The stucco, tile-roofed walls of the compound shelter one of the finest formal gardens in North America. Indeed, this was the first true Ming Dynasty-style garden built in North America. In 1886 Chinese artisans crossed the Pacific to help create it, bringing with them classical stone, tile, brick and timber. Like all Chinese gardens, this one focuses as much on the man-made framework for growing things, as on the plants themselves. Each plant is chosen for its symbolic meaning and the garden celebrates all four seasons with trees such as maples, magnolias, azaleas and evergreens. Moon gates and open portals offer artful views into courtyards and meditation nooks.