15 Feng Shui Landscape Tips for a New Build

So you’ve recently bought your dream home and now have to finish the landscape on a shoestring budget. You opted for that new up and coming sub-division but desire mature trees that provide you with both privacy and shade. The trick is to invest wisely, while taking small, appropriate steps that are both comfortable on the pocketbook and easy in time commitment.

Did you know that your front door sets the tone for your home? Your front door not only sends a message to the world it influences your mood and personal vibe. In subdivisions where many of the houses are mirror images of each other painting your front door a colour that feels groovy to you will set your personal oasis apart from the others on the street.

Don’t be shy. Let your personality rock your world. It’s only paint. For a really groovy finish that is extremely durable and UV resilient research having your door painted by an Auto Body Shop. Automotive paint is amazing and face resistant.

Here are some of Feng Shui by Bridget’s Hybrid Feng Shui™ Tips to help you get started on creating your very own Tranquil Spaces.

15 Fabulous Feng Shui Landscape Tips

Create an inspiring welcome vignette when you pull up to the drive. First step in doing so is deciding if green is your colour. Do you have the time commitment to maintain grass, or are low maintenance xeriscapes more to your liking?
If you’re pouring concrete or laying a lock-stone sidewalk create one that has soft rounded curves that inspires you to slow down and enjoy the vista.
Raised or flush flower beds should mirror the flow of the walk. Choose plants, shrubs and trees that are hardy to your zone and appropriate with the amount of sun for facing directions. For instance, should your front yard be facing south choose plants that will lift their faces to the sun. If north facing, choose plants that are shade tolerant.
When choosing perennials (plants that bloom yearly) try and choose blooming times that graduate, such as tulips for early spring, irises for mid spring, peonies for early summer, and day lilies for late June and early July, etc.
Place a water feature such as a birdbath or fountain near the front door. Water has the ability to be calming and soothing. You will find yourself instantly relaxing before you even enter the front door.
New developments are always busy with construction, new builds and landscaping projects; you can dim the environmental noise by hanging a stunning wind chime from the right corner of the front eaves. You’ll be surprised how quickly you forget you’re in the burbs.
New builds are generally on narrow lots which equates to close neighbours and although we often appreciate and respect these fine folk, we don’t always want to share our dinner with them. Cedar and or pressure treated fences serve well for creating intimate and private back yards. There are some man-made materials that will also serve you well in this regard. Chain-link and wrought iron back fences lend themselves to more industrial settings.
If a deck is on the agenda, keep in mind your intention for the space. Will you be entertaining and if so does the square footage support the number of potential guests?
Patio paving stones are an economical way to create a flat surface for garden furniture. You can reduce the dividing line distraction with ground cover plants such as thyme which will not die when walked on.
Soften the effects of the hard, straight fence lines by planting trees, shrubs and plants of various heights and shapes. Variety truly is the spice of life.
When creating a place for children to play, feng shui always ops for natural materials over man made ones. Choose wood play houses and jungle gyms in cedar whenever possible. A soft bed of beach sand reduces bumps and bruises.
A wonderful way to introduce children to the wonders of nature is to build a couple of square foot gardens.
One of my most fondest memories is staying for a week at my grandpa’s in summer and rising early in the morning to pick fresh raspberries and strawberries for breakfast. To this day; fresh raspberries in milk takes me back to being care free, innocent and blissfully happy!
Placing a fire-pit in the far right hand quarter of the property will inspire many cherished evenings for two or more. Check your City Bylaws to see if you need a burning permit prior to moving in this direction.
If you truly want to create the most perfect stay-cation contemplate the addition of a small pond in the far left quarter of the property. Don’t be afraid of the maintenance, once established the joys truly will outweigh the effort.