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The
smell of a flower, the sight of buds opening on the trees and the feel of grass
under our feet bring a deep feeling of peace and connection to us. For thousands
of years the plant kingdom has provided us sustenance, as a food base, for medicine
and to enrich our lives by bringing in beauty, color and scent. The symbolic meanings
of plants can be traced back through many cultures. Our gardens teach us about
the cycles of life. We are nature.
Some key garden tips to consider this
year:
1. Allow your garden to honor and assist your life. Identify what you
need in your life. What are your time constraints? We all have ups and downs and
a garden should never become a burden to us. Some years we can immerse ourselves
in elaborate gardens, other years we may give ourselves permission to have a small,
beautiful dish garden. Honor yourself!
2. Create a theme to enhance the
dream. By developing a theme and intention for your garden you allow your garden
to become a living expression of your vision. For example, a prosperity garden
would incorporate a beautiful flowing water feature, shades of purple and gold
and evergreens to keep the prosperity green all year.
3. Create a connection.
We know that the garden connects you with nature. How does it connect with the
area? When we utilize plants that harmonize and flourish locally rather than trying
to introduce and force plants that do not thrive in our area, we work against
the natural flow.
4. Create transition areas. Entranceways always represent
a transition. Moving through a gate or a door carries us from one world into another.
Moongates are often used symbolically to represent the connection of heaven to
earth.
5. Create a pathway. Pathways are where the energy travels and
flows. An ideal path will create a soft, bending flow that meanders through and
invites visitors to stop and gaze, smell and touch. When people desire to move
quickly, they will often cut a path right through beautiful landscaping to create
the quickest and shortest route to their goal. Remember to "stop and smell
the roses!"
6. Set up a focus point. A garden needs a visual
focus point for grounding. Without focus the garden may feel very unsettling and
chaotic. Give the eye a place to stop and rest by adding a statue, gazing ball
or bench.
7. Set up a way out. As humans we need to have an exit plan.
Without a view of an exit people feel trapped and anxious. Add an additional gate
or a looping pathway that shows the pattern in and out of the garden. Avoid creating
an area that is too dark or high.
8. Use the power of color in your garden.
Get familiar with the symbolism of color. Bring in some reds for fame, purples
for prosperity and pink for love.
9. Check for geopathic stress in your
yard. Plants get diseases similar to humans, such as tumors and cancer. Plants
offer signs that have been used for centuries to indicate unhealthy energy and
to identify stress points. Take time to analyze your trees and plants.
10.
Use ancient garden symbols to support your goals and intentions.
Angels and
fairies can represent spiritual connection to other realms. Water relates to money
and emotions. Water flow must always be directed towards the house. Fire represents
illumination and is an ancient gathering circle for mankind. Fire invites us to
gather. Flowers have ancient symbolic connections. Many books have been written
about the meanings of herbs, plants, and flowers. Rosemary is for remembrance.
Use a plant, tree or flower from a happy childhood home or memory to offer connection
and joy to you like a familiar Cherry tree, etc.
11. Activate all the
senses. We know that gardens are beautiful to see. We need to create areas for
scent and touch as well. Plants, such as lamb's ear, are tactile as well as beautiful.
Sound can be brought in with bells, windchimes or fountains.
Enjoy!
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