Feng Shui Definitions: Flowers

Flowers are one of the easiest ways to uplift the Ch’i in our homes. They provide us with a sampling of nature’s wonder and beauty and help us stay connected with the natural world.

• Just as flowers can easily lift the Ch’i, they can also deplete it if not properly cared for. Keep your living flowers looking fresh. Once they begin to decline, groom or replace them with new ones. Only beautiful, vibrant flowers enhance and enliven the Ch’i!
• Dried flowers, including wreathes and swags, are an alternative to fresh flowers. Many people think they last for years, but they don’t. In most cases, dried flowers need to be replaced every three or four months. The smaller and more delicate they are, the sooner they break and fade, becoming Ch’i depleters rather than Ch’i enhancers. Dust them weekly with a hair dryer, and replace them when they lose their luster.
  
• Potpourri, normally made of dried flowers, needs to be replaced as soon as it loses its scent, which can be as often as once a week. Choose potpourri that’s been naturally scented with essential oils, or make your own by mixing “fresh” dried petals and leaves with your favorite natural scents. 
• Silk and plastic flowers are another alternative to fresh flowers. These have a longer lifespan than fresh or dried, and will usually maintain their vitality for about a year. Keep them clean and dust-free, and replace them as soon as they begin to fade.