![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/6_China Trail Garden Cover F 300dpi-957x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/1 Japanese Maple at Bridge 300dpi F-925x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/2 China Trail Garden Red bridge 300dpi-1000x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/3 China Trail Garden early spring 300dpi-907x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/4 China Trail Garden entrance 300dpi-751x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/5 China Trail Garden in Autumn 300dpi F-907x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/6 China Trail bridge in winter 300dpi-1020x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/7 Engagement photo at Bridge 300dpi-995x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/8 Bridge posts and finials-945x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/9 China trail Garden bird eye view-1535x680.jpg)
![](https://d2q6z78khxmx42.cloudfront.net/2023/04/Shasta Daisy blooming 300dpi-510x680.jpg)
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China Trail Garden at the Acton Arboretum
By : Hongbing Tang, LANDD International LLC
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Public Space : Silver Certification
The China Trail Garden is a beloved public garden at the Acton Arboretum, a 65-acre conservation area situated in the heart of Acton, a suburban town 21 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts. Like a museum or gallery, the garden is constantly exhibiting – in this case, living plants. Inspired by the “Chinese Path” at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, the garden design provides a harmonious flow of planting combining native species with a collection of non-invasive, low-maintenance species of Asian origin, offering spectacular multi-seasonal interest throughout the year. A Chinese-style footbridge was designed at the crossing of an intermittent brook, connecting the Rhododendron Garden and the Lilac Fragrance Garden. Fully ADA-compliant and free of charge, the garden attracts people of all ages. It provides relaxing therapeutical and restorative environments, as well as opportunities for learning and discovery. A community preservation project, the garden was built and is maintained by volunteers with exceptional craftsmanship and care. It has become a symbol of bridging people of different backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding, strengthening community bonds, and encouraging civic engagement with volunteering services.
Collaboration
Landscape Architecture : LANDD International LLC
Other : Friends of Acton Arboretum
Other : Town of Acton Natural Resources Division
Other : Sue Whitcomb, Arborist
Other : Bruce Rachman, Volunteer Bridge Builder
Artist : Ken Lindgren, Walk Softly Wood Art
Other : Acton Community Volunteers