Chinese Garden Design

The main concept in the design is to follow the natural flow of the land and create sections, or rooms, within the landscape for different purposes, each with the goal of bringing us back to nature.

The Design Principles

In Chinese garden design, the garden is usually divided into various rooms each having its own purpose and character. The rooms are divided by paths to slow the viewer down and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of each area.

Rooms can be created for seasonal appreciation, incorporating plantings that are in bloom or at their peak at various times of the year.

Rooms should be created with a main feature and this should be the focal point, with all other elements in the room being more subtle or smaller in size. Regardless of how it is divided, the garden should have a uniform design and flow from one area to another.

The Elements

Weathered rocks are the central focus of the garden, representing the mountains. A misshapen rock with a rough surface is preferred, so sunlight at various times of the day will reflect the colors in the bumps and crevices.

Believed to bring lucky spirits into the garden, selecting the right rocks is key to the design of a Chinese garden. These hard rocks represent the yang of the garden.

As rocks represent the yang, water represents the yin, or soft balance. Water in a pond symbolizes tranquility in the garden and represents the flow of life.

Plants are added to the Chinese garden to create the mood and define the landscape. Willow trees add grace along the edge of the water. Trees like pine, plum and bamboo are used in various rooms to represent the changing seasons.

Blending with these natural elements are architectural features. Used as gathering places to stop along the journey through the garden, pagodas and pavilions are common features in the Chinese garden.

Depending on the size of your garden, they can be placed in various rooms to provide places to enjoy the different settings.

It is clear that Chinese garden design requires thought and understanding. In China, gardens are a place to close oneself off from the outside world and appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature.