Harcourt Garden is one of the most unique and atmospheric parks in Hong Kong, located in the Admiralty district. This multi-level garden combines contemporary landscape design, historical elements, and beautiful city views. Its main attractions include a mysterious stone sculpture composition in the lower section, an elegant clock tower, and thoughtful plant zoning.
In the lower part of the garden, at the foot of the hill, there is an impressive abstract composition made of granite blocks. It consists of several massive elements, polished to a mirror-like finish and arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet deliberate order.
• Symbolism: According to the artists` vision, the stones represent the unity of nature and urbanism. Their rough texture contrasts with the smooth finish, reminding visitors of the balance between the natural and the man-made.
• Interactivity: Visitors can walk between the blocks, touch them, and even sit on some—making the composition not just an art installation but a part of the public space.
• Lighting: In the evening, the stones are illuminated with soft LED lights, creating the illusion of "floating" boulders.
The Clock Tower – A Symbol of Time. At the upper level of the garden stands a 15-meter-high Neo-Gothic clock tower, a remnant of the colonial era.
• Architecture: The tower is built of sandstone, featuring arched windows and wrought-iron details. The clock face with Roman numerals remains in perfect condition.
• History: It was once part of an old government complex, and after its demolition in the 1980s, the tower was preserved as a historical monument.
• Role in the Garden: The tower serves as a visual focal point and a "beacon"—visible from many spots in the park and the surrounding streets.
Harcourt Garden is divided into upper and lower zones, each with its own microclimate and plant selection. Upper Section (Near the Clock Tower) features plants resistant to wind and sunlight:
• Dwarf Pines (Pinus thunbergii) – adding a Mediterranean touch.
• Olive Trees (Olea europaea) – symbols of peace, their silvery leaves shimmering in the sun.
• Lavender (Lavandula) – fragrant purple fields.
• Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus) – creating a "wild meadow" effect.
Lower Section (Near the Stone Blocks) is a shady, humid zone with lush vegetation:
• Ferns (Nephrolepis) – giant species with intricate fronds.
• Bamboo (Bambusoideae) – forming dense thickets that rustle in the wind.
• Camellias (Camellia japonica) – blooming in winter, adding vibrant colors.
• Moss and Ground Cover – softening the transitions between stones and pathways.
Harcourt Garden is surrounded by modern office buildings (such as Harcourt House and Tower One), but thanks to the elevation changes and dense greenery, it maintains a sense of seclusion. In the evenings, artistic lighting transforms the garden into a magical space.
