What's blooming in the Chinese Garden this Summer?
Lotus
The Lotus is a sacred flower and a symbol of Buddhism. This flower has cultural and historical significance in China. A Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD) poem describes the Lotus as “born from dirty mud but unstained, rising above ripples of water with elegance and grace, to be admired from a distance but not tampered”. The Lotus is a useful plant with its seeds highly regarded as nutritional and medicinal in China. Don’t miss your opportunity to see the flower in full bloom - it only flowers in summer.
Begonia
As you enter the garden you will be greeted by white Begonias on either end of the doorway. This is a symbolic gesture of welcome. This is a tradition derived from the Chinese saying ‘a house full of gold and jade’ or ‘Jing Yu Man Tang’ whereby the Begonia, a symbol of luck and fortune, is located at the entrance of a home. The Begonias in the garden are just two varieties of a larger family of plants. One is marked by its tall stems with vibrant green leaves and delicate white flowers. The other is a shorter variety that grows more outward than the white, it has dark leaves of a red hue and its pink flowers are large and prosperous.
Crocus
The Crocus plant is native to Central Asia. It was introduced into China through India. The most famous variety is saffron crocus which produces the precious spice saffron widely used in the traditional Chinese medicine and health diet.
Frangipani
Frangipanis are known for their resilience and ability to bloom even after they have been uprooted, symbolizing resilience and renewal. This characteristic is a metaphor for life's cyclical nature, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, new beginnings and growth are possible. Frangipanis are often said to symbolize a lasting bond and spiritual commitment between two people.
Champaca
Magnolia champaca trees flower in January, showing off their large, golden flowers. Native to Southeast Asia, these trees offer a a romantic fragrance often used in perfumes, and its wood is used for furniture.
Allamanda
The Allamanda is an ornamental yellow flower with a striking trumpet like shape flowers which has earned it the nickname the ‘yellow bell’. It is located across from the Dragon Wall - you definitely won't miss it's striking colour when strolling past.
Mock Orange
Mock Oranges have a long history of symbolizing purity, virtue and fertility. White with a yellow center, and in the shape of a star, they have a history of use in bridal bouquets for weddings.
Water Lily
See majestic water lilies in the garden, with their rounded leaves and starry flowers floating on the water's surface. The water lily symbolizes resurrection, because these flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, similar to a spiritual rebirth.