I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for. ~Georgia O'KeefeIn writing it is said that you must develop your voice, a term used to describe the writing style of an author. Some authors do this remarkably well. Who can mistake the unique voice in the horror writings of Steven King, the epic dramas of Ayn Rand, or the moving poetry of Mary Oliver. These writers put words together with passion and personality, so that when you pick up a novel or collection of poetry it is because you are anticipating a certain feel, and honesty in the writing that draws you into the work. The writing is a signature unique to the writer.
Landscape Design is the same in that the flavor of an artist's vision and personality will shine through in the composition of plants and structures. It is easy to pick out the distinct "voice" of Frederick Law Olmsted at the Arnold Arboretum (pictured here), the Boston Common, Central Park and along the parkways that traverse the eastern states. The rolling, flowing earth forms accented with groves of trees, ornamental focal points and running carpets of turf grass. Olmsted was able to emulate the natural flow of the of the Northeastern landscape while also adapting it to accommodate the new style of American life.
Likewise, it is impossible to miss the cultural voice communicated in landscape styles throughout the world. The ordered and clipped French garden style as in the Tuilerie in Paris (left) and Public Garden in Boston (right), the flurry of blossom and texture in the English cottage garden style and the serenity of the Japanese garden style. Each has a distinct ability to share feeling and sentiment about the cultural connection to nature.
The throat chakra is all about one's ability to communicate. It is generally thought of as the pouring forth of "You" in an audible way. So this chakra is connected as much to the ears and hearing as it is to the voice and speaking. It is also the expression of creativity, linking it to the second chakra. The sanskrit word for the throat chakra is Vishuddha meaning PURE or more directly translated as "poison removing". The power of speech and sound to cure, heal and honor is represented in the 5th chakra.
As a landscape designer, I see the act of gardening as an expression of passion, personality as well as a way to communicate. And while the overt form of communication is through the visual senses if you go deeper it becomes clear that a garden will communicate volumes beyond what the eyes see. To do this work well it is imperative that listening is a part of the equation. To be sure, this mean listening to your clients list of needs and desires, so that the creative process includes the creative impulse of the owner. However there is a subtle and energetic listening that is needed to truly reach the masterful level of design that has defined cultures.
The element represented by the fifth chakra is AIR and the color
BLUE. Air is of course essential to the survival of plants. The element of air can be translated as the flow and movement within a landscape. The ability for air to move through and refresh the available oxygen to the plants. Air also feeds the invitation to walk through the garden yourself and feel the flow carry you through. Blue is a coveted color in the landscape. I have heard that if someone could come up with and patent a blue rose they'd be an instant millionaire! Somehow the color blue resonants a nurturing energy like the comforting voice of the Mother reaching out to calm the air that surrounds you.
Energetically this fifth chakra is about speaking and expressing YOUR inner truth. Georgia O'Keefe stated that her way of speaking was through color and flowers (her painting here expresses the chakra energies through the progression of color). She, like many artists found a medium that worked for her. Gardeners, both professional and amateur, have reached into the medium of nature to express themselves. Interestingly, this medium really talks back. I mean Nature speaks up...there is a dialogue. The thing that I find so cool about this is that Nature is always honest, always pure and always about shedding poison. Humans, well we need help with that, so gardening is a way to learn through the process of communing with Nature.
There are some great plants to use to express the 5th chakra. Red clover sown over a vegetable patch as a cover crop will promote Nitrogen within the garden. The plant literally pulls nitrogen from the air and transforms it within its cells and root system delivering it to the soil for use by other plants. How's that for communication! Add the fluffy pink flowers to a salad for a fun nutritious boost. The scent of basil is a 5th chakra-opener. The flavors of peppermint and sage make a perfect throat chakra tea. All wonderful herbs to grow, cook with and make teas from. Sometimes the act of growing a plant, handling it, tending it can be just the ticket to inspiring thoughts and ideas to give energy to your voice.
Shoulder stand is a restorative yoga pose that opens the 5th chakra and also stimulates the thyroid, improves blood flow and is relaxing. This is one of those poses that deserves some practice and slow progression into the full pose. Once you get there, it does wonders for improving perspective. I highly suggest this when you feel like you are stuck in a creative block. Sure you could just get up from the computer or drafting table and stretchy your legs with a walk, but why not really turn things upside down and see if you can stir the creative juices and tap into that voice!
Happy Gardening
