy flow. Ideally, the front door should face a clear, unobstructed path to allow positive energy to flow freely. Avoid having the front door directly aligned with the back door, as this can cause energy to rush through the home too quickly.
The direction your front door faces also matters. For instance, a door facing east can bring health and family harmony, while a north-facing door can attract career opportunities. However, remember that these are general principles and might vary based on individual circumstances.
💰 Prosperity Pointer: Pathways and entrances designed with curves and flowing lines invite positive chi and opportunities. 💰
How to Feng Shui Your Front Porch
Your front porch serves as a transition space between the outside world and your home. Here are some tips to Feng Shui your front porch:
Color Choices: The color of your front door and porch should correspond to the Feng Shui element of its facing direction. For example, a south-facing door can benefit from red or pink, representing the Fire element.
Plant Placement: Plants on the porch can attract positive energy. Choose plants with rounded leaves and avoid thorny plants or cacti, which can repel positive energy. Place them in pairs on either side of the door to create balance.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential. It attracts positive energy and provides a warm welcome.
This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate Feng Shui principles into your backyard and outdoor spaces. It offers 13 key considerations, including the incorporation of the five Feng Shui elements, the use of Feng Shui-friendly exterior paint colors, and the importance of the front door. The video also discusses the use of Feng Shui symbols, balancing Yin and Yang energies, and the significance of plant and rock placement.
Remember, Feng Shui is a personal journey, and there are no strict rules. Trust your intuition, experiment with different elements, and observe how the energy responds. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way until you achieve the perfect balance.