The first men and women had an incredible empiric instinct and naturally discovered how to survive, and how to deal with the nature surrounding them.

And we inherited their knowledge about the importance of the sun, the moon, the stars, the four seasons, the climate, the light, the shadow, the best time to plant and to harvest plants and herbs, the power of the water, the rain and the rivers, the wind, and the animals. They taught us how to survive, and we discovered in our own ways how to make a living with those natural wonders.

Depending on the pattern of the landscaping we see, we may feel better, vitalized, and energetic, or we can feel down, stressed, emotionally and physically disturbed. So, certain spaces and places can either nourish our health, or can slowly degrade our sense of well-being.

Spring is the season that represents the power of life. It is the moment of the germination of the seeds, representing the effort, the raising, the expansion – the Wood element!

The Wood element is related to the liver - that is LIFE!

Spring is the season for us to reconnect with nature, to feel alive, to breathe better. During the winter, we lose this connection because we get stuck in our homes, stay indoors, and we shrink!

Now it is time to E-X-P-A-N-D!

Li Po, a Chinese Poet from the Tang Dynasty, said, “when I am in front of flowers, a stream runs along the poplars. The men can´t understand the happiness that overflows from my heart, and they say I am happy with no reason like a child. It is true!”

The Spring landscaping provides a vibrant Chi that buds, appears and expands.

According to a Chinese proverb, “Neither the Sky nor the heaven are complete, but they leave the finishing of everything to the men.” So, let´s provide the best we can.

In China, they tend to follow the natural and existent patterns of the nature, recreating them, hiding, showing, suggesting, surprising, and creating a garden as if it were a painting, a big scenario, an alive painting that “speaks” thorough the flowers, the vegetation, the colors, the butterflies, the birds, the water, the sky... all bringing the vibrant Chi!

They create the landscaping offering the possibilities of rest, pause, silence, contemplation, sense of smell, and other sensations...

From a Feng Shui perspective we can make use of the properties of the Five Elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - and the Creation or Domination Cycle, The Yin and Yang, and The Five Animals, to improve the energy of the landscaping of any place.

We always have to be alerted to use all these methods considering the use of that space: a zen SPA needs a different landscaping from a shopping mall. So, we need to consider if it is going to be a calm, introspective, yin landscaping or a dynamic, active, yang one.

We can also use different colors to enhance the landscaping. Spring is a glorious time of the year with flowers in bloom everywhere we look!

Let´s go for it then!!!!
!
The Wood Element is represented in the narrow, tall, and long forms, geometrics such as rectangles and cylinders, straight lines, varied and exuberant vegetation, and green, light blue and turquoise colors.

Use flowers that give life, that can start a new life, that bring happiness, the Power of life.

If you need some help and ideas about what to plant, there are many sites - here is a suggested link:
www.types-of-flowers.org/spring-flowers.html

Good luck! Beautiful, peaceful, and happy days for you!

By FÁTIMA VALENTE MONACO, Gold Level Certified, Red Ribbon Professional