The interaction between domestic life in public spaces in Suzhou in close proximity to the edges of gardens emphasises the shared function of public space on the streets of Suzhou, a culture which is different ot that of Australia, where public space is seen as a place for concealing the display of personal life, rather in Suzhou the residents leave their front doors open allowing the sharing of their life into the public domain. The domestic act of the locals and their unconscious framing of the sky through their suspension of bamboo posts clinging onto drying fabrics within the public realm, mimics the framing of the sky in the Chinese gardens through the white washed walls of the pavilions in gardens. This close interaction between the elements of the garden and the civilians domestic life separated by a bounding wall of gardens characterises the physical existence of the varying realities between the public garden and public realm of domestic life which occupies the street, as we see a blurring of the boundaries in the occupation of public space as an open air lounge room, dining room and laundry.

Bamboo posts aren’t the only method for hanging your clothes in public. Our Hills Hoist that we find in our Aussie Backyard is not seen here, but the makeshift tree does just as good a job.

Trees are not only just good for hanging clothes, they are good for drying Chinese Vegetables in the winter sun.