In feng shui, the yard or garden around a house is the yin energy (quiet) in response

to the house's yang (active) energy. Really, in this sense the garden is another room which combines the feeling of restfulness (like a bedroom) and a gathering area (like a living room).

Here are some tips to improve the feel of your "outdoor room":

1. Variety delights the eye. Even a very tiny yard can be divided into different areas with changes in size, color and texture of plants to achieve beautiful results. A yard completely planted with grass lacks interest.

For example, a flowering magnolia tree, pines next to deciduous trees and a surprising pot of red geraniums in the middle of a green area add interest and magic to a space. Don't forget to include chimes, birdhouses or whirl-a-gigs to incorporate sound and movement into the garden.

2. Wherever possible, use plants indigenous to the climate. Trying to maintain exotic plants or plants that need extra water and chemicals just to stay alive takes enormous time and energy--and in the end, the plants will always feel "out of place."

3. Create a path that winds all the way around your property. This is a great way to make the property feel larger. When you can access the entire yard easily you are more likely to use it.

4. If you have an apartment or condominium with no accessible garden, be sure to install vegetation inside your living space. You don't have to be a professional gardener to nurture a hardy vine that will live well indoors. You can train the vine over a

windowsill or wrap it around a pole--add some tiny colored or white lights to the scene and you've got a compelling vignette that connects you to the outdoors.