Guest Author - Sheri Ann Richerson

A big consideration to the placement of your water garden may be do you want to enjoy it year-round? Do you want to be able to hear the soothing symphony of splashing water rather you are indoors or out? Feng Shui experts suggest that moving water should be placed in front of your home. They also say that having a body of water near the house is a good thing.

If you intend to use this water garden area as a place for meditation or a private place to sit and think, you could set it up behind some trees or hide it behind shrubs. Fences are discouraged because they are said to block Ch’i. However, you may add boundaries or an open, airy type of garden gate. You may also use fragrant, climbing vines or Roses if the fence cannot be done without, to help disguise it. Don’t forget the addition of wind chimes to your water garden.

If you have room for a center circular garden this might be a fantastic place to add a fountain to help attract birds and other wildlife to your garden. With a bit of creativity you can link the fountain, waterfall and pond to form an amazing creation that will bring the healing properties and soothing sounds of water into your everyday life.

If you cannot have an outdoor water garden, there is always the option of an indoor water garden. These can be very nice as well as a great conversation piece. Many manufacturers are already producing pre-assembled indoor water garden kits. These can include waterfalls and fountains which can be found in smaller scales than those typically used in an outdoor setting. You are only limited by the amount of space you have available.

Another option for indoor enjoyment of moving water is desktop water fountains. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you prefer. Some of these flowing fountains incorporate aromatherapy into them. One I have seen was a noise activated flowing fountain that had an aromatherapy candle on top and the water flowed underneath. It was small and very effective.

Regardless of where you choose to place your garden, indoors or out, be sure to make your garden both natural and pleasing. Make it a place where you can relax and forget the day’s worries. Allow the magic and mystery of the flowing water to wash over you and allow it to begin to heal you. If you have room, you could always make the pond large enough to wade in. A small pool could also be used. Remember that although we may never know all of life’s mysteries we can certainly enjoy the unknown anyway.