Yuyuan Garden Shanghai China

Classical Chinese gardening architecture. It was built in 1559 as the private garden of Pan YunDuan.

The gardening seasons so far in Nanning China

I arrived in July 2007 not knowing how the seasons would pan out here in Nanning. I knew the summers were hot and wet and the winters cooler, cold and dry.

• July was hot humid 32/35 degrees most days with a night time temperature of 20. Some rain, not much but sometimes hard and prolonged.
• August was similar with a little more rain, day and night.
• September saw more rain, six or seven times a week, day and night and heavy at times. Temperature now fluctuating between 28/35 degrees daytime and the first part of the nights 20. By the morning though a lot cooler, maybe around 15 degrees some days.
• October the temperatures were between 25/34 daytime with the evenings cooling down quickly, by morning on some days it really felt quite chilly. A lot less rain and the air becoming noticeably dryer.
• November was a lot more windy, sometimes a cool wind and occasional rain, not many times did it rain but when it did, it was heavy. Now the daytime temperatures are down in the mid 20's most days.
• December was dry I only think it rained once and not particularly heavy. A lot cooler now, some days around 15 degrees and some nights around 10. But the occasional day the temperature rose to a giddy 25.

It does feel chilly now most days, especially night and morning. Some windy days. Worth noting, this year has been particularly dry by past levels, especially the Autumn/Winter period, so far. I'm learning all the time...

Peoples Park and Medicinal Botanic Garden Bonsai and Penjing in Nanning Guangxi China

The Peoples Park (bottom) has some lovely examples of Bonsai and Penjing hidden away in a secluded spot away from the crowds. The Medicinal Botanic Garden (top) also has some larger examples although on my last visit some had been moved, probably to another location in the grounds that I have yet to discover. If you are ever in Nanning and your passion is Bonsai then either of these two places are a must see.

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New Flower Market Nanning Guangxi China (Official opening October 1st 2007)

Known as the 'New Flower Market' situated outside of the main town. This marvelous brand new venue (official open day October 1st 2007) will be must see for any western tourists in the coming years. Made up of hundreds of individual retail units on three floors 

Horticulture and Gardening in Nanning Guangxi China

Everywhere you look around the city of Nanning you will find, if you look very carefully some excellent gardens, planting arrangements, displays or sometimes just a single plant strategically placed for best advantage.
Large and small, municipal or private. All showing dedication and enthusiasm making Nanning a truly wonderful horticultural delight and fully justified in calling itself - The Garden City.
Around every corner there is likely to be an area or a small courtyard or even a balcony bristling with plants. Thereby making every journey an exciting prospect if you are of the horticultural persuasion.

There are many markets selling Gardening products and as you can see from the photograph, if its Cactus you want then look no further. Just one of many small independent sellers.

I will, over the coming weeks try to put together some information including photographs and video in the hope of conveying some of the quite amazing plants growing here and of the horticultural infrastructure that not only is inspiring me but surely is encouraging both old and young here of the true value of a - Green City.

In addition as I discover more about the gardens of China I will post any appropriate information as I find it.

A New Garden in Nanning Guangxi China

A New Roof Garden in Nanning
Gardening in Nanning is both a challenge and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
A challenge because finding good suppliers for plants and sundries is not made any easier with the inherent language issues (my wife, Nana has been a godsend, ever patient in helping me). Locating the suppliers in the first instance was never going to be easy, not knowing the area or the local trade.
Discovering the impact the seasons (and trying to work out if there are any) will have on any acquisitions and trying to establish the plants quickly in order to avoid to many failures.
Also roof gardening in containers is a first for me. A bit of trial and error is called for. Getting containers, soil, plants and the like up to the roof did not come without a hitch or three...

The enjoyment comes from the actual gardening and the sense of achievement when we find 'the supplier' and manage to get our purchase home and up to the roof whether it be plant, compost, pot or gardening book.
Nana has once again been brilliant at both translations and locations.
Not being from a horticultural background herself she has been on a very steep learning curve both in terms of plant identification and supplier sourcing.
Not to mention navigating me through the streets of Nanning to various destinations in our quest on the new Electric bike…

We have now managed to track down an area about an hour's bus ride away where most of the ornamental plant growing takes place. I can only describe it as a bit like Boskoop in Holland (those that are of the horticultural mind will know what I mean) but on a much smaller scale. Lots of plant nurseries all together some also selling pots, rocks, compost and other bits and pieces to the trade. We now know where the plants come from that we have seen on many of the public markets.
Everything from Bonsai to bedding begonia's.

I wonder how long it will be before we see the first western style Garden Centre in Nanning Guangxi China?..Mmmmm, that's a thought!