Chinese Gardens in Singapore
I've been to the Singapore Botanic Gardens several times, but for whatever reason, I overlooked the Chinese Gardens. On a slightly wet day I took the Metro out to the suburbs with somewhat muted enthusiasm. I'd associated Chinese Gardens with an emphasis on buildings, bridges, lanterns .. in a word, 'settings' which I felt did not reflect the naturalness that I look for in a garden. This visit made me revise that view ; I need to expand the scope of my interests because 'settings' can focus attention on a particular tree or plant (either as a group on as a single item). While The Chinese Gardens do have the 'settings', it also has well designed gardens, streams, clumps of trees which seem quite natural. The best part is the Bonsai Collection - here the surroundings provide the perfect stage for these odd curiosities. it was interesting to contrast this collection with that of the Chicago Botanic Garden which I visited in September. These trees and plants were (for the most part) larger but through the skilful use of rocks, they appeared more like miniature mountains than just small trees.
The Japanese Gardens are separated by a bridge, one which (in some ways) I wish I had not crossed. Perhaps the gardens are just immature, but to me they not only looked raw but it lacks quality. The 'teahouse' (or whatever the permanent structure on the lake is meant to be) is singlularly ugly. The steel ralings, aluminium framed windows and sliding doors which ...
The Japanese Gardens are separated by a bridge, one which (in some ways) I wish I had not crossed. Perhaps the gardens are just immature, but to me they not only looked raw but it lacks quality. The 'teahouse' (or whatever the permanent structure on the lake is meant to be) is singlularly ugly. The steel ralings, aluminium framed windows and sliding doors which ...
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