Nature Is the Grand Garden

Text and images by Chen Chi-Hsiang. In today’s urbanized life, people almost always live within concrete forests, surrounded by this civilization. The resulting alienation from nature has led to the creation of parks, gardens, and green spaces to satisfy urbanites. These small urban oases have become indicators of quality of life, awakening an appreciation for the natural world. Naturally, on weekends, during summer vacations, or holidays, city dwellers rush to the countryside to shift their perspective and mood, finding natural comfort for their minds and spirits.

Paris enjoys the reputation of the City of Flowers. Although it boasts numerous lush green parks and colorful gardens, with confusing green spaces, pedestrian trees, and even cemeteries resembling gardens or parks—poetic and picturesque enough to soothe urban needs and highlight quality of life—even the largest and most natural parks are still artificial extractions of nature and cannot replace its grandeur. As an urban animal who reveres nature and enjoys humanities and art, viewing mountains and water, and appreciating wind and scenery are indispensable parts of my life. Paris’s gardens and parks are excellent places for me to seek tranquility and leisure, serving as my way to connect with nature as a city dweller. Whenever I have the opportunity to step out of the concrete jungle, I happily immerse myself in nature’s beauty and sincerely feel that nature is the greatest garden in my heart.