NTDTV

Plant Life in a Classical Chinese Scholar's Garden By Margaret Trey, Ph.D The timeless beauty of a traditional Ming-style Chinese scholar's garden is ever changing, rich in symbolism and design. Every tree, shrub, and flower serves to create a mystical paradise for the Chinese scholar. The garden reflects the traditional Chinese view of the universe, the yin-yang concept of contrast, and the Five Elements Theory—which includes water, earth, metal, fire and wood. Wood, in the form of trees, is a key element in classical Chinese gardens. This is illustrated through the choice of plant life, which blends with the building designs. [Lynn Kelly, Snug-Harbor Cultural Center, Botanical Garden President & CEO]: "There are certainly many elements of nature in the architecture of the Chinese Scholar's Garden—as well as in the choice of plantings in the garden, which reflects some of the traditional Chinese values." Different plants reflect different aspects of these values. [Greg Lord, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden Director of Horticulture]: "Some very important aspects of Chinese culture would be longevity, which is symbolized by the pine; strength and flexibility which is symbolized by the bamboo; and loyalty which is symbolized by the flowering plum." Lord talks about the 'three friends of winter" in a traditional Chinese scholar's garden. [Greg Lord, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden Director of Horticulture]: "This is the black bamboo. This is one of the 'three friends of winter' and it symbolizes ... From: NTDTV Views: 65 10 ratings Time: 05:16 More in Entertainment