In the center of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, there is a tranquil garden brought over piece by piece from China and reassembled here. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen garden, is a wonderful spot for enjoyment and contemplation. It has been reproduced in all details as a true classical garden. The beams of the buildings are clad in multiple layers of lacquer and shine with a glow that any worker in wood would envy. When the crates containing the garden components were opened after arriving from China, several were found to contain what were thought to be smashed china, damaged in shipment. Instead, the pieces were intended to be inlaid in intricate patterns for a path.
Even the weather-worn rocks were things of beauty. Where did they ever find them? Miniature trees, Penjing, not Bonsai, were scattered about.
There is no way I could add to the garden information contained in this link to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and I heartily recommend a visit to that site.
I fell in love with this naturally sculptured rock. Nature as artist.
There was a small waterfall down the side of this rock formation. The sound of falling water added to the ambience.
In the midst of a bustling city there is an oasis. No need for a camel caravan trek to get to it.
We were most fortunate to visit the garden on Canada Day. Just outside there was a most serendipitous celebration as could only take place in the midst of Chinese culture. Firecrackers sputtered away and dragons danced. A dignitary oversaw the ceremonial cutting of a large cake that was flanked by a pair of roast pigs. The celebrants then went indoors, followed by the cake and the roast. Kay and I then searched for and found a restaurant that was devoid of occidentals and had our own feast.
We visited Vancouver after a couple of weeks on Vancouver Island. From Victoria onward there were gardens aplenty to satisfy the needs of a gardener away from his own garden. One great way to obtain new ideas for your own garden is in visiting others. Unfortunately for me I have no way of
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