Inspired by the centuries-old Chinese tradition of private gardens designed for scholarly pursuits, Liu Fang Yuan, or the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, combines the scenic beauty of nature with the expressiveness of literature to give deeper meaning to the landscape. A walk through its paths enriches the mind and spirit alike. The Huntington—with its renowned collections of art, rare books, manuscripts, and plants—was founded on this same philosophy by Henry E. Huntington in 1919. (excerpt from huntington library website)
The garden’s name, Liu Fang Yuan, has both literal and symbolic meanings. The words liu fang, or “flowing fragrance,” refer to the scent of flowers and trees, including the pine, lotus, plum, and other native Chinese plants found here. The Chinese poet Cao Zhi (192–232) first used the words in his “Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess” to describe how the fragrance of flowers trailed in the goddess’s wake as she walked among the scented flora. And liu fang echoes the name of famed Ming dynasty painter Li Liufang (1575–1629), known for his refined landscapes. (excerpt from huntington library website)
The undulating roof line of the wall escorting the road to the entrance also features windows with fretwork each of which is different and unique. A study of art in itself
A view of a pavillion from one of the terraces.
The tea room with beautiful woodwork frames is glass enclosed. The area inside showcases the intricate ceiling as diners sit and sip tea and eat a meal from the chinese restaurant next to this pavillion.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
626.405.2100
The Huntington is located near Pasadena in the city of San Marino, approximately twelve miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The Huntington has two entrance gates: one on Oxford Road, and a second entrance at Allen Avenue, just south of California Boulevard.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful garden and explanation.
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