A Day in the Nan Lian Gardens

One of the special couples we have worked with here in Hong Kong are Elder and Sister Pierce. They are Hong Kong Temple Missionaries. They are from Spanish Fork and they worked in the Provo Temple while we were there as Temple President and Matron. We have worked with them on Thursday nights when we have been at the Temple. Their missions will end October 2, so we asked if we could have a day out with them. Their day off is Monday, so we received permission from our Area Service Manager to spend a day with them at a beautiful garden near the temple known as the Nan Lian gardens.

We went on the MTR to Liberty Hill to meet Elder and Sister Pierce. Elder and Sister Bishop, new temple missionaries from Lindon, joined with us. Elder Bishop worked in Church Translation for many years. He was a graduate student in linguistics with Eldon Lytle years ago. Both he and his wife had been missionaries to Hong Kong when they were younger. The gardens were located right across the street from the MTR station. This was our first real trip on the MTR. It went smoothly as we transferred between three routes: blue, red and green. It was very easy to make the transfers. The sun was out today so it was quite warm. The gardens are related to a Buddhist nunnery. They are very formal with well pruned oriental trees, replicas of temples, many special rocks that are beautiful in coloring and texture. There was a pagoda in a lake around which the path went. The museum had exhibits of water color paintings. People in Hong Kong use an umbrella for two purposes: Rain and sun. Today was very hot so the umbrella kept the heat away from our heads. The Bishops are on the left, then the Pierces and JenaVee.

This waterfall cascading over colorful rocks was very peaceful. The gardens are surrounded by busy streets, apartment buildings, and stores. But inside the garden it is very peaceful and serene.

Some of the imported rocks that are found throughout the gardens.

Sisters Pierce and Bishop resting in the museum. The rocks are beautfully layered with differing colors that were brought to the garden for display.

A beautiful pond with greenery all around.

Trees are sculpted to add form and dignity to the gardens.

Water cascading cooled the gardens a little. Some areas had mist being sprayed over the plants to protect them from the hot day.

Note the shiny layered appearance of these rocks.

Pagodas decorate the gardens. The nunnery is across the street.