Seattle Chinese Garden

The Seattle Chinese Garden is adjacent to the Arboretum at South Seattle College. My husband and I visited both during a brief lull in the rainy weather while on our Christmas visit to Seattle.

Pavilions at the Seattle Chinese Garden

Seattle Chinese Garden

The Seattle Chinese Garden represents an ongoing collaboration between designers, architects, artisans, and horticulturists in Seattle and its Sister City, Chongqing, in the Southwestern Province of  Sichuan. The local architectural firm Jones and Jones has been involved at times to coordinate activities.

Intricate lattice work

Plantings in the Knowing the Spring Courtyard

Koi pond

The 4.7 acre garden is designed in the Sichuan style, which includes native Chinese plants, paving stones, and traditional Chinese pavilions. The four elements of Chinese gardens include water, stone, plants, and architecture, which are used symbolically in the garden design.

Portal to the view beyond

Pagoda in a bamboo grove along the path

Reflecting pond

We enjoyed strolling through Knowing the Spring Courtyard and seeing the plantings and rocks and poetry and ponds. We also enjoyed the details of the garden, such as the pagodas, paths, and bamboo groves, and the sweeping views from the hill.

Taihu lake rock donated by People's Government of Suzhou Municipality, China March 2003	Rock edging along path with worn edges, moss, and lichen
Pond details	Terra cotta warrior castings

I find it interesting to visit a garden in winter, to really see its bones, and then visit throughout the year to see it transformed by the seasons.

Charming table and stools	Detail of table and chair
Lichen patterns	More lichen patterns

The garden is still under development, with plans for additional buildings and waterways. I look forward to visiting the garden as the plans materialize, and throughout different seasons.

View of  Seattle and lots of room to expand

On a side note, I was interested to learn that a reciprocal Seattle Garden opened in 2012 in the Municipality of Chongqing in China. It is part of the Chongqing Garden Expo Garden.