2019 World Horticulture Expo
Beijing, China
Nearly one eighth of the world’s plants (roughly 31,000 species) are native to China, many of which have been exported to and cultivated in North America. The garden explores the often-overlooked horticultural relationship between the two nations.
The garden is divided into four Site Character Zones that together create an abstraction of global hardiness zones. Plant species from a variety of hardiness zones common to both China and the United States are displayed as representations of the real world and contribute to a unique experience in each.

The ebb and flow of the garden’s subdividing hedge rows create a series of micro spaces within that allow visitors to engage and interact with the garden in a variety of ways and at their own pace. A hierarchy of pedestrian paths permeate through the garden in a maze-like network. This configuration promotes fluid movement between the more social group viewing areas along the wide formal perimeter walk, with the immersive experience of the smaller paths within. The curvilinear hedge rows gracefully stretch vertically, where the datum created by their sculptural form raises to allow for archway openings through and between zones. The terraced elevation of the zones provides an underlying infrastructural function, where stormwater is collected in low-lying wetlands. At the same time, the terracing uniquely engages visitors in the adjacent public spaces through curated views, encouraging an exploration of the garden and the opportunity to learn about how China’s native plant species have influenced public space design in the United States and throughout the world.