Rose City Improves Landscape

Hats off to our gardening neighbors in Portland. In the heart of the city’s Old Town-Chinatown District, the largest urban classical Chinese-style garden outside of China is taking form.

This exquisite garden was inspired by the gardens in Suzhou, China, the region reputed to have the world’s finest classical urban gardens. Portland’s garden will encompass a city block and provide a cultural and artistic haven for education and enjoyment.

The garden will feature eight scenic spots or pavilions with names such as Knowing the Fish, Can’t Live Without Bamboo and Spring Rain Washing Flowers, all surrounding a lake. The Lan Su Yuen — Garden of Awakening Orchid — will be authentic. The unique garden design and structure will come directly from China.

From the pine tree atop the highest point in the garden to the lotus flowers floating on the lake, this garden of Chinese symbolism will be a wonderful addition to the many outstanding public gardens in the Pacific Northwest.

Although Portland is not part of our immediate community, you can still be part of the creation of this historical garden. A fund-raising effort, titled “Raise the Roof” is underway. You can purchase a roof tile for $33 and receive a certificate and a one-time pass to tour the completed garden. Tile sponsorships are available for $99, which includes a garden membership (free admission for one year), the garden newsletter and discounts in the gift shop and on programs.

For details, call (503) 228-6688.

Fountain how-to

It’s easy to understand the desire to have the sound of moving water in our immediate environment. We’ve known that the gurgling, bubbling, trickling, dripping and even ebb tide relaxes the soul. It’s only been in the last few years, however, that we’ve made a conscious effort to incorporate this tranquil sound into our homes.

Many types of table-top and small water features are available. Now, though, with guidance from a new book, we can fashion our own small fountains to accommodate our specific needs and qualifications. “Simple Fountains for Indoors & Outdoors” by Dorcas Adkins (Storey Publishing, $26.95) is filled with concise instructions for designing a unique work of art.

The content includes instructions for casting plaster, soldering copper and modeling and firing clay.

Beautiful color photographs and detailed illustrations inspire us to unleash our creativity and play with water. Create your own masterpiece for the home, back yard or the office.

Bathe your soul with the soothing sound of moving water.

Roses galore

For the first time, the David Austin Roses mail-order catalog is being offered in this country.

David Austin is a world-renowned rosarian. He has created outstanding English roses that carry Old World charm and fragrance, yet have the repeated flowering ability of modern roses.

The 84-page catalog contains more than 150 varieties, all described in detail and beautifully illustrated. In addition to the English roses, the catalog also includes old roses, modern, shrub, climbing and tree roses. All the roses offered in the catalog can be grown in the U.S.

For a catalog, send a postcard with your name and address to David Austin Roses Limited, 15393 Highway 64 West, Tyler, TX 75704.

Mark your calendar

The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department will offer its annual landscape and garden class series, Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 26 at the Corbin Art Center.

The fee is $10 per class, except for the first class, which will be on designing and building a small water feature. The cost of this class, including materials, is $45.

Other classes include: Discovering gardens of famous artists, landscaping for all seasons, shade gardens, patio and container gardens, English secret gardens and borders, and low-maintenance and cost-efficient landscaping.

For more information on the classes and to register, call the parks department at 625-6200.