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HomeTopics...Gardening TipsEarth Elements
Earth Elements in Your GardenThe importance of the earth element in a garden is clear. Without healthy soil, nothing grows.
Earth elements are often confused with simple soil, but soil is only part of the earth element in a garden. A garden with a strong earth representation can also have stabilizing combinations of rocks, clay, stones and terracotta. Whether you're positioning a potted plant on your patio or having many acres of soil professionally landscaped, incorporating earth elements into your garden will help create a healing, harmonious and natural environment.
Stepping Stones and Rock GardensWith associations rich in symbolism, rock has historically been described as the skeleton of the earth. Rocks find endless forms of expression, from large boulders to paving stones, from pebbles to rookeries. Adding rocks and stones to your garden is an ideal representation of the earth element.
Shapes traditionally associated with earth elements are low, flat surfaces and slightly rounded squares. Stepping stones are an excellent incorporation of the shape and material of the Earth flowing through your garden. Rock gardens add mystery and stability to your garden environment. The addition of large rocks provides focal points in many gardens. Choose rocks that appeal to you. Pick shapes and colors that complement the plants in your garden. Small rocks can be nestled in containers, while larger ones can stand on their own. You might create a border by putting a gently curved line of rocks between your herbs and flowers.
Tips for Adding Earth ElementsStepping stones and rock gardens are ideal earth anchors for your home garden, but stones and rocks are not the only way to represent the Earth element. Here are some other great suggestions for adding representations of Earth to your garden:
Terracotta planters: Adding a terracotta pot filled with soil and well-cared for plants can anchor a balcony, patio or deck opening to a garden, or act as ample representation for the earth element in indoor, patio or rooftop gardens. Container gardens offer a few challenges for home gardening because they lack the constant succession of dead leaves, debris, insects and other natural elements that renew and replenish the soil. Careful fertilizing and mulching are a must for the indoor and outdoor container gardener. Periodic repotting and replacing of old soil also helps. Chimenea or stone fire pits: A stone fire pit or a chimenea can be representative of the earth element, and can also double for the fire element. An earthen fire pit can be a stabilizing and attractive centerpiece for your garden. As an additional Earth element, try winding some stepping stones through your garden to your chimenea centerpiece. To combine the earth and fire elements in a patio garden, consider using natural stone candleholders, which can be very simple hollowed stones or elaborate hand carved pieces of art. Clay Statuary: What a delight it is to wander the stepping stone path through your garden and come upon clay statuaries depicting earthen wonders. A statuary can be placed among the stronger plants in your garden, or displayed as a focal point among low, flat groundcover garden foliage. Statues of turtles, frogs or dolphins can add interest on the edge of a pond. Brick or Flagstone Patio: A patio can stabilize the entrance to your garden with a great place for viewing and savoring the harmony of your garden. Brick and flagstone are great earth materials to use, and can continue to meander out into your garden as a stepping stone path or border accent. For a patio garden without an attached yard, consider painting the patio concrete with a faux finish representative of natural stone, slate or bricks.
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