Chinese influence
Obviously we were overwhelmed by the foreign culture and architecture while travelling in China, being much different from Danish tradition. We have to the best of our ability tried to implement some of the elements typical of Chinese gardens, in our own garden knowing well that it will not end up as a true Chinese garden. The typical Chinese garden is composed of four elements: Buildings and yards connected in a box in box system; foundations with stone patterns, rock hills and miniature mountains; ponds with bridges and finally plants, partly in containers in form of penjing (bonsai). To come from one garden section to another you commonly have to pass a so-called moon gate.
We soon realized, that the entrance to the garden had to be in the form of a moon gate and that the foundation of the paths should include stone mosaics with imagery motifs. The ideas were carried out with hard work, a concrete mixing machine and a lot of sand and cement. A professional bricklayer assisted us with the moon gate. The figurative language in the foundation comprise well-known motifs such as the Phoenix, Ying Yang, the Nine Fish, Dragons, the Five Bats, Chinese characters etc. The paths are decorated with transverse bands and flower motifs. Balustrades with openings in form of octagons contribute to the right atmosphere too. The finishing touch was the possibility of purchasing two granite guardian lions – one of each sex -directly from China. These lions are guarding the second, inner opening to the garden incorporated in a pergola typically covered with a wisteria.