Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Creating a Soul Inspired Garden

Soul inspired gardens have been in our history long before religious

structures were made. It is believed that the early places of worship began in

sacred outdoor spaces that were special in their own rite.

Babylonian Gardens were fertile therefore said to be prosperous. Egyptian

Sanctuaries were not gardens in the modern sense but they are gardens in the

classical sense of a bounded outdoor space with earth and plants.

The Greek sanctuaries were placed for the gods to walk on the earth. There

are Jewish gardens, Christian gardens, Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu gardens

all sanctified spaces for the gods. So why then should the god in us be

treated any less? When did our world get so out of control that the garden

and barbecue go hand in hand?

History shows us that where we choose specific themes to uplift our life

through the landscaping and plantings around us miracles happen. When we

combine our senses with our goals we achieve life-altering gardens.

We will review five types of gardens each with their own special qualities

and attributes. By creating these beautiful gardens in whatever size suites

you, you are continuing on with the sacred tradition of reconnecting to your

beginnings. Not to mention creating a space for your god or goddess to walk

in.

Garden of Direction

Quite Garden

Wedding Garden

Healing Garden

Garden of Riches

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Garden of Direction

As we go through life there are many crossroads. Deciding the right way to

go can cause turmoil in our life, leaving our thoughts troubled and uneasy.

Using a garden that helps to set our feet on a certain path is comforting and

helpful when trying to take any life altering direction.

Strengthens:

Needs, purpose, career advancements, self, goals,

aspirations and motivation of power

Shape of garden:

Meandering (Soft curves)

Curved beds

Asymmetrical

Attributes:

Should have a central focus, plants should be deep tones. Use

reflective surfaces such as a garden ball, brass accessories and other

shiny metals. Water items should be present to aid in clarity

such as: ponds, fountains, birdbaths, sprinklers and

pools. Water should flow, dance, squirt -- create some sort of movement.

Garden appearance:

Formal, tailored, Use hedges that grow slow like boxwoods,

Keep them shaped accordingly.

Shrubs and trees that are easily manicured.

Plants flowers and trees

Representing self :

Willow - freedom, Violet- faithful thought, Tulip- victory, Queen Anne

Lace-Survival, Jack in the pulpit - strength, Mint - fast growth, Bamboo-

longevity, Geranium - triumphs, Palms - fitness, Gladiolus-well being,

Fuschia - courage.

Job Hunting, retiring use:

Tiger lilies, black forest tulips, blackberries and grape arbors.

Location:

Outside

Lower center

Center of yard

Below a higher area such as a deck, hill or window

Inside: Bottom of stairs, below a high stool where you can look down on it.

Element: Water

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Quite Garden

A path should lead you to this haven in the yard; a place to spend time

within your self. A creative atmosphere will surround it, keeping it hidden

from the rest of the house. Music is nice in this space like wind chimes and

bells that gently tinkle in the breeze. To a Taoist this is the place to go, to

just “be”, meaning a place to be alone with your thoughts.

Strengthens:

Quietness, inner peace, contemplation, one with

spirit and safety.

Shape of garden:

Meandering (Soft curves)

Rectangle

Columnar (Narrow)

Attributes:

Protect the back by using a fence, trees or furniture. Keep this space hidden from view

ideally from the rest of the yard. Slight reflective surfaces; for example a birdbath instead of a

pond. Symbols of guides: Buddha or Saint Francis. Affirmations on stones or plaques.

Garden appearance:

Nestled with a central spot view.

Create a view block

Plant heavily on the edges leaving large open areas

Representing Contemplation, peace and serenity:

Edges can be wildflowers

Pansies (deep contemplation), Shasta Daisy - (endurance), Magnolia -

(serenity), Marigold - (clear thinking), Poppy - (optimism), Forget Me Nots

(focus), Heather- (discovery), Thyme - (courage), Yarrow - (changes).

Location:

Outside: Side yards

Quite corner of the yard

Lower left

In front of a group of trees or shrubs

Inside:

A corner of a quite room or closet with a window. Vase of lovely cut

flowers or blooming plants, (lily or amaryllis). Use symbols that reflect your

belief system, (Angels, Buddha, Jesus, Dalai Lama, etc.)

Element: Wood -- Water

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Wedding Garden

Love for self and another is the intention behind this special garden. It

begins with a circle symbolic of an unbroken connection. The circle unites

two souls in the continuum of love. This “circle of two” should be planted

in pairs and reflect the truest form of love and admiration. Beautiful tools to

heal a wounded relationship, draw a new one, and reinforce all the love that

a couple can share. Just planning this sacred place is a ceremony in itself.

Strengthens:

Relationships, builds on self love, nurturing, drawing in a soul mate,

devotion and acceptance of others

Shape of garden:

Circle

Triangle (It is best if three circles form the triangle)

Attributes:

Extremely powerful if you have enough space to create two separate

areas; an outer area or passageway and an inner area or circle of two.

Smaller scale yards can use an entry such as an arch or gate leading to

a round garden. Plantings should be done in pairs, using ornamental

trees with flowering blossoms. Statuary that symbolizes love should also

be used such as Venus De Milo, doves, swans or objects of love.

Garden appearance:

Outer circle

Plant low, tickling the ankles: ferns, or pansies.

Inner Room

Entrance: Use statuary of doves or guardians

Circle of Two

Lush plants, colors of pink, red, white and

yellow. Flowers with small blooms -- Forget Me

Not. Fragrant Roses, Gardenia,

Rhododendron, Chamomile. Plant in pairs or

plants that caress the ground: Wisteria.

Intentions; purple passion, heather, sweet pea.

Location:

Outside

Back right

Center

Inside: An area over the garage, arbor, rooftop, corner of the master bedroom

Element: Fire --Metal

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Healing Garden

All sacred places heal us either in mind, body and spirit, but this garden

combines all three. Best when it has a canopy overhead either constructed by

or adapting the branch of a tree, used as a grotto or hidden away with vines

and shrubs. It is great if you can sit with your feet in the dirt. Consider

adding twinkling lights, music and a still pool. Loved ones that have a

serious illness should spend twenty minutes a day in this sacred respite.

Strengthens:

Renewal, good health of all kinds, rejuvenation, restores and the health

of others

Shape of garden:

Columnar (Narrow )

Triangle (3 sided)

Rectangle

Attributes:

Very small womb-like. Ceiling is important either man made or the

canopy of a tree, nestled inside a bush or tree, tucked away in a corner

Garden appearance:

Should be able to stretch out arms and feel all sides, grotto, ceiling

growth branches from trees, arbor or gazebo, denotes growth and

nurturing

Lush green plants, Jasmine and Wisteria

Denotes self :

1 bench, wind chimes, crystals, mobile, an altar, family mementos

Location:

Outside

Private corner

Center left

Your very favorite place in the yard

Inside: Near a windowless outside wall. A section of covered porch;

balcony

Element: Wood -- Earth

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Garden of Riches

The stress of providing for self and family is released in this grandiose and spectacular

garden. What make this place so special is that it is a symbol of life that is free from

worry. This sacred place is a glowing reminder that all is right with your world. Use

colors that are rich, like ruby red, emerald green, gold, silver, and pewter. Use ground

lights, and lanterns whenever possible.

Strengthens:

Career development , financial stability, relationships, mental growth,

prosperity, comfort and opportunities.

Shape of garden:

Triangle (3 sided)

Rectangle

Columnar (Narrow)

Attributes:

Plants should reproduce quickly; i.e., mints and pansies. Keep this area

weed free!! Plant sections to keep flowers blooming all season.

A very visual garden using bright colors, action, lights and movement

Attract an array of animals by using feeders, nesting boxes, butterfly

houses. Lawn motions, like flags, whirligigs, mobiles and dream

catchers. Containers should be large and made of earthenware.

Garden appearance:

Plants can be large such as oak trees or birds of paradise, Red

for passion and determination, Purple for stimulation, Yellow for

foundation. Water should flow towards house,

Plants that have intentions: Silver dollar eucalyptus, money plants,

violas, Lady Diane roses, violets and items in a triangular shape.

Location:

Outside

Upper Right corner / Center Right

Inside:

If you want to become pregnant, place it in the bedroom. For writers

block on or near the computer. Use a planter garden, vase of cut flowers

or lush green plants placed anywhere you can see them the most often.

Element: Fire

Decorating a Healthy Room

The Penny Crabtree Company, 866-765-1301,

Penny Crabtree Instructor, Holistic Redesign director, Award-winning author.

www.healthyhomedecorating.com & www.pennycrabtree.com

Tips of the Trade

Tip #1: Love, and, let's face it, sex are as ancient as they are timeless. Egyptian

papyrus is an ornamental grass with ancient sex appeal. It prefers a continuously

moist soil and full sun. It does best in an area with a lot of humidity, but it will grow

in colder climates so long as it is well protected (brought indoors) for the winter. On

that same note, purple pampas grass could play the same role in your passionate

garden as the Egyptian papyrus

Tip #2 Plant an Alphabet Garden for your kids. You’ll need room for 26 plants.

Let your youngster choose from asters to zinnias, and make signs for each plant.

Tip #3 Shopping for your garden statue or pottery in the fall or 'off season' can bring

home the bargains and save you dollars. Not only will you save big dollars you’ll be

able to shop more relaxed finding that perfect something to put in your garden even in

the off-season!

Quote of the week:

The more one gardens, the more one learns; And the more one learns, the more one

realizes how little one knows.

Vita Sackville-West

(1892 - 1962)

Next week we are going to take a break from Decorating a Healthy Room but we

will continue on the week after. We have a special guest:

Buying/ Selling a Healthy Home

Pay attention to your intention