New York Chinese Scholar's Garden

Design

• The borrowed view extends space beyond the border of the garden.
• The hidden view creates suspense and excitement as one moves deeper into the garden.
• The opposite view is framed by a moon gate or floral window.

  Elements

• Wood - Nails or glue are not used in a Chinese garden. Wooden elements are joined together using traditional Chinese construction techniques.
• Rocks - In Chinese literature, rocks are described as the "bones of the earth."
• Water - The garden contains three ponds and one waterfall. Water is thought of as the arteries of the world.
• Plantings - China has contributed the rose, lilac, daphne, species of rhododendron, and the peony to the rest of the world. Trees, shrubs, and flowers are selected for shape, seasonal character, and symbolic meaning.
• Furniture - The furniture of the garden is called the "internal organs."
• Walls - Walls are strategically placed in the garden for design purposes.
• Walkways - The curvature of the walkways offer many views and angles.
• Pavilions - There are two pavilion in the garden. One is for the scholar's study and the other provides visual access to various other scenes.
• Xie - A Xie is a building one half hovering over a lake. The designs makes it seem that the building is floating in the water.
• Bridge - Bridges are often curvy, providing visitors a better view of the surroundings.
• Painting and Calligraphy - Paintings and calligraphy represent the garden owner's knowledge of literature and art.