A delegation of concerned citizens met with officials from the Missouri Botanical Garden to discuss the situation regarding needed repairs to the Chinese Nanjing Friendship Pavilion. The delegation led by local attorney and Taiji Instructor, J. Justin Meehan were concerned about un-repaired stone mosaic inlays along the path leading into the Garden pavilion. Over time mortar holding the stones had crumbled and left gaps in the mosaic patterns. While awaiting repair the mosaic patterns had been covered with gray cement which looked very much out of character next to all the other beautiful mosaic inlays such as cranes and five pedaled flowers, some of which were symbols for the Emperor and Empress of China.
HISTORY OF CHINESE GARDEN
The Chinese Garden was designed by award-winning Chinese American architect Yong Pan. The Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden which is its official title, was dedicated in 1996 to commemorate the longstanding scientific and cultural exchanges between the Missouri Botanical Garden and Chinese Botanical Institutions. The garden also honors the sister-city relationship between the United States and China. Major features of the Garden were gifts from the city of Nanjing. In return, the Garden and the City of St. Louis gave Nanjing a children's playground. Construction of the Chinese Garden was made possible by a gift from Margaret Grigg Oberheide in memory of her parents, Estelle and Robert Blanke.
THE PROBLEM
The Chinese Garden is a secluded and sometimes easy to overlook site which is somewhat overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, The Japanese Garden. For those visiting aficionado of the Chinese Garden, the need for repairs raised the issue as to whether the Chinese Garden was receiving the sufficient time, attention and resources available though the Missouri Botanical Gardens that it so richly deserves. In an effort to get answers to questions regarding repairs, delegation leaders reached out to Dr. Bill Tao, who sits on the Missouri Botanical Garden board and who is considered to be a "Big Parent" or "Godfather" (only in the best sense as a person whose moral standing is so high as to guarantee instant response) in the St. Louis Chinese and Chinese American community. Though his intervention and auspices, a meeting was set up with Paul Breckmann, Vice President, General Services of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
THE MEETING
On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, J. Justin Meehan and Dr. Bill Tao met with Paul Breckmann of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Also present at the meeting were editors of the St. Louis Chinese-America News, Francis Yueh and May Wu. Mr. Breckmann reviewed the areas in need of repair but assured the delegation that there was no lack of interest on the part of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Finding the exact type stones and reduplicating the mosaic inlays required obtaining the stones from Nanjing and having an independent contractor put them back in place according to original design. These matters involved efforts and contingencies outside of the Missouri Botanical Garden's control. However, assurances were given that the Missouri Botanical Garden would press to ensure that work would be completed by this Fall.
OTHER CONCERNS - DRAGONS
Other concerns were discussed by the group including finding a better way to attract attention to the Chinese Garden entrance. The sign leading to the Garden was not very noticeable to the casual visitor. Discussion was had regarding a decorative dragon sculpture to be erected outside the Garden entrance. Unfortunately, the cost was projected to be in the $50,000 range. Dr. Tao felt that an attractive dragon structure could be designed by local Chinese architects and built in China for a much more affordable price. The next question was how best to bring this idea into reality.
FRIENDSHIP OF THE CHINESE GARDEN
Justin Meehan suggested the formation of Friends of the Chinese Garden committee which would consist of all persons with a deep interest in the upkeep, presentation and preservation of the Chinese Garden. This was met with enthusiastic interest by all involved. Plans were made to discuss further the organization of a Friends of the Chinese Garden committee whose purpose would be to assist in funding the upkeep and development of the Chinese Garden; to provide education and enjoyment of the Chinese Garden; and to bring together persons of all backgrounds to share their interest and support of the Chinese Garden. Those interested should contact J. Justin Meehan, Attorney at Law, at (314) 772-9494.
CHINESE GARDEN APPRECIATION TOUR
In order to better highlight the Garden and to introduce more people to the great pleasures of the Chinese Garden, a Special Appreciation Tour has been arranged by the Missouri Botanical Garden, details of which are as follows:
Spend a hour learning from experts about the history, design and symbolism of our beautiful Chinese Garden, too often overlooked in the shadow of the Japanese Garden, and then join our select group for an hour of enjoyment at a private Chinese Garden party where we will enjoy drinking tea, serenaded by Chinese musician(s), listening to Chinese poetry, discussing the meaning of life with Chinese Buddhists, practicing Taoist Chi Gong, and just plain relaxing in the intimate confines of our enchanting Chinese Garden, which will never seem the same again
Location: MBG: Garden RoomAdult Ed Price: $20 member, $25.00 non-memberDates and Times: Sunday, October 29th1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
It is recommended that those interested contact the Gardens to sign up as soon as possible as group size will be limited in order to ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience in what many consider too be St. Louis' most magnificent monuments to Chinese Culture and also one of St. Louis' best kept secrets. |
