VASTU FOR PLANTS AND TREES
Landscaping is closely related to house building. Our ancient sages have laid down certain rules for planting trees. A variety of decorative and herbal trees and plants have been recommended for encouraging good health and prosperity. Heavy leaf-bearing trees can be planted in the South-West. Rock gardens with a slope towards North and East can also be in the South-West.
No big or tall trees should be in front of the house or in the North or East side of the house. The shadow of a tree should not fall on a house between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The reason is that the auspicious rays of the morning sun should not be blocked by any tall structures and big trees. Similarly, big trees and high construction on the South and West shields the house and the occupants from the harmful rays of the afternoon Sun.
Herbal plants like Tulsi and Tumbe can be grown in the North-East region. Tulsi is perfect for a home’s brahmasthan. Lawns and flower beds should be in the North-East.
No thorny plants, cactus, and plants emitting liquid like milk, should be kept in the house. They should be kept outside the boundary of the house. Plant brought from a temple, bank of a river, stolen from a place or given by a person whom you dislike should not be planted on your plot. Samplings brought from a nursery should be planted. Trees like Ashoka, Almond,
Nilgiri, Coconut, Neem and Lemon are recommended for planting in the South and West of a house. Rose plants can be kept in the South-East zone. Trees like Berries, Tamarind, Gum Arabic, Cotton or silk tree are harmful. They should not be planted in the house at all.
In case, you already have planted trees in the North and East of your building and are wondering what to do about them, our ancient texts have prescribed certain methods. Pooja to the tree should be performed the previous night and offerings of rice and curd made. Next morning again after praying the trees should be felled. The tree should fall towards East or North.
People in most metros now compensate for the lack of open lawns and spaces with balconies. The balcony not only forms a breather in a small apartment but is the best way of being close to nature. A nicely planned balcony overlooking a garden or a landscape area can provide much-needed relief in apartments. In this day and age of flats and multi-storeyed structures, it is especially important to remain in touch with nature. You can cultivate an array of window boxes, hang basket plants or have potted plants in the balconies of your apartment. ln case it is not possible to even have potted plants in the house, go out for long walks in a close-by park to benefit from the rejuvenating powers of nature.
Plants and foliage can be used to uplift the energy of any area. Lush green ferns and those with coloured leaves and flowers work best. Scatter them around in your balconies, living space, on your desk and outside to line your entrance and watch the positive energies flow. Plants such as lavender, rose, Bergamot etc. help relieve stress and anxiety, so you could place those in the East of your drawing room or workplace.
Plants can also be used to camouflage sharp corners or pillars- You can even use artificial plants and flowers for this purpose provided they are kept dusted and clean always.