garden growing

Chinese Gardens and the Huntington Library Asian Herb Garden

By Paula Cottle 21/07/2022 2 mins read

The Chinese term for landscape is shan shui. This means "mountains and water." Both elements complement each other. Water is calm and yielding, while rock is the skeleton. Chinese gardens usually have trees and plants which change with the seasons. This provides the gardener with aromas, sounds and tastes. Water is often an integral part of the landscape. Chinese gardens are known for being some of the most beautiful in the entire world.

Many plants in the Chinese garden have symbolic meaning. For example, the Chinese value bamboo (which bends in winds but doesn’t break) is symbolic of an honorable man. The orchid is another favorite. The scent of this flower is associated with the true gentleman. The peony symbolizes elegance and fecundity. Chrysanthemum (the oldest cultivated flower in China) is associated with autumn. Chinese view plants from a spiritual perspective. Many plants in the garden are called Latin names.

While Chinese gardens are not as open as their Western counterparts, they do have a poetic side. The beautiful combination of plants, trees, and water is a way to express the beauty and poetic potential of nature. This poetic beauty is magnified when it is combined with Chinese poetry and calligraphy as well as traditional Chinese paintings. Understanding the philosophy and philosophies behind these artistic choices is crucial. They are essential and meaningful for the Chinese society.

The Chinese use rocks to decorate their gardens is symbolic. The mythological Isles of the Immortals have the mountains as their central focus. They represent stability, virtue, and strength. The mountain is the centerpiece of Chinese gardens, so it's not surprising. The mountain's plants are selected based upon their texture, color, fragrance, and other characteristics. The rockery is an important component of Chinese gardens. However, the plants in the garden serve other purposes.

A Zhai (or studio), is another important element in a Chinese gardening area. This small yard can be used to self-cultivate. The atmosphere is quiet, elegant, and conducive to learning. To add to the beauty of the environment, walls are often decorated using figures. Four directions pavilion, a rock-garden, and lotus fountain are all typical features of Chinese gardens. A Zhai is often built alongside a water garden so that the view is unobstructed by any structures.

While there are no set rules when it comes to building a Chinese-style garden, the Chinese have a common design element. Borrowed scenery refers to elements of a garden that exist outside of the garden walls. Borrowed scenery is often an unexpected addition most people don't consider even looking at. These elements are often intentionally added to a Chinese garden and often reflect the artist's original intent. Nature is, according to the Chinese, the best source for inspiration.

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FAQ

Which seeds can be planted indoors?

The best seed for starting indoors is a tomato seed. Tomatoes can be grown quickly and they bear fruit all year. When growing tomatoes in pots, be careful when transplanting them into the ground. If you plant too early, the soil may dry out, which could cause the roots to rot. Plant diseases like bacterial disease can quickly kill plants.

What's the difference between aquaponic and hydroponic gardening?

Hydroponic gardening uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil to feed plants. Aquaponics uses fish tanks to grow plants. It's like having a farm right in your backyard.

How can I find out what type of soil my house has?

You can tell by looking at the color of the dirt. Organic matter is more abundant in dark soils than those with lighter colors. A second option is soil testing. These tests measure the number of nutrients present in the soil.

How much space does a vegetable garden require?

A good rule of thumb is that one square foot of soil requires 1/2 pound of seed. Therefore, 100 pounds of seeds is required for a surface of 10 feet x 10 feet (3 m x 3 m).

What length of time can I keep an indoor flower alive?

Indoor plants can survive up to ten years. To promote new growth, it is essential to repot your indoor plants every few month. Repotting is simple. Remove the old soil and place fresh compost.

What is the most important thing to do before you start a new garden?

The first thing you should do when starting a new garden is prepare the soil. This involves adding organic matter, such as composted soil, grass clippings and leaves, straw or other material, to help provide nutrients for the plants. Next, you will plant your seeds or seedlings directly into the prepared holes. Water thoroughly.

Which is the best layout for a vegetable garden?

It all depends on where you live. For easy harvesting, it is best to plant vegetables in the same area as your home. If you live in a rural location, you will need to space your plants out for maximum yield.

Statistics

Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)

External Links

bonnieplants.com

almanac.com

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How To

How can I keep weeds at bay in my vegetable yard?

The biggest threat to the growth of healthy vegetables is weeds. They vie for water, nutrients sunlight and space. To prevent them from taking over your garden, use these tips: