Want A Feng Shui Garden? Here's What You Should Know

The term "feng shui" may evoke images of a newly rearranged living room or bedroom (don't you dare hang that mirror across from your bed) meant to channel good vibes. But this Asian design concept isn't limited solely to the interior of your home. Feng shui can be applied to your outdoor areas, too, no matter the size of the space. Small side gardens and sprawling backyards alike can benefit from some feng shui.

Although it might sound like a complex concept, feng shui (which is also referred to as "geomancy") is all about simplicity. The Chinese phrase translates to "the way of wind and water" in English, according to National Geographic, and the sole purpose of this ancient art is to bring balance and harmony to an area via the placement of objects in relation to the flow of chi, or natural energy. Here are a few tips for how to transform your outdoor space into a feng shui sanctuary.

Feng shui encompasses five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, according to Anjie Cho and Laura Morris, co-founders of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School (via Mind Body Green). By incorporating each of these into your garden, you'll promote balance, they say. If you're lacking trees or greenery, for example, plant evergreens because they retain their color year-round. To give your garden another fire element in addition to sunlight, try incorporating plants with triangular leaves or red coloring. Add a burbling fountain or a bronze sundial to cover your bases for water and metal.

There are also a few things to avoid when designing a feng shui garden. "In Chinese folklore, evil spirits can only walk in a straight line," Cho said. "So in a Chinese or a feng shui garden, you have these meandering paths to add a level of protection." In addition to avoiding straight lines, don't group items — whether it's multiples of a certain plant or a garden statue — in even numbers. "Three and five are more dynamic and also have softer chi," Morris says. Then, all that's left to do is kick back, relax, and bask in the good vibes of your new feng shui garden.