Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/132471
fieldreport: HISTORY OF CHINESE GARDENS • Families used this space to meet, entertain guests, reflect and surround themselves with nature. • The largest garden in Suzhou was a little more than 24 acres, with the pond composing a fifth of the area. • The entire garden was not meant to be seen all at once, so the Chinese separated it with pavilions, walls with doorways and ornamental window frames, similar to lattice work. • Chinese gardens originated at the end of the Shang Dynasty (1700 to 1027 BC) and the beginning of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1027 to 771 BC). Gardens were first called "You" or "For Your Amusement," which translates to "an enclosure reflecting concinnity, for the raising of animals for hunting." They later transformed into a meditation area where scholars went to reflect and enjoy nature, known as "the garden with natural mountains and rivers." • Plants provided not only beauty, but meaning: The peach tree symbolized longevity and immortality, pear trees were a symbol of justice and wisdom and willow trees represented the friendship and pleasures of life. The Chinese carved out windows to give the illusion of several small rooms within the garden, which features plants like azalea trees. and make it appear like several areas. Throughout the garden, crewmembers use ladders to hand trim branches, while others skim the water for leaves and other debris. Under a tree, students read while soaking in the quietness of nature that can be so difficult to find in a busy city. In addition to daily tours, the garden can be booked for nighttime events such as concerts and weddings. And visitors can leave with more than a balanced mind and spirit – they can also purchase featured plants. So for those looking to get in touch with nature and escape to an ancient world, Lan Su Chinese Garden provides that and much more. "Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be mountain and forest," Wen Zhengming (14701559), Ming Dynasty painter, calligrapher and scholar. tlc Wherever your business takes you, we're there to help. At Progressive Commercial Auto, we know your business depends on your vehicle. For over 40 years, we've been offering Commercial Auto insurance designed specifically for small business owners. And with 24/7 live support and expert claims representatives, we get you back on the road fast. On the road with you. Now that's Progressive. Call for a Free Quote 1-888-375-7905 Find an Agent ProgressiveCommercial.com Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. 12B00197.L03 (01/13) 12B00197.L03_TLC_7x2.75.indd 1 10 To ta l L a n d s c ap eC are.c om TLC0613_FieldReport.indd 10 Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com J U N E 2 013 1/10/13 9:14 AM 5/23/13 1:52 PM