The ancient Chinese art of feng shui can help us fill our homes with good energy and serenity, improving health, wealth, and relationships. But did you know that you can also feng shui your yard to enhance the energies there? You can–and the process is easy, fun, and a pleasant thing to do on a lovely summer day.

Find out how to attract good fortune to you and your family with simple feng shui principles applied to your yard.

First, find the true entrance to your yard, and then look at the listing below to see placements to enhance the chi in each area.

Career or Life Journey
Element: Water.
Colors: Black and dark blue.
Bagua Position: Center front.
Guidance: Make sure to remove obstacles such as overhanging branches, prickles, squeaking hinges, and make sure you have clear passage.

Relationships
Element: Earth.
Colors: Pink.
Bagua Position: Back right.
Guidance: Groups of plants; pairs of trees, flower pots, or statuary.

Family and Ancient Wisdom
Element: Wood.
Color: Green.
Bagua Position: Left middle.
Guidance: A table for family meals, or other family get-togethers.

Wealth
Element: Wood.
Color: Blue.
Bagua Position: Back left.
Guidance: Compost.

Helpful People
Element: Metal.
Colors: White and silver.
Bagua Position: Front right.
Guidance: Birds, bird houses, statuary.

Creative /Children
Element: Metal.
Colors: White or silver.
Bagua Position: Right middle.
Guidance: Children’s play area; creations such as garden sculpture.

Knowledge
Element: Earth.
Colors: Blue and sometimes yellow.
Bagua Position: Front left.
Guidance: Meditation garden; seedlings, flowers, vegetables.

Fame
Element: Fire.
Color: Red.
Bagua Position: Back middle.
Guidance: Your best accomplishments (flowers, sculptures, etc.); moon gate (round or square openings in hedges, walls, etc.)

Tai Chi
Element: Earth.
Colors: Yellow or gold.
Bagua Position: Center middle.
Guidance: Keep the area clear.

Inspired by The Feng Shui Garden, by Gill Hale (Storey Books, 1998).