moonGROW - Organic gardening by the moon and zodiac signs

Gardening with Yin and Yang
by: Terumi Leinow

Gardening is an interconnection to heaven and earth

A BEAUTIFUL and healthy garden teems with vibrant life force and exudes abundant vitality. It teaches us about our interconnection to heaven and earth, surprises us with miracles and keeps us humble. Feng (wind) shui (water) is about our relationship to our natural environment, for it is about "chi," energy. While some people think that feng shui is about furniture placement, it is so much more.

The art and science of creating harmonious environments

Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is the art and science of creating harmonious environments by understanding the energies of earth, human and heaven. The very act of gardening gives us direct access to the make up of our universe. One basic feng shui principle is yin/yang, which states that life is governed by the complement of opposites: feminine and masculine, negative and positive, light (sun) and dark (moon), earth and heaven.

Yin and Yang in the garden

In the garden, yang can be considered as growth and yin as the quality in the space. Yang is prominent while yin is more subtle and understated. The two compliment one another, giving definition and relationship. Placing a tall, linear tree next to a low lacy fern creates a contrast that defines both. Areas of brilliant color (yang) need the subtle balance of soothing greens (yin) to prevent overstimulation.

The yin and yang aspects of a garden

The yin aspects in a garden are mounding, spreading, featherlike, undulating, moist, cool, pastel colors, still, water. The yang contrasting aspects are erect, clumping, lobed, linear, arid, warm, bold colors, movement, wind. A well-tended garden with blossoms, soothing greens, sun, filtered shade and movement brings harmony and good feng shui to the site.

Integrating balance between the two forces of yin and yang

By introducing yin and yang, we give definition to the garden. In a dark area, introduce light foliage or light-reflecting white flowers. In warm areas, use cooler colors. Something tall, seen in relation to something small achieves a sense of scale.

Feng shui is about integrating balance between the two forces of yin and yang. Yin yang is perceived not as opposites, but as the eternal union of heaven and earth, which becomes the universe whose breath is chi.

Rocks and water are also important features in the feng shui garden.

Asian gardens attempt to replicate nature and re-create miniature landscapes in the garden.

Rocks

Large, prominent rocks (yang) can evoke the presence and power of the mountain, whereas a series of small (yin), smooth stones along a path can simulate the river. Rocks also add texture, power and stability to a garden.

Water

Water is a powerful metaphor as it is the source of life for every living thing on the planet. In feng shui, water has many associations. It symbolizes abundance, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, career, social life and cash flow. A cascading stream or bubbly water fountain introduces the yang aspect of water to the garden. A yin approach would be a still, calm pond that reflects the sky attracting cosmic or heavenly energy.

Good gardening practices and a healthy garden go hand in hand. These include using least-toxic methods to control garden pests, choosing the right plants for your microclimate, enriching your soil with compost and mulching practices to reduce weeds. An invaluable Web site to help you find solutions to garden pests or problems is www.ipm.ucdavis.edu.

When you create a beautiful and healthy garden you are working directly with the miraculous power of nature. Together, you co-create a vibrant ecosystem that releases phenomenal life force into the atmosphere. This can only enhance the quality of life not only for you and your family, but also for the neighborhood, the town, the state, perhaps the whole world.

For help with sick plants, weeds, bugs, or home and garden pests, the Sick Plant Clinic/Master Gardener Desk is in the UCCE office at 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 150B, Novato 94947. Bring specimens and gardening questions to the office, call the Master Gardener dsk at 499-4204 or e-mail sickplantclinic@marinMG.org or HelpDesk@marinMG.org.

Moon and Zodiac Gardening

Planting (and Harvesting) Under the Light of the Silvery Moon:

Some gardeners believe that the best times for garden activities are dictated by the phases of the moon. Not that your garden will be a flop otherwise, but rather, as one moon gardener says, you should "take advantage of the impetus provided by nature."

Gardening and Astrology

Thinking about getting back into the garden? Even if you're growing some window boxes to have a piece of Earth around, don't make a single move without consulting the Stars!

Gardening and Horoscopes

Flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit-bearing trees, decorative shrubs - what a decision! Before you head off to the garden center, take a peek below to see which type of gardening suits your disposition best.

Moon Garden Fertilizers and How to Use Them

Moon garden soils should contain a lot of organic material. This provides a healthy environment for the fungus and bacteria which transform nitrogen and other elements into usable compounds the plants can absorb.

2012 moon phases

A chart of moon phases and planting dates for 2012 to help you in your garden planning.


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Gardening with Yin and Yang by: Terumi Leinow