The Hope Collection is a new garden of hundreds of specimen, cultivated mudan, Chinese tree peonies. These plants, a cultural icon and symbol of wealth and good fortune, have been featured in Chinese gardens since the Tang Dynasty (600 to 900). They were first displayed in a special exhibition in the Conservatory in the spring of 2000.
Towers|Golde has since designed their permanent home, a garden that draws inspiration from both the Taoist and Buddhist traditions and combines asymmetry and contradiction with discipline and order to create a balance of natural energy and refined beauty. The site was selected for its rocky terrain, canopy trees and spectacular overlooks that allow the garden to “borrow” the surrounding landscape and distant views, all elements of a classic Chinese garden.