Mr. Li's Dream Garden in Minhang, Shanghai

The owner, a gardening enthusiast who has lived in the United States, is deeply fond of the American country garden style and also appreciates the gravel-and-plant aesthetic of southern France. This project harmoniously integrates these elements within a lush Chinese setting, creating an atmosphere of imperfect perfection—a celebration of natural beauty, time-worn texture, and effortless comfort.

The garden is envisioned as a warm, laid-back outdoor living room where family and friends can gather, dine, and share life. Rather than pursuing rigid symmetry, the design emphasizes organic flow and life’s gentle traces. The central gathering area, with an outdoor grill and weather-resistant wooden furniture, forms an open “outdoor kitchen and living room.” Along the fishpond, a quiet corner with soft seating offers a serene retreat. Low cultural stone walls, wooden fences, beige gravel, and perennial flower beds define boundaries while maintaining openness and dialogue with the surrounding environment.

The atmosphere evokes the scent of soil, sunlight, and freshly baked bread, blending the warmth of ovens, the simplicity of cultural stones, and the elegance of olive trees. Smart systems—including automatic irrigation, mosquito control, lighting, and fishpond filtration—are integrated with the home’s intelligent system, minimizing maintenance and enabling remote management.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the design. Rainwater and filtered pond water are reused for irrigation, reducing tap water use by over 50%. Drought-tolerant native species and drip irrigation conserve water and maintain soil moisture. Environmentally friendly materials such as recyclable stones and repurposed pottery reduce waste, while layered plant communities attract birds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing ecological diversity and natural pest control.

Ultimately, this garden is more than an outdoor space—it is a declaration of lifestyle. It merges the rustic charm of American and southern French gardens with local Chinese adaptability, creating a timeless, sustainable, and life-affirming retreat that embodies our belief that “Gardens make life better.”