The Moon gates were a predominant feature in the renowned gardens of Old China, where they were considered essential for spiritual well being and were culturally important, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

The Moon gate played a very important part in the spiritual awareness, philosophy and culture of people living historically in Old China. It was the tradition and custom of the people to sit and meditate by night in the garden and to contemplate and feel the moon’s presence in the circle. Hence the most appropriate name of Moon gate.

This garden has been designed for meditation and relaxation. The plants chosen have a specific function.

The functions are based on either the plant energies or the colour of the plants and flowers.

• The Birch (energies) cultivates spiritual vision.
• The Acer (energies) realigns the meridians or chakras
• The Elder (energies) Psychic protection allowing deeper meditation
• The Pittospora (energies) helps to give clarity and understanding of the meditation
• Willow (energies) Aids in spiritual cleansing. Cleansing is the removal of negative energies from the whole body both spiritual and physical.
• Bamboo (sound) The silent rustle of the leaves helps to relax and focus the conscious mind, allowing better access to the sub conscious during meditation.
• The water feature, (sound and energy) this will do the same work as the bamboo with regard to the sound. The flowing water will increase the energy of the whole garden.
• The amethyst crystal (energies) helps to clear and still the mind during meditation.

The colours of the other plants have a part to play as well, the blues and purples are the colours of the third eye and crown chakras, and the energies and colours from these plants will balance this area of the body and mind. Both these areas are used during meditation.

The whites in the plants and the pebbles are there to enhance the spiritual energies, which are white or pure light.

The planting to the side of the path is based on the chakra colours starting with red and working up through the orange, yellow, green and on to the blues and violets. The plant energies will balance and cleanse the chakras as you walk down the path to the seating area.