A Connecticut Yankee’s Tribute to Chinese Gardens

A taste of Asia in New England

Today ’s Chinese - inspired garden come from Bill Sullivan :

I live in Bethel , Connecticut , and have been working on the garden for 20 years . All of the flora in the garden either originate in China or are commonly found in Taiwanese gardens . The hardscape include fretwork found upon historic instance from the Ming Dynasty , fencing panels based upon the Chinese character for longevity ( shou ) , and , of course , rocks .

My body of work for a enceinte international society hand me the chance to travel to China , and I always include a few personal days to explore . Consequently , over the years I visit many of the most notable gardens , particularly those in Suzhou . I began to research the story and aesthetics of Chinese garden . As I became even more intrigued , I started my own little tribute garden . That permit me to incorporate many of the elements on a much modest scale of measurement . I do all the body of work ( planting and hardscape ) myself but trust upon my wife for advice . She ’s the real nurseryman in the family .

By the way , I try on to make it clear that this is not a re - creation of a Chinese garden , but a Yankee ’s attempt to bewitch the esthetic chemical element and concepts such as feng shui . There ’s no elbow room for a lake or a marquee .

My favourite aspect of my garden is the stones ; the Chinese call them “ the bones of the earth . ” I like them because they need no tearing , weeding , or fertilizing , and the cervid wo n’t eat them . My problem child is aRodhea sinensis . The Taiwanese call this plant “ immature for one thousand years , ” but no matter where I put it , mine fail to live up to its name .

The gate to the Chinese - themed garden “ The Garden of Happy Forgetfulness . ”

Detail of a gate leading into the garden .

Overview of the garden , design on Chinese horticulture rule .

The garden is take with plants from China . consider our flora templet to Chinese hardy orchids .

My favored plants are the epimediums . This isE. wushanensis , a barbellate motley discovered by Darrell Probst in China .

A chipmunk enjoys the figure and carving as well . take this for more garden ornament ideas .

View from outside the garden fence .

Detail of the garden fence .

Have exposure to deal ? We ’d love to see your garden , a finicky collection of plants you love , or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit !

To relegate , send 5 - 10 photos to[email protected]along with some information about the plants in the image and where you took the pic . We ’d sleep with to get word where you are locate , how long you ’ve been gardening , success you are majestic of , failure you learned from , hope for the future , favorite plants , or amusing stories from your garden .

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