The "Guangzhou Garden" was recently opened at the Botanic Garden of Bristol University in Bristol, UK. The city has established a friendship city relation with Guangzhou since 2001.
（Photo: Guangzhou Waishi）
The "Guangzhou Garden", leading the way in environmental sustainability, won the gold medal and was crowned "Best in Show" three years ago at the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK. The show is a world-renowned horticultural exhibition organized by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1804.
It was the first Chinese garden to win the gold medal in the nearly 160-year history of the Chelsea Flower Show, breaking the previous tradition where only European gardens won awards. Since then, the garden has been rebuilt at the Botanic Garden of Bristol University.
The garden was designed by Grant Associates director Peter Chmiel along with his team. It highlights the benefits of responsible city planning and the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly water. It emphasizes how planners must work in harmony with nature to better connect people with the natural world.
Peter Chmiel said that the "Guangzhou Garden" took inspiration from his personal experience in the city of Guangzhou. Most of the plant seeds in the 'Guangzhou Garden' come from Guangdong Province.
The Chinese-inspired garden pays homage to Guangzhou's philosophy, which gives equal consideration to the needs of people and wildlife through sustainable city planning strategies. It aims to reconnect people and nature in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Professor Evelyn Welch said, "I am delighted to unveil the Guangzhou Garden. We celebrate not only its beauty but also its message of collaboration, sustainability, and cultural exchange. May this garden inspire us all to build a more environmentally and interconnected world. We look forward to welcoming all our students, staff, and the wider Bristol community to the garden."
Reporter丨Nina
Editor丨Steven, Will, James
