Nature is a great healer for both psychological and physical weariness. If you ever feel depressed and down, sitting in the arms of nature soothes you and brings mental serenity. Though it's not possible to take a trip to a lush, green location every time. So, we all enjoy having a small garden in our homes. Garden Vastu is an essential element to focus on while following Vastu for home.
Like the other parts of the house, garden Vastu is very significant. A suitable Vastu allows free flow of cosmic energy. This occurs due to the usage of the proper direction. Planning and designing your garden to adhere to Vastu Shastra can drastically enhance your mood, as well as ensure health and prosperity. Having an outdoor garden offers us the opportunity to be closer to nature, allowing us to experience the serenity and tranquillity instilled by the plethora of plants. People cultivate gardens for their captivating character. Vastu Shastra, the ancient Hindu system of architecture, can help unlock such natural beauty and its enthralling qualities.
Location of the Garden according to Vastu Shastra
According to Vastu Shastra, a garden is symbolic of the five elements of Paanch Maha Boota. The south-west section of the house represents earth, the north-east accounts for water, the south-east represents fire (home to disease-free plants), while the north-west represents air. The centre represents space. A garden in the south-east or south-west can lead to tension.
If you’re looking to create a beautiful and positive space, why not plant a peepal, mango, neem, or banana tree in your garden? These trees are known for their wonderful fragrance and positive vibes - perfect for any outdoor space! Plus, make sure to never let a massive tree block the entrance of your garden. Plant it alongside the wall of the garden instead.
To have a beautiful and auspicious garden, Small shrubs should grace the east or north sections of your yard, leaving the north-east area open and free. Tall trees should go in the west, south and south-west sections, ensuring their shadow does not fall on the house between 9 am and 3 pm, in line with Vastu Shastra. Avoid planting large trees, like the peepal, too close to the house, as their roots can cause damage. Moreover, keep away from trees that attract insects, worms, honey bees, or serpents, since they bring bad luck.
Best Arrangement of a Home Garden As Per Vastu Shastra
North
Things to follow:
- Search for a garden pointing to the North.
- A Basil (Tulsi) plant in the North will bring positive energy to the garden.
- Smaller shrubs and plants (no cacti or thorny ones, except for roses) Include swings in this area.
- A water fountain here will attract wealth (ensure the water flows towards the house).
- A North-facing open sitting area is very beneficial. Placing flower pots here (no raised beds) is auspicious.
To Avoid:
When choosing your landscaping, steer clear of large trees or anything too bulky! Keep it simple and opt for a minimalistic style with light decorations - think small shrubs and stones to create a peaceful rock garden.
South
Things to follow:
- Planting huge trees here (not too close to the home) can do wonders for your outdoor space!
- Adding a rock garden or other heavy features can also contribute to a stunning garden.
- If you want more privacy, you can also reduce the open space here.
To Avoid:
If you want to create a peaceful, clutter-free garden in the south according to Vastu principles, Make sure to leave out water bodies, swimming pools, light weight items, swings, and pets in the South direction.
East
Things to follow:
- Garden in East is a good option.
- Basil can be planted in East. Similarly small shrubs and plants can also be planed in this direction.
- Fruit bearing trees (smaller ones) should be planted here.
- The swing must be put up in the East. Also a water fountain in this direction does wonders.
- You can locate an open sitting area here.
- Placing flower pots in East is good.
To Avoid:
Keep it light and simple - no massive trees, no unnecessary clutter, no rock gardens, and nothing too heavy.
West
Things to follow:
- Large trees (mango and so on) should be planted here (not near the house)
- You could also add a water fountain to this location.
- Impressive statues, rock gardens, and stone inscriptions can be put here.
To Avoid:
Create a tranquil space - get rid of the clutter, leave the swings behind, and keep pets at a distance.
Centre
Keep it open and clean.
Tulsi or Basil plants in the home garden - Do's and Don'ts
The basil plant is regarded as holy and positive, as per Vastu. It is believed to have powerful spiritual energy and should be placed in the east or northeast direction. The leaves of the Tulsi plant are known to release oxygen day and night, which can be beneficial for households. Additionally, the Tulsi plant has a significant place in Hindu mythology and is regularly venerated by the women in the home.
Money plants in the home garden - Do's and Don'ts
Money plants are known to bring luck and abundance, and Vastu Shastra has a special place for these plants! Placing a money plant in the southeast direction of your home can bring wealth and good luck.
Known for its lush green and heart-shaped leaves, money plant also works as an air purifying house plant.For best results, place it on the right side or left side of your bed, but make sure it's not near the head or foot of your bed. What's more, keep it in the sharp corners of your bedroom to induce a stress-free aura. Bring good luck and wealth home with a money plant!
Rubber plants in the home garden - Do's and Don'ts
The round, lush leaves of the rubber plant, believed to be symbolic of wealth and financial growth in Vastu, could be just the thing you need to boost your commercial success and attract money. Place them in the South- East zone of your house, and they'll not only bring you the prosperity you seek, but they'll also work hard to purify the air around you!
Your rubber plant will thrive with bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for your plant indoors is near an east-facing window, where a sheer drape or curtain can filter the light. Don't let your rubber plant bask in direct sunlight though, as the leaves can start to burn.
Lucky Bamboo plants in the home garden - Do's and Don'ts
Bamboo plants are thought to be auspicious and also safeguard the inhabitants of the house against malevolent forces. It is advisable to be put in the southeast. If you want to derive its health benefits, the bamboo must be put in the east. When situated in the southeast, the bamboo plant will aid you to amass prosperity as that is the direction of money and affluence.
Recommended Vastu plants for home
Let's discuss some lucky plants for your home!
Dracaena: The lucky bamboo is a good plant to attract peace, positive energy, luck and prosperity.
Tulsi (holy basil): The holy basil plant is an air purifier and helps to spread positive energy. It should be kept in the north, the north-east or the east direction. Don't keep this plant or plant it in the south most direction of the house.
Money plant: The green glossy leaves attract wealth and fortune. According to Vastu for plants, place this plant in the south-east direction of your living room for the best money plant benefits.
Aloe Vera: This evergreen medicinal plant purifies the air. It is a succulent, hardy plant and survives with very little water. Keeping the aloe vera in the east or the north direction, as per Vastu for plants, ensures well-being of family members.
Mother in law's tongue: Also known as snake plant because of its resemblance to a snake's skin, this plant does not require too much care. It purifies the air by removing harmful toxins. According to Vastu, it brings positive energy when grown in east, south, or south-east direction.
Peace lily: A symbol of love, peace and harmony, this plant is perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere in your bedroom.
Jade plant: It's no wonder why this plant is known as the dollar plant! According to Jade plant Vastu, it should be placed in the south-easterly direction of your home to symbolize wealth and bring in a cash flow.
Plants to avoid at home according to Vastu
Bonsai: Vastu for plants deems bonsai inauspicious and bring bad luck.
Dead or decaying plants: Remove dead plants from home, as they are a sign of ill health and negative energy.
Cacti or other thorny plants: Vastu Shastra for plants forbids keeping plants with thorns, as it can lead to disputes among family members.
Cotton: Vastu Shastra for plants considers cotton plants inauspicious.
Climbers/creepers: Growing creepers on the building or compound wall can cause the tiny cracks to widen, resulting in damage and seepage of water through the walls. This in turn attracts negative energies. Creepers can be grown in a garden, with their own independent support. Money plant should be kept inside the house, as Vastu for money plant dictates that one should avoid growing it outside, using a tree for support.
Vastu for plants and trees in your garden
If you have a garden, a tree should not obstruct the entrance. You can position a tree on one side of the doorway. A peepal, mango, neem or banana tree is advised.
You can reinforce the beneficial effect of a tree or plant by putting it in an advantageous location. Here are some lucky plants / trees for the garden, as indicated by Vastu Shastra.
Banana: This majestic tree is a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Its leaves are used in religious ceremonies and other festivals. For optimal wellbeing and peace of mind, plant the banana tree in the north-east direction of the garden.
Neem: Neem is renowned for its medicinal qualities. To encourage good health and positivity, place this tree in the north-west corner so that air carrying its healing properties can be carried into your home.
Mango: The leaves of a mango tree are an important part of religious rituals.
Jackfruit: Jackfruit leaves are thought to bring fortune and are frequently used for puja.
Coconut: Coconut trees are regarded as sacred due to the many uses of their fruits, leaves, and other parts.
Placement of trees according to Vastu Shastra
- When planting trees, keep away from the north-east corner. Smaller shrubs may be planted on the east or north side.
- The morning sun should not be blocked. Large trees will absorb most of the sunlight, preventing your house from receiving its beneficial rays.
- Coconut trees can be planted in the south-west. Trees should be arranged so that their shadows do not fall on your house between 9 AM and 3 PM.
- Vastu advises against planting large trees such as peepal and banyan too close to your house, as their roots may damage the foundation and compound wall.
- Planting a variety of trees in a house compound can be beneficial. Consider adding coconut, neem, betel, sandalwood, lemon, pineapple, jackfruit, pomegranate, mango, and amla trees to your garden.
- Additionally, make sure to avoid plants that produce sap as this may cause harm according to Vastu.
Basic Vastu for plants: Dos and don’ts
- Potted plants possess the power to spread positive energy.
- For the best impact, plant trees in pairs of 2, 4, or 6.
- Be sure to remove any dried leaves from the plants each day.
- Discard any broken or chipped pots, as these are known to attract negative energies.
- Hanging plants should not be placed on windows, as they can prevent positive energy from entering the home.
- Water elements, like a fountain or a small pond with fish, should be placed in the north-east zone of your garden. This will help to attract positive energy and encourage prosperity.
- If you cannot get rid of a thorny plant or tree, you can mitigate the negative effects by planting a tulsi plant next to it.