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Xeriscape(TM) and Feng Shui

© Max Dalrymple

MARCH Contents
Xeric Feng Shui - The March Article

The North American Plains Forest, a poem, with a dedication to Yvette Fazekas

juniper berries, a XERIC COMIC STRIP wouldn't fit on this page, but you can follow this link to it: "http://www.suite101.com/topic_page.cfm/5..."

Sierra's Garden Design Program - The Review Second Part - Will be up next month - We ran out of space on this page

Laura Soloman's pictures of Xeric Flowers - Next month when we have space!

Book - A Review - I've requested books; check next month to see if any have been received.

Xeric Feng Shui

It is ironic that Xeriscape, or dry landscaping, sometimes is planned with the ancient Chinese principles of feng shui. Feng shui literally means wind and water, and originally told the Chinese how to live effectively near rivers. Feng shui, however, has developed over the centuries to stand for a type of gardening and architectural design based on harmony and on a balancing of energy, called chi. Many Xeriscape gardeners like the feng shui emphasis on natural design and find that it works very well in landscapes designed to economize water. Those trained in the ancient oracle, the I Ching, might accept the application of feng shui in Xeriscape programs as the dot of yang energy in the middle of a ying environment.

Some of the characteristics of feng shui, such as wide garden paths, well designed lawns, wind chimes, and large garden wall entries, obviously work well with Xeriscape designs and are part of the tradition of the southwest. Other characteristics of feng shui, such as bird baths, surprize people unaccustomed to the abundant birds, hummingbirds, bees, and lizards attracted to the Xeriscape garden. Such animals need supplies of water, and a small bird bath placed on the cool northern side of a house fits the Xeriscape and feng shui recommendations of placing high water use areas on the north.

I've mentioned in earlier columns my dream of designing a yard around my house according to Xeriscape principles. I'm also planning on including Feng Shui traditions, and I will be guided by them in the selection of the land I will be purchasing. One area in which I have to disagree with the Xeriscape plans is in the exclusive use of the north and east for my high water use plants. Instead of the high water use lawn limited in most Xeriscape(TM) programs, I'll be putting a low to moderate water use lawn to the north. My high water use plans are mostly fruits and nuts. Although I will put my pecan trees, my lawn, and some wildflowers to the north, many of my greatest water consumers will be placed to the south of the house because they need the sun in order to produce fruit.

The copyright of the article Xeriscape(TM) and Feng Shui in Landscaping in Dry Climates is owned by Max Dalrymple. Permission to republish Xeriscape(TM) and Feng Shui in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.