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Chinese Gardens

It is often difficult to relate the Chinese garden to Western Europe, although there has been the fashion for Chinese artefacts, particularly porcelain and furniture, for centuries. There is also confusion between the Chinese and Japanese garden, of which the latter has its basis within the Chinese garden. There is a philosophical base to both: The Japanese garden takes its inspiration from Nature as does the Chinese garden, however, it is influenced by various beliefs such as Shinto, Hindu, Taoist, Buddhism, that often overlap each other. It is the Taoist love of Nature combined with the Confucian emphasis on rites and duties that forms the philosophical foundation of the Chinese garden. Buddhism came to China in the 5th century and reinforced the principle of man's spirituality connected to Nature.

The Golden Age of Gardens was during the Song dynasty (1127-1279) where Nature was abstracted principally using water and rocks. These were enhanced with plants and animals, particularly birds. None of these gardens are left; however, we are left with incredible examples of both imperial gardens and private gardens - mostly from the early Qing dynasty (17-18th centuries). Lian Tao refers to the gardens as 'graceful and refined' and close to the subtle harmony of wilderness. The gardens were originally built by gentlemen scholars, the rich and ranked classes of a feudal society. There are two different types of private gardens; one was the simple scholar's retreat for self-cultivation, such as the Suzhou gardens. They were built to provide a refuge from the tension of society. The other type tended towards a more ostentatious and elaborate display of wealth in the style of the imperial parks.

Argument has been ongoing for many years as to whether or not the Chinese garden was an influence on the 18th century English Landscape Garden. Certainly the scale is different, as are the details but the idea of Nature and ever changing scenes is a prime constituent of the English garden.

Royal Horticultural Society

2008 RHS Flower Show Tatton
23 - 27 July 2008
Tatton Park, near Knutsford, Cheshire
Site: C69