Lu You's Garden

The picture is of the Purple Wisteria vine climbing up the open air study lattice. This wisteria was used in Soong dynasty gardens. My father was trying to imitate this style. Why did my father excel in gardening? I think that is because gardening is a way to express one’s belongings and one’s identity. You still know where you are from, even if you were banished or on an expedition to a far away country and can’t return. The Purple Wisteria has been used in classical Chinese gardens, from Tang Dynasty, to Soong Dynasty, to the modern Ming Guo (Republic of China) era. Let Wisteria tumble down from the roof, for the lovers to study and to meet. It is situated in the South end of the City. Where we were young and we will return to reminisce. It is in our dream, no matter where we shall be. Lu You, 1125-1210, Soong Dynasty. Lu You was the number one prolific Soong prose writer. He wrote 10,000 poems. He was a Jin Shi, a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations. Lu You was a patriotic poet of ShaoXing, Zhejiang. In his childhood, at the end of northern Soong dynasty, it was a time of war with the Jin tribe causing havoc in south Yangtze region. 1206 AD, Han Tuo-zhou was the prime minister and generated a northern expedition to retrieve the land. But it failed. Soong Ning Zong emperor and other officials killed Han and gave his head to the Jin tribe and made a humiliating peace treaty. The story of South City never dies and goes on for generation and dynasties Endless Era’s dreams and tears After the wars After death With the tender romantic eyes I will meet you again In the South end city garden In the South side of the city, tucked in an estate where we met. -- Written by Free Mind The old tales and memories still linger. On the city, the slanting sunset with picturesque melancholy eaves It is not the same old pond It hurts to be under the bridge and see the spring green wave Once it reflected your beautiful silhouette You have been gone for 40 years. Old willow trees no longer blew the tender shreds You became the soil on Ji Mountain I am still missing your trace in tears -- Written by Lu You