The Chinese garden design uses elements from nature along with those made by man.
These elements have to be very carefully chosen to create the correct atmosphere.
It takes balancing the components in order to achieve harmony. All the elements should flow naturally and be set into different areas. This is to try to bring us in tune with nature.
Sections
In this type of garden there are different sections which have their own distinctive personality.
There are walkways in between each one. This makes a person walking through the garden to take notice of each area.
The design could be set for each area to bloom at different times of the year.
Also each section needs to have its own point of interest. No matter how it is set up it should be designed according to the same theme. It should flow easily from one section to the next.
The Various Components
Each of the various components has its purpose in this type of garden.
Water symbolizes yin whereas the rocks stand for yang. The water adds softness to the hardness of the rocks therefore, a balance is achieved. In the water the sky which is ever-changing is reflected.
Rocks show the wear and tear from years gone by and are used to symbolize mountains.
These should not be smooth ones either. The ones rougher in textures reflect the sunlight, which bring the various colors in them.
These attract the spirits, who bring you luck, to your lovely garden.
Various trees are used to add to the landscape. Bamboo, pine, willow and plum trees are just some of the ones planted.
Willows need to be near the water. Often times the different trees are used separately in the sections to depict the seasons changing.
Other plants are used too, and each has their own unique meaning.
Architectural Aspects
Another feature in the Chinese garden design is the architectural elements.
Pavilions and pagodas can be used as respites for the people traveling through them. These are great places to stop and reflect.
Planning the Design
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It takes some thought and a lot of planning to create this type of garden.
The challenge is to take the various plants and trees and blend them with the water and rocks. This should be done in such a way that it appears to have naturally occurred in this manner.
This type of garden normally has ornamental trees at the entrance of a modest courtyard area. From here you proceed into the garden.
Lay the various sections out on paper to get the design correct. This way you know where to put each water feature, rock and plant. Also place the architectural items in too.
Remember a true Chinese garden is a true work of art just like poetry, sculpture or painting is. So it should be designed with this in mind.
It is meant to bring harmony, balance, variety and proportion, which are so important to life. It is a highly-dimensional piece of art with its plantings, water and rocks.
Executing the Design
Just like with any garden there is the labor it takes preparing the soil for the plants. However, you do not necessarily use the rocks, water and architectural pieces in a traditional garden.
These things really help set the tone. Also with the plants stay to those that are traditionally used in these Chinese gardens. Remember the plants have their own meanings.
Some Plants and their meanings
Lotus - purity
Peony - noble and glorious
Flowering crabapple - colorful and beautiful
Cypress and pine - longevity
Willow - grace and charm
Orchid - tranquility
Pomegranate - hundred seeds-sons
Now that you know something of the Chinese garden design, is this for your yard?
It can truly be a meditative place to visit once you get it all planted and set up. This type of garden can grow and transform over the years. With each year you will appreciate it more.
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