Most garden design concepts can be explained in terms of yin yang and achieving a balance between the two. Applying the theory of yin yang correctly in your garden will result in a flourishing landscape that surrounds your home with good energy and enhances its value. Gardeners already understand this balance in the use of different sizes, shapes and colors of foliage, shrubs, trees and flowers. A garden where every plant has tiny leaves would be too yin or busy looking, yes?

A nice yin yang balance makes your garden a place where you will want to spend time. Balance provides areas to enjoy with groups of family or neighbors, and private areas where you could meditate or rest. If your lot is too shady, consider pruning or even removing trees and shrubs. If your lot is too hot and open or plagued by wind, plant some trees. Plant water loving plants in damp areas, drought tolerant plants in dry areas, and they will require much less maintenance. If the garden is so overgrown you can barely see the house sharpen those pruners and get to work. You get the idea.

Maintaining yin yang balance also enhances the security of your home. The houses that get broken into the most often have more yin qualities than the houses around them. I base that observation on professional and personal experience.

Here’s one more tip about your landscape: Keep the path to the front door clean, clear and inviting. Make sure the door (or the location of the door) is clearly visible from the street. If the door itself is not visible from the street or path use color, lighting, ornament or landscaping to indicate the location of the door.