A Feng Shui Garden Design 3

This is the last post in a series of 3.

The property had a small triangle in the back, bordered by an unruly honeysuckle hedge, a neighbor's fence, and the garage. It occurred to me that there was enough room to install a "Secret Garden", where the clients could sit in a garden space to enjoy our beautiful summers. I strongly believe that we feel better when we are surrounded by plants, and always include a space for this purpose when I design landscapes. Sitting on a deck doesn't qualify, as it only makes us spectators of nature, not participants.

The "before" photos show the ball-shaped yew and the old spruce tree, both of which were removed. We were able to salvage the perennials and use them in the side garden.

Circular paved stone patio with raised wall. The wall was built at sitting height. The gazebo keeps out insects and provides an intimate sitting area.

The garden is a mass of easy-care Daylilies, with a ring of Amur Maple trees which will fill in and create a leafy canopy over the patio area.

The fountain is the focal point of the Secret Garden, providing the sound of trickling water to mask traffic noises.

This project was successful for the following reasons:

• Dream clients with clear design parameters and open minds (the Secret Garden installation was an additional cost)
  
• A competent contractor (Steve Elliott of Acer Land Developments in Sudbury) willing to work with Feng Shui principles
  

Many people only know landscape design through television programmes. Either the projects are hugely expensive, or the installations are a "surprise" for the unsuspecting home owner. I can't imagine coming home to a surprise garden installed in my property when I had no input. Good landscape design is a reflection of the owner's lives, the architecture of the home and the character of the neighborhood.

I'm looking forward to working on my new property. I have my own Secret Garden planned!

A Feng Shui Garden Design

I was a Landscape Designer and owned my own business for 15 years. The following photos are of a design I created using Feng Shui principles at the owner's request. The house is a lovely Craftsman style, but the property was shabby and in need of a complete overhaul.

The owners purchased the house using Feng Shui guidelines, and wanted a design that incorporated those while being sensitive to the architecture and period of the house.

I knew nothing about Feng Shui, but the owner gave me a pile of reading material and I immersed myself in studying this fascinating subject to prepare for the landscape design.

These are the "before" photos. The trees were dying. The rock wall was falling down. The grass slope was difficult to mow. The front door led to nowhere and was not welcoming.

These are the "after" photos for the front of the property. The dead trees were removed. All lines curve to direct the energy flow around the property, including the retaining wall.

The wrought iron arbor sits over the junction between the front and side paths, and each corner is planted with a different clematis that will eventually cover the arbor.

Tomorrow I'll post photos of the side garden and courtyard.