Application and Cultural Expression of Plants in Ming Dynasty Garden Records

Ming Dynasty garden records feature mature style, vast quantity, and rich content. This paper analyzes the species, application characteristics, and cultural significance of plants in Ming Dynasty garden records. The results showed that: ① Ming Dynasty garden records document approximately 85 plant families, 158 genera, and 208 species (types), with native plants (192 species) predominant and exotic plants (16 species) valued primarily for their edibility. Frequently mentioned plants (over 30% occurrence) include bamboo, plum, pine, and willow, whose frequency of appearance was closely related to their adaptability, ornamental value, and cultural connotations. ② Widely used plants included ornamental, edible, and medicinal varieties, with ornamental plants being the most prevalent, reflecting the "garden combined with production" characteristic of Ming Dynasty gardens. ③ The lofty and ancient characters of arboreal plants were particularly favored, as were plants with abundant and brightly colored flowers, with an emphasis on seasonal scenery and color variation. ④ Plant use in Ming Dynasty gardens reflected ideas of seclusion, virtue, religion and auspiciousness, which were related to the multifaceted influence of politics, economy, and culture in the Ming Dynasty.