Sunday 29 January 2017

In A Chinese Garden

The classic Chinese garden is based on the order and harmony of the natural world and is meant to teach humans their role in the world according to those values.
Historically, many gardens in China were created by powerful but overworked administrators who sought a place for quiet reflection away from the demands and intrigue of the court.

I propose, as a legal obligation, for our political and military leaders to create a personal garden , like a Presidential Library, only at the beginning of their term not the end. A little harmony and order would not go amiss.

In the Chinese lunar calendar the year of the Rooster has just begun. To invite good fortune into your garden you might chose the three lucky flowers associated with the year.

Gadiolus italicus

Cockscomb-Celosia cristata

Impatiens balsamina


10 comments:

  1. We need to all get busy on our gardens. Peace and harmony was never more needed.

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    1. Yes, I agree. I'm thinking of a little project around gardens and sharing and adding beauty to the world.

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  2. I don't know that any of my gardens have ever been orderly. My life resists order. However, I think your idea is spot-on. Unfortunately, on our side of the border, they'd probably nuke the weeds.

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    1. I know, some of us don't have a good handle on order but I think we are more in tune with nature than some.

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  3. I like the Chinese concept of order and harmony which we can happily endeavour to achieve in our gardens, but re: politics - we need the Rooster to quickly get to work on creating stability along with peace and harmony around the world.

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    1. Fingers crossed-I read the fire rooster year is dominated by the orientation towards progress, honour and maximum integrity, people learning to temper their ardor.

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  4. Very interesting to learn this bit about Chinese gardens. And a splendid idea proposed for politicians! I think the simplicity of working in and with nature would do a world of good for all, but especially politicians.

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    1. It took me a while to appreciate Chinese gardens-I have to admit I thought them bland before I understood what they represented.

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  5. Anything which promotes peace and harmony is fine by me ! The therapeutic calm of a garden would hopefully influence anyone who spends time in it.

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    1. I agree-now to get past the old horse to water thing.

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