Whenever feng shui is brought into the exterior grounds of a property, whether it is a home, workplace, public building or municipal area, the energy within the connecting interior space also becomes subtly enhanced by the flourishing vital chi of the garden as it flows beneficially into its nearby surroundings.

Garden feng shui principles in modern times start with existing natural landforms and organic elements, shapes, colours and foliage textures, and then focus on the balance of yin and yang, perhaps with the addition of well-placed water features or suitable man-made structures in appropriate areas. The aim is to create a harmonious and peaceful space.

An Ancient Art

Gardens have featured prominently in Chinese life for more than 3000 years. The key principle used in creating a traditional Chinese garden was that it should always harmonise with nature. Therefore, designers placed great importance on preserving and enhancing natural surroundings, and blending together man-made features with the dominant natural scenery.

The ancient Emperors’ palaces had vast gardens that resembled parks, in which many kinds of birds and animals were raised. According to ancient records, the famous fourth century Jingu Garden had beautiful landscapes with lush foliage, medicinal herbs, fruit trees, bamboos and pine trees, clear running water and a monumental fish pond.