Beds and Borders in Your Garden

Louis Fusco - Landscape Architect Pound Ridge, NY

     Flowerbeds are an attractive feature in yards and gardens. The shape of flowerbeds has a tremendous impact on how energy moves. Generally speaking, the edges of beds and borders should follow gentle curves rather than straight lines. However, there is an exception to this rule.  Areas that are overly yin (shaded), can benefit from more chi (energy). A straight path will effectively encourage energy to flow faster in that direction. Homes that are positioned to the southwest do well with straight-line edges to flowerbeds since the chi wanes as the sun is in its descent. 

     A trellis, hedge, fence, shed or flowerbed can act as a border. Many times the back edge of the border will be straight and in need of softening. The best way to do this is to plant shrubs or bushy plants in varying heights. A line of fruit trees can also work to soften a rock wall border. The idea is to bring a balance between yin and yang factors for a particular area.

     Edging flowerbeds is a practical way to divide the point between the flowerbed and the path, paving, or lawn next to it with some kind of edging. This can take the form of a height differential, or it can be edging tiles, stones or railroad ties. When you change the height it encourages energy to flow from higher to lower parts of the landscape. Flowerbeds that are raised above the path will allow energy to spill onto the path below. You can also grow plants to trail over the edge of a border wall. This will effectively hold the flowerbed back. You can raise energy by planting tall plants with varying colors and width. Mixing up the foliage is not only appealing to the eye but extremely effective in moving energy through the beds.

   Organizing your outdoor environment is just as important as your indoor space. Explore the possibilities of creating an intriguing yard and garden. Reference a landscape architect for ideas and professional plans. The possibilities are endless in creating a haven for repose and harmony.

Mary Jane Kasliner

Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com