Gardeners Tips

Romans were were enthusiastic gardeners (not just for the grapes) but when the empire fell gardening collapsed. Then in around the 9th century AD the gardening skills were revived and every town was encouraged to grow herbs, fruit and nut trees.
The formal gardens of the middle ages had an atmosphere of tranquillity rarely equaled and were thought of as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Fountains Abbey Yorkshire

Features of a Christian Garden

• With many features in common with Islamic gardens the Christian monks took inspiration from a revived interest in gardens.
• Boundaries and square structures were the most common with stone walls used in castles and cloisters.  Hedges, wattle fences, palisades, trellis and ditches were also used as boundaries by the less well to do. The effort was made to make them safe as they were a place of retreat and protection from evil.
• Simple paths were used to divide up a rectangular space.
• A medieval garden could be a microcosm of paradise and seen as ‘a recreation of good things’.
• Raised beds of simple geometric shapes accentuated the impression of symbolically clean lines and at the same time helped drainage for herbs.
• Covered walkways and arbors created enclosed spaces within the already enclosed space of the garden.
• Seating was important to facilitate contemplation and prayer.

Monastic gardens

Generally monastic gardens consisted of  several different types of gardens for different and specific purposes. A monastery would typically have a physic garden, plus a secluded garden for contemplation and meditation. There would also be community facilities for separate vegetable and fruit gardens, orchard or cemetery gardens, as well as fishponds and dovecotes.

As recorded on the behalf of St Hildegard Germany’s greatest mystic and God companion  ‘The medieval garden, as with any garden, is a work of love. Gardens are instruments of healing, a means to provide sustenance and health, and reminders of our connectivity with the natural world.

Modern tea gardens may seem to be a contradiction but since the 15th century the wabi tea ceremony has influenced the tea gardens purpose and design. Originally when tea plants (Camellia sensi) were introduced into Japan from China in the 6th century they were the prerogative of the ruling classes and used expensive ingredients and equipment.

The  subsequent simplification was started by Zen monk Shuko Murata. It led to the tea-room’s interior being reduced in space to the bare minimum needed for the contemplation of the relationship between people and things.

Key Features of a Zen Tea House

• As a location for the tea ceremony the core attribute is providing a support for humility. ‘We can’t focus on what is important if our egos get in the way’. Thus the entrance to a tea house is generally so low that you must crawl to pass through it.
• The tea house should provide the best views for meditation.
• The objective is to create a hut that emphasises the rustic and humble.
• The approach to the tea house is through the tea garden. To sharpen the mind and senses the path should consist of a series of detailed views.
• Stepping stones help to slow your pace  to a speed suitable for meditation and contemplation.
• Outside the door of the tea room is a stone basin to wash your hands and mouth before the tea ceremony begins.
• There should be a light or lantern to guide you in the dark.

Other Quotes about the Tea Ceremony

• “Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage.” –Katkuzo Okakura
• “The Way of Tea cannot be taught in any book…It is a state of mind. Tea is a living
  tradition.” –Professor Kimiko Gunji,
• “Holding a bowl of tea whisked to a fine froth…
  Such a simple thing: yet filled with a spirit that
  Reaches back more than a thousand years.”–The Urasenke Tradition of Tea
• ‘Show them who wait
  Only for flowers
  There in the mountain villages:
  Grass peeks through the snow,
  And with it, spring.’ Fujiwara no letaka

Korean Tea and Tea Garden Guide

For anyone wishing to learn more about Korean culture, enjoy Korean tea, visit beautiful tea gardens or become an expert in Korean tea, this photo-filled, comprehensive guide to Korean tea and tea gardens is a sumptuous seasonal gift. Yang Seok Yoo  Co-author Esther Yoo