All Photos Copyright © Alice Joyce - All Rights Reserved
Portland Chinese Garden - Part III
Cycas revoluta
The classical Chinese gardens of Suzhou, China are distinctive, characterized by a gracefully horizontal landscape arranged to frame a series of captivating views.
A place of ineffable poetry, Portland Chinese Garden reveals the fundamental elements of classical garden design: Stone gives way to water. Buildings, bridges and mosaic paving are softened by flora. The harmony and contrast of these elements imparts energy, qi, within the walled setting.
Extraordinary rockery elements call up images
of mountains: Rushing water resonates, bringing balance.
Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite'
Undulating rooflines crown open halls and intimate pavilions.
the water supple, the stone assertive.
I have never seen a Quercus dentata before! What an interesting garden to explore. Looks like that Palm is trying to escape its container.
ReplyDeleteVery gorgeous and poignant. You do a nice job with that Garden, very much mirroring its intent. Did you know Suzhou is Portland's Sister City?
ReplyDeleteMuch more mature than the one at Huntington...I hadn't seen Quercus dentata before either, and as a Registered Oak Freak, I was glad to.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteThe Quercus dentata stopped me dead in my tracks as I was getting ready to exit the garden. As for the sprawl of that palm-like cycad, I hope it's content in its beautiful setting. I think it's preening...i.e. leaning! In order to create a dramatic effect with its shadow.
Steve,
High praise, indeed, coming from you: I'm blushing. You have, after all, posted the most comprehensive overlook on this lyrical setting.
In my Part II post, I mention Suzhou's place as Portland's Sister City. And there's a link to your site, in case you missed it!
Now to find a sister city for San Francisco, one with deeeep pockets & a desire to build a Chinese Garden in our region.
PB,
I've added to the botanical nomenclature for the Oak. It is a rare and very beautiful specimen that added to the experience of this garden visit.
The Huntington's garden is more recently planted, but I'm anxious to see it now that it has had a bit of time to begin to fill out. I wrote a feature in the San Francisco Chronicle when it first opened. Thought it was about time for the state to at last have a full-scale Chinese Garden, albeit, in Southern California. Not complaining!
How fantastically beautiful. Like a Blue Willow Pottery come to life. Would love to see this garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI can count upon you to suggest an image reflecting an erudite way with words, a quality I enjoy so much on your blog. The idea of Blue Willow Pottery come to life is so very fitting!
I love the cycas. A great series of photographs. What a magical garden this must be to visit.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I donlt believe the Quercus was originally specified in the plant list. Like so many of the plants there, they were discovered at local nurseries - some even in the back 40's, lol, or in "Hospital Zones". Some of the trees came from beside highways, simply because they looked good and were free, courtesy of the Oregon DOT. Some were overgeown trees not particularly enamored of by the nurseries who were delighted to finally sell them off. The budgeting for that Garden was pretty well done. I speak of a few of these things in my blog Alice mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese garden is so much better now that the plants have gained some maturity. There is such a difference between a jouvenile garden and an aged one, not matter how masterful the installation is.
ReplyDeleteGardening is on facet of our culture where age and wrinkles are almost never frowned upon.
Cheers,
MDV
Beaverton / Portland