Yay! Portland’s lovely Chinese garden now has a name, the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
Last time I was here they were going by the descriptive but dull moniker: Portland Classical Chinese Garden. Apparently derived by combining and reducing Portland and Suzhou (a sister city of Portland’s), the name translates to “Garden of Awaking Orchids,” which is nice even if there aren’t more than a couple orchids in evidence.
It is an oasis in the midst of the city.
This is one of my favorite places because it exudes peace and tranquility even when crowded with dawdling tourists and a bridezilla with her minions in tow (oh wait, those must be family and friends that she is rudely ordering about). It doesn’t matter. The moment I step into one of the outdoor “rooms” or serene pavilions the world just seems to slide away.
This is spring, so the gardens also featuring a peony show.
I love peonies.
Next post: The Car Wash (Untitled Fountain at SW 5th & Ankeny)