Garden Spotlight: New York Chinese Scholar's Garden

Website: ​https://snug-harbor.org/botanical-garden/new-york-chinese-scholars-garden/
​Directions: ​1000 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301

​Our guide informed us that the curving paths were traditional to Chinese gardens. Upon entering the garden space, we were met with a path of towering bamboo. The curve in the path creates a sense of mystery. ​Bamboo, being a strong material, is also symbolic of integrity, a quality that the scholar must aspire to achieve. As bamboo grows, it begins to bend; the taller you grow, the deeper you bow.

Bamboo sounds so peaceful in the wind.

View upon entering the inside of the garden.

The Chinese Scholar's Garden located in the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden was built by 40 Chinese artists and designers from Suzhou, China. This garden is one of two authentic Chinese gardens in the United States, built upon the style of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD). The materials needed to build the garden were shipped from China in 1998, with the garden opening to the public in 1999. Chinese gardens were usually named after it's creator's expertise. This garden, as I was told by my tour guide, focuses on poetry and literature with various calligraphies written on the walls focusing on the philosophies of nature.

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