Rockery

Paige and I were introduced to a new word in China (one of many) -- that of "rockery." Essentially a rockery is a rock garden. These were quite popular, particularly in Souzhou. The rock used is limestone, which is very porous and gives way to unusual shapes and forms, leading one to believe that the rocks in the gardens were sculpted by man. However, this is not the case. The elements, and water in particular, create the unique sculptures. Typically the limestone had to be transported long distances from South China. Anyone who had a rockery was recognized as wealthy because of the expense associated with moving the limestone from its quarry.

Peggy