The Scholar’s Scroll
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Explore cultural traditions, Chinese folklore, horticulture updates, Lan Su News, and more on our blog.
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A farewell to our volunteers from Maggie Lim
Dear Friends, After 15 wonderful years, I will be stepping away from my role as Cultural Program Manager at Lan Su Chinese Garden. I still remember the first time I
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Hort Tidbit: August, the Month of Hibiscus
Hibiscus is an emblematic symbol of late summer and early fall to China. Learn about our local collection here at Lan Su—and the ones we wish we had!
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Culture Spotlight: The Mighty Banana Leaf that Cool You Down
In the summertime, the banana leaves at Lan Su provide a refreshing ambiance. They symbolize renewal and resilience in Chinese culture, deeply rooted in history and legend. Learn about their uses through the centuries.
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Culture Spotlight: Xi Shi 西施 – Flower Immortal of July
The piece highlights July’s flower, the lotus, linked to the legendary Xi Shi, a beauty who influenced history through her charm and espionage, embodying the grace and strength of femininity.
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Hort Tidbit – June/July 2025: Delving into the 12 Months of Flowers
Hello everyone and welcome to summer! In this column, I will be introducing a new concept called the “12 Flower Goddesses”(十二花神 Shí’èr Huā shén). Each goddess is representative of her month’s
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IPM: Beneficial Insects at Lan Su
At Lan Su Chinese Garden, we practice Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests and the damage that they
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Culture Spotlight: Lady White Snake (白蛇傳)
The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up on May 31! While it’s best known for zongzi, boat races, and honoring the poet Qu Yuan, it’s also a perfect time to revisit the magical love story of Lady White Snake—especially fitting in the Year of the Snake.
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Culture Spotlight: 孝 (xiào)
Have I mentioned this? In less than a week, I’ll be embarking on a truly epic adventure: taking my 80-year-old mom on a Mediterranean cruise! That’s right—sun, sea, and sandals
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Culture Spotlight: Butterfly (蝴蝶) Motifs
Did you know butterflies are a symbol of romance and good luck in Chinese culture? Discover the ancient legends and their hidden presence at Lan Su.
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Culture Spotlight: Magnolia (木蘭花) and Mulan
Happy Spring Equinox (Chunfen 春分)! As I’m writing this, I just got back from a curator’s tour at Lan Su, and I can’t stop thinking about all the magnolias (木蘭花,