By some strange coincidence, we recently learned that the cultural complex at Snug Harbor, on Staten Island, has an authentic traditional Chinese Scholar's Garden similar to the amazing Lan Su Chinese garden in Portland. This garden in Snug Harbor was built by chinese artisans and opened in 1999. It is modeled after a garden in Suzhou, China, built during the Qing dynasty. One goes from one room to the next through openings in the walls of different shapes. It has beautiful vistas, koi ponds, a persimon tree, a waterfall and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland Oregon is a special place. Built in 2000 by large crew of Chinese artisans from Suzhou in China, this garden is considered the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. It consists of several "rooms" separated by walls with elaborate doorways. The floors are made with smooth river rocks organized in elaborate geometric patterns. During our visit in July, we saw waterlillies, lotuses, bamboo, and a persimmon tree. Best of all, fragrances of jasmine and gardenia were everywhere.
All the pictures in this post were taken at Crater Lake National Park in July 2013.
