The Portland Classical Chinese Garden was borne of an idea and collaboration that arose between Portland and the city of Suzhou in an effort to create a garden of classical distinction. Although Portland's Chinese garden represents a traditional intimate garden (only one city block in extent) found later during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 AD to 1644 AD, it nonetheless embodies all the Song Dynasty presaged some four centuries earlier. Gardens that were conceived and constructed embodied the tenets of Taoism with its elegant restraint while accommodating the basic axioms of Confucianism. As space was limited in urban areas, gardens were created which conceptually miniaturized nature while providing a dynamic leitmotif. With architecture, stone and water firmly in place, plants were introduced to add texture and transitional features to a fundamental structure. Plants with an open structure and broadleaved evergreens were most sought after. Rhododendron spp. comprise the largest plant group in Portland's garden. Plants of limited growth were favoured with trimming and root pruning to accentuate the natural; no topiary was permitted. Plants were selected to provide a scale from the large to the small to inject life into the surroundings. The Portland Chinese Garden offers a most succinct and delightful example of the many aspects of a truly classical garden. Constructed on site with Suzhou artisans of the highest calibre and stocked with native Chinese flora most suitable to the particular locale, this garden is among the outstanding gardens of the world.
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