A garden that is created with Vastu in mind can cover a micro or a macro area of the site. It can be in the front of the building or at the back of the building. It can be at the sides or it can be in the interiors, on the terraces or even in a little porch located in the building.
When we speak of a garden, we speak of nature and its primary elements udaka (water), agni (fire), akasha (space), vayu (air) and prithvi(earth) as well as its invisible, yet strong, interaction with the structure and the residents of the structure. Today's society is fast paced and there is continuous and ever increasing stress in every individual’s life. Getting into a garden that is designed on certain Vastu considerations is an excellent way of de-stressing, relaxing and getting back to balanced and calm thinking. A green area in terms of flower plants, lawn, trees and water and rocky areas are not only visually appealing to the residents but also can work in harmony with the residents giving them peace, pleasure and happiness. One of the classical treatises recommends a flower garden in the north when it says "Uttaradese tu Pushpavati".
The work on a garden begins by identifying the outermost boundary of the site and creating a depression on all the four sides. Flower and leafy plants and kusa or darbha grass can be put in the boundary. By creating a “plant” path inside a site all around, undesirable effects of negative zone that Vastu masters identify as paisacha are neutralized or minimized. A well-planned plant boundary on all sides of the site not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the site but also significantly contributes to the disinfecting or elimination of any environmental pollution. Trees are better avoided at the four corners of the site. If a large area is available, adequate provision can be made for members of the family and their friends to comfortable sit and relax. An area in the front yard (and/or backyard) needs to be identified for the garden. The ground is prepared in such a way that the soil becomes soft and laid evenly, the soil smell is good and is free of worms, termites, rats, bones, shells, hair and dirt. All the hollow areas need to be filled up. The soil is made fertile by adequately dampening the area and spreading natural-fertilizer. Seeds of various kinds of plants are planted. Classical treatises indicate that a ground that is soft, evenly leveled, sweet smelling, not hollow underneath and contains large number of herbal plants, trees and creepers helps in bestowing comfort and overall well-being to the persons, even if they were to rest occasionally.
The planting of deep-rooted trees just opposite the main door is to be avoided. A well-planned garden can have herbal and flower plants, trees, lawn, rocks and water fountains. Climbers like money plants can be aesthetically located in Vastu accepted sectors of the garden but they need to be avoided on trees. A pathway from the front gate of the building to the main entrance can be created with herbal plants like basil and flower plants like jasmine on each side of the pathway. A tree or plant in the middle of the path or just opposite the doorway is to be avoided. The north of the garden can have a nice water pool or water fountain.
Rose plants can be planted in the southeast of the area. Avoid deep-rooted trees in the center of a site or of the garden. They are ideal in the south and west of the site so long as their roots do not disturb the foundations of the structure. Avoid trees growing above the height of the structure. Have the trees spaced out. Coconut, Bilva, Pomegranate, Lemon, Neem, Jackfruit and Banana are recommended in the residential gardens. Well laid out lawns are ideal in the north and northwest of an area. Milky trees in residential areas are to be avoided. Rocky areas in the garden can be in the south and west; herbal and flower plants in the north and east and lawn in the central areas, north and west.
Sitting areas can be in the south and west of the gardens facing north and east. A garden needs to have a focal point that is visually and otherwise comfortable to the residents. It can be a water fountain, fish aquarium, rocky landscaping, shikara or a pyramid, statue not depicting any form of violence, a small idol of your favorite deity, the Swastika, Om or anything pleasant that you adore and link to each time you see it in your garden.
Garden accessories are best kept in the northwest or southeast of the garden area. These sectors are also compatible for dog kennels. As a rule, one needs to keep the garden clean and neat making it a point to remove dry creepers, leaves, flowers, and overgrown shrubs. The lawns can be mowed regularly to create an environment for the normal flow of natural energies. A well made Vastu garden can often minimize or the imbalances of a structure.
Vastu provides clear and specific guidelines, which can be conveniently applied to create an amicable interface between nature and individuals that aid people in achieving peace and happiness.
