PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURAL MEANING IN CHINESE HISTORICAL GARDENS

China has a long history of gardening landscape and great number of historical gardens, which became precious cultural heritage of human beings. In the historical gardens, plant is not only one of the main elements for landscaping, but also the most important element in expressing the philosophy of the garden designer/owner. The cultural meaning of the plant has been formed during the long history of civilization development. This article discusses several aspects: the usage and the biotic properties including fragrance, shape/form of the plant, the phenological calendar of the plant, as well as the ornamental characteristics or other biotic properties. After long history of development, the cultural meaning became the most significant characteristic of Chinese historical gardens, making the garden a joyful place not only for physical but also for spiritual life.