Ming Dynasty 1369-1644 -wealthy merchants -built gardens -used nature In gardens -rocks, ponds, plants -merchants relaxed -cleared their minds Left the gardens -returned to work -felt refreshed -more concentration		During the Ming Dynasty in China, from 1369 to 1644, many wealthy merchants built Chinese classical gardens. The creators of the gardens used elements of nature to make a beautiful environment. While walking through the gardens of carefully arranged rocks, ponds and plants, the merchants relaxed and cleared their minds of stressful thoughts. For a short time during the day, they stopped thinking about the work they had to do. Then, when they were ready to leave their gardens and return to work, their minds felt refreshed. This helped them to concentrate on their many business tasks.