Songni Yuan

Songni Yuan is the garden of David Besozzi, who designed and built this "backyard" Zen garden starting in 2009. The garden consists of both Japanese and Chinese elements. Although the main garden is referred to as the Zen Garden, over time the garden grew and additional garden areas were added, including a stroll garden, viewing garden, and a border garden known as the "Dragon's Spine." The garden's name, Songni Yuan, is derived from Dave's Chinese name, which he adopted when studying Chinese in the 1980s. The translation is Song (Pine) and Ni (Mud), resulting in the garden name Pine Mud's Garden. The Chinese characters that make up the name are appropriate—the "Mud" (water and earth) gives life to the "Pine" (wood), and all three of these elements exist through a symbiotic relationship. Dave's own relationship with the garden is very similar. The pine tree is a symbol of longevity, and the garden has done much to improve his mental and physical health over the years—it gives him life, and in turn he helps the garden blossom and grow. They need each other. Throughout the garden there are a variety of grasses, hosta, astilbe, spirea, boxwoods, dwarf maples, ferns, and bamboo. Shade plants dominate the Zen garden area. Japanese styles influence the overall design of the fencing and gate structures, while a series of lanterns populate the garden areas. The Moon Window in the gazebo area reflects some of the Chinese influences that are also found in the garden, while statues of Buddha and Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) look over the garden and ensure a sense of peaceful tranquility. In addition, there is an extensive vegetable garden on the property, just beyond the Sukiya-style Woodland Gate along the edge of the property.

This garden's estimated size is 3,000 sq. feet.

Open Days 2024:  Saturday, July 20
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.