What Feng Shui is and how it is reflected in the Japanese garden

Feng Shui, a Chinese philosophy that deals with interior design and architecture, also has a big impact on garden design. And you know what the funny thing is? It’s about more than just putting a few flowers in a pot! In fact, there is a deep thought behind every element in a Feng Shui garden.

In Japan, they know Feng Shui as “Kanso” and it is inextricably linked to the designs of traditional Japanese gardens. These gardens are known for their serene beauty achieved by putting elements like rocks, water and plants in the right place.

The history of Feng Shui in Japanese gardens dates back to the 7th century, when Chinese culture had a strong effect on Japanese culture. And this can be seen in the way the gardens are designed to create a harmonious balance between the natural elements and man-made structures.

Rocks and water are two crucial elements in a Japanese Feng Shui garden. Rocks represent stability and anchoring, while water symbolises movement and flow. By combining the two, you just feel that balance and harmony are in the air!

Plants also play an important role in Feng Shui gardens. Trees, shrubs and flowers are carefully chosen and arranged to create growth and renewal. Moreover, by using different types of plants, you can also add different elements to the garden. Evergreen trees, for example, symbolise longevity, while cherry blossoms symbolise the fleeting beauty of life.

The layout of the garden is also carefully considered from the Feng Shui perspective. Japanese gardens often have winding paths that guide visitors through the garden, encouraging them to slow down and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. Bridges and lanterns are also a common element, making the garden even more elegant and mystical.

Finally, the use of Feng Shui in Japanese gardens is a testament to how important it is to balance natural elements and man-made structures for a serene and harmonious environment. An iconic element in these gardens is the koi pond. In fact, a koi pond is not only an aesthetic element, but also a spiritual and practical one. Moreover, observing these beautiful fish is known to reduce stress and bring a sense of calm and peace, exactly wast I personally found in the hobby. In many Japanese monasteries, feeding the Koi is a meditative activity.

Japanese gardens and Feng Shui are a perfect example of how we can create what we want in our lives by consciously interacting with the natural elements and our environment. Whether you are looking for more peace and harmony, or just interested in the philosophy, a visit to a Japanese garden is an absolute must! Finally, remember, the beauty lies in the details, so be surprised by the little things and experience the ultimate balance these gardens have to offer.

So, come on, let’s take a moment to reflect on the magic of Japanese gardens and the Feng Shui philosophy. If you ever get the chance to visit one, don’t hesitate! Feel the serenity created by the careful balance of natural elements and man-made structures. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the murmur of the water as the rocks anchor your faith in the thoughts behind them. Enjoy the growth and renewal depicted by the beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. Get carried away by the winding paths and admire the elegance and mystique added by bridges and lanterns. And of course, enjoy the koi pond and the mental cooling the Koi offer you.

There are no specific public gardens in the Netherlands that focus specifically on Feng Shui, but there are several gardens, parks and garden cities that have a harmonious and calming character and therefore may be influenced by the principles of Feng Shui.

An example is the garden of the Mauritshuis in The Hague, which offers a beautiful and soothing atmosphere thanks to its harmonious design and good proportions of water, rocks and greenery. Other examples include the Japanese Garden at Clingendael and the Hollandsche Manege in Amsterdam, both beautiful gardens combining elements of Japanese culture and Feng Shui.

However, it is important to note that the application of Feng Shui in Dutch gardens is not as extensive as in countries like China or Japan. This is mainly because Feng Shui is not yet so well known in the Netherlands and is not so deeply woven into culture and architecture. But the popularity of Feng Shui is growing and it is certainly conceivable that in the future there will be more and more gardens and parks applying the principles of Feng Shui.