Discover the Beauty & Meaning of Asian Gardens 

Step into the serene world of Japanese and Chinese gardens in this engaging class on Asian gardening. More than just beautiful landscapes, these gardens are rich in symbolism, history, and cultural tradition, designed to cultivate inner peace and harmony with nature.

Led by instructor Yvonne Wolf, you’ll explore the aesthetic principles that make East Asian gardens so unique. Learn how Confucian symbolism is expressed through carefully placed elements like mountains, ponds, paths, and pavilions, and discover how these landscapes serve as places of reflection, meditation, and stress relief.

What You’ll Learn

• Japanese vs. Chinese Garden Styles – Discover key differences in design and philosophy.
• Cultural Symbolism in Gardens – Learn how nature reflects deeper meanings in Confucian and Buddhist traditions.
• Famous Examples & Inspiration – Explore case studies from the Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Ping Tom Park in Chinatown.
• The Role of Gardens in Well-Being – Understand how Asian gardens promote relaxation and mindfulness.

By the end of the class, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the tranquil landscapes in East Asian gardening. You’ll also gather the inspiration to bring the philosophies of balance and beauty into your own space.

Join us and experience the art of Asian gardening! Sign up today!

Intercultural consultant and educator Yvonne Wolf specializes in bringing an element of Chinese culture to a relatable understanding. She has given talks at libraries, museums, and community centers. Yvonne’s thoughtful consideration serves to enrich her entertaining presentations.

Yvonne generously shares the knowledge and skills she has gained from her experiences living in four different countries where she became fluent in three languages: Chinese (Mandarin), English, and Danish. She worked as a bilingual analyst in a Japanese global corporation in Denmark and served as a global language trainer in Japan. Yvonne is also well traveled in the States and Canada. She has ten years’ experience working as an organizational consultant in Los Angeles mediating cross-cultural misunderstandings. Currently, she continues her work in the Greater Chicago area.