The Chinese belief that placing, arranging, and re-arranging objects and furniture in the house encourage the positive flow of energy force (also known as chi or qi), which consequently brings in harmony in life. Such harmony then attracts beneficial effects such as good health, more wealth, and peaceful relationships. This same principle is applied to a feng shui garden, which has grown in popularity in the West because of its perceived positive results. The idea is to build an environment that would allow positive energy to come in and in the process, blocking the negative energy. This is the simplified approach to understanding the seemingly complex ideas surrounding the practice of feng shui.

The process of attracting positive energy force is by no means scientific, although the basis of the ancient practice is a combination of astronomy and geography. The techniques used vary among practitioners; some use instruments such as magnets and charms, others rely on common sense. In any case, the primary goal is to position the environment in a perfect spot where good energy can easily flow. In a feng shui garden, it is more concerned with how the elements in the garden are positioned or arranged. The layout is important in order to maximize the flow of positive energy. The types of plants and trees to acquire are secondary because the main consideration is in the positioning of chosen components in the garden. A basic knowledge of the nine zones or baguas can help determine how to best arrange the components keeping in mind the symbols of wood, earth, metal, fire and water. Garden accessories representing each of the aforementioned elements would serve as important tools to help in attracting positive energy flow. The creation of balance and harmony can be seen in how the elements are arranged in a specific spot. With that said, the principle of yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy) comes to play. A popular example of balance would be the combination of water, such as a small pond or fountain, and garden lights to brighten dark areas.

Learning how to build a feng shui garden does not entail dwelling on the complexities of astronomy; one just needs to use good judgement when it comes to balancing various elements. Such balance can be achieved by mixing and matching various shapes and sizes without leaving one element more dominant than the other. It does appear that feng shui is more commonsensical rather than technical, but it is apparent that a basic methodology is used to set the principle in motion. In a garden setting, such methodology can be best described by a well-balanced arrangement of plants, trees, flowers, water, lights, and pathways. It is clear that it does not stray too far from the basic principles of ordinary gardening, but it does entail a much wider understanding of the concepts of harmony and balance. The end result is not only an aesthetically pleasing environment, but also a perfect spot where positive energy could thrive.