The World of Bamboo Is a Fascinating One, Home and Garden

The World acteristics. Their stems, or culms, are OF Bamboo rich in protein and silica, resulting in a strong material suitable for building. Text and photos by Mila and Gordon Powell Before breaking ground, a new bam- boo shoot is a tender edible, an impor- BAMBOO CAN HAVE A PLACE IN YOUR GARDEN tant food source in Asia and a delica- cy when freshly harvested. After The world of bamboo is a fascinating one, home and garden. Their small size is an asset to emerging from the ground, a new culm The strength and beauty of bamboo make for lovely furniture. a small yard. They are suitable in a container or literally shoots up, capable of growing conjuring images of groomed groves as a groundcover. And, once established, they up to 4 feet in a single day. This giant in Japan, delicate Chinese drawings and are both cold hardy and drought tolerant plants. palmata in our yard grows to about 3 to 4 feet grass establishes clumps or groves quickly, Here we present an overview of the bam- tall. In frost-free San Francisco, however, there creating a sustainable, harvestable crop in as exotic tropical plants. The beauty, grace boo family and talk about dwarf varieties, is a handsome specimen about 10 feet tall. little as 5 to 10 years. and strength of bamboo are unequalled their attributes, and how they can be used in Whether as a live plant, a material for con- the garden. The Bamboo struction or furniture making, or as a source of in the plant world. But first, let’s begin with a disclaimer. Simply There are over 1,200 species in the bamboo food and medicine, many cultures have inte- put, not all dwarf bamboos are dwarf in all situ- family. They include dwarf types that grow less grated bamboo into their daily lives. The nature amboo is well integrated into the cul- ations. The severity of winter plays an impor- than a foot tall, to tropical giants, which can of bamboo has captured the interest of many tures of all who live with it. As a mate- tant role in determining the vigor of a bamboo. achieve heights of over 100 feet. Bamboo is dis- Americans, who are discovering this unique Brial for construction, furniture and The warmer the weather, the taller and faster a tributed throughout the world; the largest con- plant and its many uses. instrument making, or as a source of food and bamboo will grow. As an example, the Sasa centrations are in the tropical, sub-tropical and The introduction of bamboo into the United medicine, the uses of temperate regions. States started in the early 1900s. McClure, bamboo are unlimited. Most of the hardy There are many ways to bamboo we are familiar use bamboo in the gar- with originated in China den. As an accent plant, and Japan. In fact, only groundcover, or grove, two varieties are indige- bamboo lends an unusu- nous to the United al texture and form to States. The Arundinaria the landscape. Although gigantea and one sub- often thought of as a specie are common tropical plant, many throughout the Southeast bamboos are suitable for and are known as river growing in temperate cane, or to many people, regions. a good fishing pole. This is especially true Bamboo is really just of dwarf bamboos, which an overgrown grass, but are easily adapted to the Shibataea kumasaca with several unique char- Every part of this roof in the Phillipines is made of bamboo.

76 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 77 Meyer, Young and others were tireless in their small restaurant, which used a bamboo truss duce seed, with little detriment to efforts to identify, import and establish bamboo roof system. The roofing material, a grass the vegetative growth. in America. Former USDA introduction sta- thatching, was supported by bamboo purlins The variegated simon bamboo tions in Georgia and Louisiana are living monu- which were lashed to bamboo struts which has been flowering off and on for ments to their work. were lashed to bamboo trusses, all held togeth- years. Its clusters of tiny flowers Today, members of the American Bamboo er with split bamboo lashing. It is hard to come rarely produce seed and are Society continue to study, identify and collect up with a better demonstration of the strength almost invisible in the dense new and rare varieties. Society chapters and of this material. foliage. If you want to know the members maintain five regional quarantine true meaning of inconspicuous greenhouses to observe new imports and com- Bamboo Flowering flowers, this is the plant. ply with strict USDA requirements. All new The phenomenon of flowering in bamboo is a On the other hand, a massive bamboo imports must be quarantined for one little understood event, resulting in much confu- flowering and grove dieback, year before release. Even so, dozens of new sion and a few myths. Admittedly, in a botanical known as gregarious flowering, is varieties have been introduced since the Society world classified by flower, it is hard to study a not unusual. One theory offered formed over 20 years ago. species that flowers only every 30 to 60 years. In by David Jansen suggests that a It would be wrong to talk about bamboo some bamboos, the cycles are even longer, with long interval and gregarious without considering its use as a resource. 120-year intervals between flowering. Because flowering is a survival technique. Throughout the world, bamboo is a plant used of this, information concerning flowering habits The seeds, which are a delicacy for building things. Complex architecture, musi- and cycle length is hard to find and equally dif- to rodents, must be produced to cal instruments, paper, and furniture are all ficult to gather into usable form. a saturation point. Only by examples of how bamboo is an important build- There are two myths we should address con- devoting a grove’s entire ing material as well as a beautiful plant. cerning bamboo flowering. The first is when a resources to producing seed will A good example in the Philippines was at a species of bamboo flowers, all the same species there be enough for foraging ani-

of bamboo all over the world mals and to establish a new Bamboo likes winter! flowers. Given the irregular grove. This can result in the pre- nature of botany, this myth sent bamboo dying off, its energy spent on seems impossible; how could a making as much seed as possible. THE SEASONS OF BAMBOO plant be so organized? So, Isolated areas of cane along the White River The growth of bamboo through a season although many plants through have been flowering for the past few years. A occurs in several stages. Sometime between the world (especially offspring) few shoots are setting flower here and there, but March and May, depending on the species and might flower, it is unlikely that most of the grove is unaffected. One patch, Mother Nature, the first growth starts with new all will flower at once. however, set seed — lots and lots of seed, thou- culms emerging from the ground. This is called A second, related myth sug- sands of viable seeds. shooting, as in shooting up, an appropriate term gests that after any bamboo Most of these seeds germinated in less than for this burst of energy. A few years ago, we flowers, it immediately dies. two weeks, which may support Jansen’s theory. measured the growth of a new shoot of yellow This is true in some cases but is If the seed is considered food, the faster it ger- groove bamboo: 13 inches in 24 hours. not always so. Many bamboo minates, the better. The less time a seed remains During the next four to six weeks, a develop- Hibanobambusa tranquillans ‘shiroshima’ tolerates more sun than other dwarf bamboos. species can flower, and pro- a seed, the less time it will be considered dinner. ing cane sprouts branches and leaves. This

78 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 79 suitable for construction and furniture making. can create a miniature version of a bamboo The young shoots are a good food source for grove. Containerized plants should be over-win- humans; and, the leaves and tender canes are tered in a frost-free location, as frozen rhizomes being explored as fodder for livestock. could be fatal to the bamboo. Bamboo in Containing Bamboo the Home and Garden Because the tendency of bamboo is to grow Bamboo is a versatile plant in the home and quickly into your neighbor’s rose garden, con- garden. As a fast spreading groundcover, dwarf taining bamboo is an important consideration. bamboo does the job well, tolerating shade and This can be done with man-made barriers, nat- dry conditions. In a landscape, the diverse tex- ural barriers, or various other containment tures and colors of leaves create appealing con- methods. trast to flowering plants. The easiest way to contain bamboo is to mow Many bamboos are appropriate plants for an area around the planting. Mowing will sever containers. Dwarf and medium varieties are any emerging culms, keeping its spread in a pragmatic choice for a small spot, but if check. To be effective, a mowing band should be Sasa veitchii displays a pseudo variegation on its winter leaves as the chlorophyll recedes from the leaves’ edges. you have the space, some larger bamboos as wide as the bamboo is tall. For a timber bam- are also suitable. boo, a 20’ band would work; a dwarf might only maturing takes place through the summer, pro- Sasaella genus are considered dwarfs and Pleioblastus, Sasa and Shibataea species all need a 2 to 4 foot band. viding food for the bamboo. In late summer and range in size between 1 and 5 feet. The pygmy make handsome house or patio plants. Bamboo Trenching or deep edging around a grove fall the plant increases its size underground. The bamboo and dwarf whitestripe bamboo are can also be grown as bonsai plants. By pruning can also be used to curb the rhizomes. This runners or rhizomes actively seek new turf, typical of this group. carefully and restricting rhizome growth, one maintenance should be done once or twice a preparing for the next season’s shooting. The Sasa, Arundinaria, and Pseudosasa are year to cut errant growth. This is In spite of its reputation as a fast grower, a medium-sized bamboo, with heights between 5 a more labor-intensive method new planting will take a while to become estab- and 20 feet. The Sasa are attractive Japanese but might work better in a tight lished. The ‘Sleep, Creep, Leap Rule’ often bamboos known for their large leaves and planting area. applies. The first year the bamboo is said to rapid growth. The river cane that is so common Bamboo will not grow into Sleep. The second year it is busy sending out along Southern waterways is an example of an water, so ponds and streams are new growth underground, thus, the Creep. The Arundinaria. considered natural barriers. third season is the Leap – bamboo growing The tallest group is referred to as timber Other natural barriers that will where there was no bamboo before. Often, bamboo. There are over 80 species and sub slow down a bamboo are very dry however, this three-year wait is condensed into species of Phyllostachys available in the United soil, rocky areas, or deep shade. a single season. Bamboo surprises are one of the States. The tallest of the hardy bamboos are Concrete or heavy gauge poly- many joys of spring. mostly indigenous to China and can range in ethylene can be used as physical height from 20 feet to over 70 feet tall. barriers. These barriers should be BAMBOO VARIETIES Established groves, roadside hedges and large 3 feet deep and carefully installed Hardy bamboo can be roughly divided into specimen plants are typically a variety of to seal all seams. It is best to slope three groups, based on the mature height of Phyllostachys. The culms of timber bamboo are The extended growing points from the rhizome of this yellow bamboo, P. aureo- the barrier away from the planting sulcata ‘Spectabilis’ evidence the potential of some bamboo species for aggres- the plant. Most of the Pleioblastus and extremely strong when mature, making them sive growth. so any rhizomes are deflected

80 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 81 upward. A 2-inch lip should extend above the grow from the dormant rhizomes. All hardy soil line. Yearly inspections should be made to varieties can survive hard freezes, looking check for wandering rhizomes. attractive through the fall, long after other Or you can employ another approach to plants have succumbed to winter. growing bamboo. This is known as a ‘let-‘er-rip’ Timber Bamboo attitude and is summed up by painter and bam- There are many Timber Bamboos that can be boo lover, Mary Sims; “I’ve been waiting for grown in Zones 5 and 6 and in the South. The bamboo to take over for years.” After all, as Phyllostachys are the tallest of the hardy bam- gardeners, we must not delude ourselves into boos, and many can withstand harsh winters. thinking we are in charge of our creations. And Known for their large culms, some varieties with many plants, we must realize it is they, not have grown to 25 to 30 feet in the Ozarks. Hardy we, who are in control. bamboo grown in subtropical regions can grow A fellow came to the nursery this spring and upwards of 50 feet tall. was looking for a specific vining groundcover for One of the varieties often seen in roadside the bank of a large pond. Instead, I suggested patches is the yellow groove bamboo. An excep- bamboo, which would be an excellent choice for tionally hardy species, Phyllostachys aureosul- this site. The leafy culms would stand out beau- cata is often evergreen, wilting in only the worst The edge of a grove of yellow bamboo, P. aureo- sulcata, demonstrates that bamboo can be kept tifully against the water, the reflections glimmer- of winters. In our trials, culms have grown to a confined within a desired area. ing on the pond surface while the rhizomes rein- height of 25 feet and have a diameter of one and force the pond berm, preventing erosion. one-half inches. are also handsome, with straight He looked at me like I was crazy to suggest One cultivar of the yellow groove is equally culms and large leaves. such an invasive plant, and left quickly, deter- hardy. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’ Fargesia is another genus of hardy mined to go into the woods and dig some roots has yellow culms and is a stunning specimen bamboo. A graceful, arching bamboo, of this vine, kudzu. when mature. Phyllostachys rubromarginata is the Fargesia grows in the mountains of another large bamboo tolerant of cold, dry wind. China and is a principal food source A closeup view of yellow grove bamboo, Phyllostachys aure- osulcata. It was the fastest growing bamboo in USDA tri- for the pandas. They are exceptionally BAMBOOS FOR als and can reach heights of over 30 feet. cold hardy but do not like hot Southern sum- The word “short”, of course, is a relative term TEMPERATE REGIONS Phyllostachys dulcis is also a good choice mers. One or two species are said to be more and our previous disclaimer still applies. ozens of varieties of bamboo are suitable for colder regions. Known for quickly forming heat tolerant, so they may be more suited to Because bamboo responds differently in differ- Dfor temperate regions. Some are ever- large diameter culms, it is said to be hardy to the South. Because of their cold tolerance, this ent climatic zones, the definitions of height green, withstanding sub-zero temperatures with –5 degrees Fahrenheit. It is known as the is a family that should be considered for become even more fuzzy. little damage to the leaves. ‘sweetshoot’ bamboo, one of the tastiest of the Northern plantings. Considered a clumping Let’s solve this problem with a simple four- Other species die back in the climactically hardy bamboo. bamboo, the Fargesia are known for their non- letter word. By adding the prefix ‘semi’, we can challenged Zone 6 Arkansas winters, so must be There are a few other hardy bamboos worth invasive habits. increase our coverage of this group of bamboos treated as deciduous perennials. This is true of mentioning. The Semiarundinaria fastuosa has by over 45%. The name “Dwarf and Semi- some of the dwarf species, which can be sheared an erect habit with reddish culms. Growing to Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Bamboo Dwarf Bamboos” will be an appropriate head- to ground level before spring. Other varieties about 10-12 feet, this Japanese bamboo makes Dwarf bamboo is a generic term used to ing, allowing us to talk about more bamboo will releaf from the old culms each year or re- a good hedge. Other members of this genus describe the smallest members of the family. without being concerned about that nasty

82 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 83 ing will take a few years to shady site. Known as very aggressive growers, Japanese term, “kumasaca,” literally trans- achieve its maximum stature, no they must be carefully placed to avoid being lates to “field of short bamboo.” Known as matter in which zone it is grown. moved twice, which is what we had to do. the ruscus-leafed bamboo, it has short wide On the upcoming varieties, The Sasa veitchii, a shorter, slower growing leaves densely born on narrow culms. This the heights given are based on species, is easily identified by its winter color. species is one of the hardiest, tolerant of our trials and are being updated Chlorophyll recedes from the edges of the severe cold and wind chill with minimal dam- yearly. If you live in Southern leaves, creating a pseudo variegation and a stun- age to the leaves. This year three hedges sur- areas, Zones 7 and 8, you could ning winter display. The effect is enhanced at prised us by growing about 10 inches taller expect taller growth, faster pond’s edge. than last year. Buried under snow, the thin Indocalamus tessellates bears the largest leaves of the hardy bamboos, preferring shady sites, and growing to a mound-forming 3 to 5 feet tall. maturity, and less winter dam- The Indocalamus tessellatus has the largest culms bend to the ground, popping back up, age. If you live further south, leaves of all hardy bamboos. Forming a hand- one by one, as the weather warms. zones 9 and 10, you are blessed some mound, this plant seems to cascade as it Thought to be a naturally occurring hybrid, with near sacred conditions for grows. A Chinese native, it grows to 3 to 5 feet the Hibanobambusa tranquillans ‘Shiroshima’ growing any bamboo. tall and prefers shade. is of Japanese origin with a stunning variega- The Pleioblastus variegatus, Shibataea kumasaca is a Japanese bamboo tion that makes it desirable for a container or or dwarf whitestripe bamboo, that forms a thick hedge 4 to 6 feet tall. The the garden. It tolerates more sun than other makes a short, delicate ground- cover. Growing to a height of 12 to 16 inches, the variegated leaves show up well at the base of taller plants, such as golden bamboo. The whitestripe prefers a shady location, At the Cincinnati Zoo, holly and a dwarf bamboo make for a lovely combination. adding a bright highlight to sun-starved areas. height issue. Another variegated dwarf is the Sasaella “So, how tall will dwarf bamboos grow?” you masamuneana ‘Albostriata.’ Growing at the may ask. It is a good question. The American base of a gingko tree, this handsome specimen is Bamboo Society has collected data for years, outstanding in the fall garden. This gem has now published yearly as a source list. Among proven to be quite hardy, holding its leaves in the information concerning the species is the the worst winters. At about two feet tall and a maximum height: how tall the plant will grow in moderate rambler, this bamboo is also a fine ideal conditions. groundcover. Various Northern growers are compiling data The Sasas are bamboos of medium height, on the bamboos also: how tall will it grow in less usually growing between 2 to 5 feet in our area. than ideal conditions? In the Ozarks, Zone 6, They are known for their large leaves dancing at the mature height will rarely grow as tall as in the tips of thin culms in a palm-like fan. Sasas ideal conditions. Keep in mind that a new plant- can easily scorch in the sun, so they prefer a Growing at the base of a ginko tree is the lovely Sasaella masamuneana ‘Albostriata.’

84 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 85 CREDITS dwarf bamboos. A summary of this article was published in The American Bamboo Society Newsletter, The Cincinnati Zoo is host to a number of February 2000. mixed plantings, which are examples of how The American Bamboo Society provides a multi- bamboo can be worked into the landscape. leveled forum for bamboo enthusiasts. Research Along the pathways at the entrance of the Zoo grants, publications, and source lists are some of are raised planters constructed of railroad tim- the benefits offered. Individual chapters located bers. These 3-foot tall planters, surrounded by throughout the United States offer local support and have as members some of the nicest people we asphalt pathways, are a simple but effective way have met. to contain the bamboo. At home, our small grove of golden bamboo Membership information: has become a haven for the birds. Juncos, war- Michael Bartholomew, ABS blers and wrens hang out in the shelter of the 750 Krumkill Road, Albany, New York 12203-5976 thick hedge and anxiously whisper to each Email: [email protected] ABS on the Internet at: www.bamboo.org/abs/ other whenever we walk by. This year, it gave Yearly membership $35 includes monthly newslet- us another bamboo surprise: after 6 years, it ter, annual journal and membership in local chapter. had grown to 8 feet. This spring the new canes are already 16 feet tall. This year, the mild Some photos have been previously published in weather had little effect on the leaves, so in The Temperate Bamboo Quarterly, a magazine pub- late February, the only green left in the yard lished by Adam and Sue Turtle, leading bamboo authorities. In addition to publishing TBQ, Adam was bamboo. Starting in late March and con- and Sue maintain a collection of over 200 varieties tinuing into summer, we are finding lots of new of hardy bamboo, operate a wholesale bamboo surprises: bamboo where there was no bamboo nursery, travel around the world and lecture on before. We like having bamboo all over the growing bamboo. Their magazine features articles yard and are always seeing something new in covering many facets of bamboo. A typical issue this beautiful and diverse family. It is our hope, might discuss bamboo plants, uses of bamboo, recipes for shoots, book reviews and notes and with more knowledge, bamboo will be a better comments from other gardeners. Whether a novice understood plant, enjoyed for its beauty, or an experienced grower, one can enjoy this maga- appreciated for its strength and usefulness, and zine for its folksy style and dedication to bamboo. given a prominent place in the home or the garden, a place it truly deserves.❧ The Temperate Bamboo Quarterly Earth Advocates Research Farm Gordon and Mila started the Ozark Bamboo Garden as an 30 Myers Road, Summertown, TN 38483-7323 excuse to grow as much bamboo as they had space for. Out Subscription Rates: $28/year (US). $34/year of a collection of about 100 varieties, they now propagate about 50 species, 40 of which are now in trial plantings (Canada and Mexico) around the nursery. All photos and article, copyright, Ozark Bamboo Garden. 2000© Used with permission. Ozark Bamboo Garden catalogue, price list, bamboo information available for $2.00 from Ozark Bamboo (opposite page) Dwarf whitestripe bamboo, Pleioblastus for- Garden, 1059 CR 266, Eureka Springs, AR 72631; tunei, is a favorite small variety for the garden, as well as for 501-253-6801. E-mail: [email protected]. container growing and bonsai treatment.

86 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 87 The Margaret Grigg

Although the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden garden is built in the by Leslie Muskopf style of the southern provinces where The Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship The Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship Nanjing is located, it Garden commemorates this longstanding scien- includes a broader Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden tific and cultural exchange between the range of plants so as to is the most authentic Chinese garden Missouri Botanical Garden and Chinese botan- commemorate the ical institutions. The Chinese garden also hon- extensive list of native of its size in the United States. ors the sister city relationship between St. Louis Chinese plants. and Nanjing, established in 1979 as the first such Because the St. Louis pened to the public in 1859, the relationship between the United States and No Chinese garden is complete without a water feature. climate cannot accom- Missouri Botanical Garden was a China. Construction of the Chinese garden was modate traditional Ounique, visionary made possible by a gift from inspiration from the Chinese garden tradition Chinese tropical plants, these plants are dis- gift to the city of St. Louis Margaret Grigg Oberheide — a blending of the traditional art forms of played in containers and set out in the garden from philanthropist in memory of her par- landscaping, painting, poetry, and calligraphy Henry Shaw. Influenced ents, Estelle and Robert within a spiritual and philosophical frame- by physician-botanist Blanke. work. The naturalistic garden style of 18th cen- Dr. George Englemann, Major features of the tury Europeans, too, was inspired by the Shaw included both an garden were gifts from Chinese tradition. herbarium (collection of the city of Nanjing with Every detail of the traditional Chinese garden botanical specimens) and the Garden and the city stems from Taoist philosophy’s concept of c’hi – a library. Today, under the of St. Louis giving a spiritual harmony of man with the universe. To tireless direction of Dr. children’s playground help humans experience that special state, Peter Raven, the MBG has to the city of Nanjing in Chinese landscape design, influenced also by The traditional Moon Gate symbolizes that you are entering a attained a leadership posi- return. The Margaret Confucianism and Buddhism, seeks to create that special place with the circle a symbol of perfection. tion in plant conservation and Grigg Nanjing haven of peace and accord with Nature. In north- research within the world communi- Friendship Garden was ern China, this design takes the Imperial form of ty. A monumental project, the Flora of China, designed by the award-winning Chinese elaborate gilded roofs, incorporating brilliant has been an on-going work of the MBG as American architect Yong Pan, in consultation reds and greens, perhaps to enliven the four sea- researchers seek to catalogue the 30,000+ with Environmental Planning and Design of sons. In southern China, the design is more species of plants native to China – about an Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. reserved, distinguished by monochromatic tones eighth of the world’s known flora. (The conti- of grey, white, black, and reddish brown more nental U.S. is home to perhaps half that num- An Ancient Tradition suited to retreats for gentlemen and scholars. ber.) Many of our most familiar ornamental Landscape design has been of great signifi- Typically, these gardens are private, enclosed plants originated in China – azaleas, rhododen- cance in Chinese culture for more than 2,500 within walls. Often Chinese gardens resemble a drons, camellias, gardenias, hibiscus, peonies, years. The Japanese garden style, more famil- labyrinth of walled spaces that subtly manipulate Tucked away from the garden’s main pathway is a rough- chrysanthemums, and gingkos. iar to Western gardeners, was itself born of perspective, making small spaces appear infinite. hewn stone table with stone seating.

88 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 89 A group of tall, narrow stones beside the blossoms, peonies, and birds, with a yin/yang entrance represents a grove of bamboo. The symbol where the path divides. The winding undulating roof-line is meant to resemble a path and lush plantings allow the garden to range of distant mountains in the background. unfold in a series of scenes, always offering the Tiles along the wall display the Missouri elements of mystery and surprise. The path Botanical Garden logo. leads to the central pool and pavilion area, the spiritual heart of the garden. Inside, the narrow entrance follows a winding path adorned with handmade mosaics made The Heart of the Garden from colorful pebbles depicting symbolic plum In traditional Chinese landscape paintings, a tiny hut or pavilion almost always provides a focus, dwarfed by vast, precipitous mountains and waterfalls. The pavilion, or t’ing, represents humankind’s place in the universe, balanced

The teahouse and pavilion are the heart of the Chinese garden.

between heaven and earth. Large, naturally eroded limestone rocks, known as Tai Hu, brought to the MBG from China, are sited around the garden Many Chinese pavilions are noted for elabo- in the traditional manner. rate and fanciful carvings of animals, dragons, and sea monsters, but this garden is in the more when the summer temperatures allow. restrained style of the scholar’s garden, serving To include tropical or special plants in the garden, containers as both quiet retreats and social gatherings. are used. Enter the Garden The Grigg pavilion was originally made in A traditional circular entrance, or moon gate, Nanjing, disassembled and shipped to the US, signals you are entering a special place. The cir- and reconstructed on site at the MBG. The cle is a symbol of perfection to the Chinese, who structure fits together like an intricate Chinese have a saying, “Flowers are beautiful when the puzzle with only the roof fastened with nails. moon is full.” Each of the six columns is made from a single Over the Moon Gate is a traditional fan- tree. The massive ceramic tile roof curves dra- shaped stone plaque carved with the characters matically, seeming to float in suspension from its Yu NingYuan, translated as “Friendship lotus flower finial, echoing the upward sweep of Nanjing Garden.” The characters were drawn tree branches behind the pavilion. On the roof by Liu Hai-su, a famed Chinese calligrapher and balustrades, intricate carvings repeat the Because the Chinese term for landscape is shan shui, literally who died at the age of 100, the day after com- Pebbles from China were used to create the traditional ‘mountains and water,’ the placement of naturally eroded motifs of the phoenix, bamboo, and mountains. pleting the lettering for this garden. mosaics inlaid in the garden’s paths and paved areas. rocks is integral to the garden design.

90 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 91 hard, vertical, yang elements of the large, natu- rally eroded limestone rocks, called Tai Hu stones placed throughout the Grigg garden. These stones were brought to the garden from Lake Tai in Jiangsu Province near Nanjing and from Lake Chao Hu in nearby Anhui Province where the stones have been prized for centuries. Black roof tiles display intricate Inside the garden’s pool, rugged rocks jut from design. the water, reminiscent of craggy shorelines and islands. The pond’s irregular edge, lined with sents a strong but resilient native Missouri stone, creates an illusion of character. It is used, also, great size. The traditional Chinese garden is enclosed by walls to create a private haven for humans to in every traditional find peace and harmony with Nature. Chinese garden for its Leaving the Garden beauty, the rustling sound — The Lotus Gate design through which to glimpse the bamboo of its leaves in the breeze, and the feathery Behind the pavilion, five stone panels, carved grove on the other side. The wall leads to the shadows it casts upon the garden walls. in China, depicting the Confucious temple area massive wooden exit gate. Black tiles roof the Craggy rocks border the stream edges to imitate a mountain near Nanjing, are mounted on the white stucco gate adorned with carved lotus flowers. On the Pine – Another evergreen “friend of winter,” stream. wall. Just beyond, in another stucco wall are wall beside the lotus gate is a black stone tablet Pinus symbolizes longevity, persistence, tenaci- Rocks and Water four decorative window openings, known as the carved from Chinese characters created by the ty, and dignity. Garden specimens are often cho- The Chinese term for landscape is shan shui, “eyes” of the garden. Each presents a different great calligrapher Pu Jie, brother of the last sen for their gnarled limbs, twisted trunks, or literally ‘mountains and Chinese emperor Pu Yi: windblown appearance to suggest great age. water.’ No Chinese garden is complete without a body of “Sitting alone in a secluded bamboo grove, Flowering Plum – In late winter, Prunus water, no matter how small. I was singing while playing the qin mume, the third “friend of winter,” displays Beside the pavilion in the Before realizing, in the deep grove, Grigg garden, a lively stream The moon had already joined me of water trickles down a slope With her beautiful light.” lined with stones to resemble a rocky mountain gorge. The Plants as symbols stream flows beneath a white Over the centuries, many species of plants marble bridge that was hand- have attained symbolic meanings to the carved in China and into the Chinese. In the traditional Chinese walled gar- quiet pool next to the pavil- den, plants are used sparingly and selected for ion’s teahouse. these special meanings. Water is the nurturing, The white marble bridge was handcarved Combining rocks and water effects Looking back into the Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship yielding, or yin element, a nec- in China and shipped to the MBG for the symbolic representation of the harmony Bamboo – As an evergreen, bamboo is one of Garden from the Lotus Gate Exit, the visitor is left with magi- essary counterpoint to the Grigg garden. of yin and yang. the “three friends of winter.” Bamboo repre- cal vision of the serene courtyard.

92 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 93 Lotus – The sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, symbolizes purity, with lovely white and pink blossoms emerging from the mud beneath the water where it grows. For the Buddhist, the lotus represents a noble charac- ter — the soul battling against the material world to reach the light. It is also a Confucsian sym- bol for the enlightened man.

Chrysanthemum – An ancient symbol of splendor, luster, and “the courage to make sacrifices for a natural life,” chrysanthe- mum blooms are displayed spar- ingly to emphasize their individ- ual beauty. Rugged rocks jut from the pond’s surface to sug- gest mountainous islands.

Peony – Peonies symbolize Narcissus – Narcissus tazetta var. ori- wealth as they were forced into entalis found its way to China from bloom for winter use in Imperial Persia via the Great Silk Road. The palaces and in the receiving halls early spring bloomer came to symbol- of Chinese homes. Tree peonies, ize regeneration and the new season.❧ Paeonia suffruticosa, were The side of the Lotus Gate is adorned with lotus carvings symbolizing purity. reserved for royalty and called Leslie Muskopf handles Public Relations, for breathtaking masses of blossoms on bare the “King of Flowers.” the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Garden branches, often while the garden is still covered is located at 4344 Shaw Boulevard, just off with snow. Taoists believe one who contem- Orchid – While many orchids are native to the Vandeventer Exit on US 44, St. Louis, plates this sight can experience the essence of China, the elegant cymbidiums, often grown in MO. Don’t be surprised if you find one day is spiritual harmony. Prunus mume, called “plum containers, are the most commonly used in not enough to fully explore this magnificent blossom,” is one of the most important species Chinese gardens. Considered the “ancestor of public garden. Visit their website at in Chinese gardens, where it represents renewal fragrance,” they symbolize the perfect personal- www.mobot.org for more information. and strength of will. Branches forced to bloom ity by exuding an exquisite perfume that is not indoors symbolize friendship. overbearing.

The Chinese ground orchid, Bletilla striata, is a hardy species native to both China and Japan.

94 Pond & Garden “Creating backyard havens” 95