Tip Of The Month November - In The Garden Clutter in a garden usually indicates an unfinished task. These are irritations and can lead to even greater problems and can prevent us from moving on in our lives. In the garden clutter covers a wide range of aspects from a pile of broken or unwashed flowerpots to plants that are planted in the wrong place. Rubbish such as sweet wrappers, cigarette ends, leaves, finished annuals and the stems and flower heads should be cleared up. Hanging baskets and pots are best cleared in the autumn, rather than being a constant reminder all winter of something that needs to be done. Better still use perennial plants, these can be planted with annuals to provide some summer colour. This will leave something pleasant to look at in the winter. Before planting it is a good idea to know the growing habits of plants. Trees and shrubs planted too near a path or seat will need regular pruning to prevent them from causing an obstruction. If this happens, it is best to move the plant or the seat to prevent this becoming a constant problem. Trees too near the house may interfere with windows; drains or even raise the paving. Plants at ankle level can be a nuisance and climbing plants and tall perennials that we fail to support can irritate us year after year unless we take some form of remedial action. Seedlings of tree like the Sycamore will soon become small trees unless we remove them and plants which seed readily, will not suit the hour a week gardener. Bindweed which appears to grow several metres every day and creeping thistles whose tap roots grow at an alarming rate, are best dealt with straight away rather than in a months time, when they will have become not one but several plants. If we are at all lawn proud, it is best that we deal with the fluffy dandelions before they blow everywhere. If a path or a patio is cracking up, it is best to repair it immediately before it gets worse. Crazy paving is not recommended in Feng Shui, since it symbolizes difficulties and instability. Squeaking gates, a broken hinge on a shed door, replacement of a bulb on an outside light, these will take moments to do but will nag away at us unless they are fixed soon Annual plants and vegetables growing in bags or pots all need regular watering to keep them healthy. At the end of a busy day, often the last thing we want to do is spend time watering the garden, and with the current water shortages we should be seriously thinking of ways to conserve water and use it wisely. With careful planning, the use of leaking hoses; we can eradicate this chore and save water. Little of the water sprayed on the soil with hosepipes actually benefits the plants. Some will run off and soil penetration is often negligible. It is preferable to surround plants with leaking hoses or to sink plastic bottles into the soil around particular thirsty plants and water directly into them to channel the water to the roots. Mulching after a downpour will prevent moisture loss by evaporation and good soil maintenance will do much to eradicate the need for watering at all. Change is the essence of Feng Shui and nothing remains the same forever. Just because a relative planted a certain plant and it was their favourite, does not mean it has to be ours as well. If we dislike it, we should remove it and replace it with something to give us pleasure. Feng Shui Harmonics Reserves all copy rights. March - Minerals and crystals February - Get Turned on With Feng Shui March - Does Your Home Need A Remedy ? March - Chinese New Year of the Boar March - Fashion, Clothes & Feng Shui March - The year of the of the Wood Rooster February - Space Clearing November - rock salt lamps October - Your Bathroom is Your Haven August - Business Success July - In Feng Shui - What is Chi June - Time To De-Cluter. May - Garden Features December - Feng Shui & Water June - Consultation Advice April - Colours and Feng Shui November - In The Garden September - Clearing Your Clutter April - Garden Tips