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80 years of history & archives at the Botanical Garden >> Historical Path >> Stop 16 - Chinese Garden [1 on 2]: Made in China Français

Chinese Garden


Made in China

In spring 1990, some one hundred containers from China reached the Port of Montréal. Inside was a fabulous Chinese garden seemingly straight out of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) - thousands of pieces individually fashioned from stone and wood by Shanghai sculptors and woodworkers.

In June of the same year, 48 Chinese craftsmen arrived to assemble this giant puzzle. They set to work erecting pavilions, pergolas, walls and frescoes, while the Botanical Garden's own gardeners planted some 75,000 specimens. The next summer, one of the most splendid Chinese gardens outside of Asia opened in Montréal, a tribute to the close bonds of friendship forged between China and Canada.

 

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Archives) - call number:GIM001746

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Gilles Murray)
Jardin botanique de Montréal (Archives) - call number:mt0031525

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Michel Tremblay)

Reading the Garden

Symbols are found everywhere, from the two lions at the entrance expressing authority, to the three stars representing prosperity, happiness and longevity, the lotus symbolizing purity, the pine, endurance, and the bamboo, honesty.

But what do you think is the significance of the plum trees that bloom in early spring?
Answer: The ability to see into the future.

Le Jardin du Lac de Rêve


The Dream Lake Garden
Documentary (1991) on the construction of the Chinese Garden
at the Montr?al Botanical Garden.
Duration : 6 minutes 37 seconds.
English version.
Flash Player is needed.

Construction of the Chinese Garden

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Archives)
Planning and construction of the Chinese Garden in 1990 and 1991
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 Chinese Garden : Part 2

Previous stop of the historical path:
Marsh and Bog Garden
Next stop of the historical path:
First Nations Garden

Construction of the Botanical Garden virtual exhibit [Jardin botanique de Montréal]


Last Update: 2014-06-18
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