Asian Flowers And Plants
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Published: August 18, 2006
With the diversity of the continent comes a variety of Asian flowers. Typical Asian flowers and plants include the lotus, water lillies, orchids, bamboo and cherry trees. All or some of these plants can be used in your own garden to add worldly influence. The Southeastern rainforests of the country allow for even more diversity of Asian flowers and plants.
Native-growing Asian flowers and plants are:
Bengal Bamboo: Not a tree or shrub as many people believe,it is actually a grass. This type has dark green stalky columns with long, narrow green leaves.
Durian: This is Southeast Asia's most ancient tree. It produces large, smelly fruits that attract animals, whom the tree depends on to disperse its seeds.
Jambu: This small tree/large shrub produces crisp, slightly sweet, small fruits. It has a short, crooked trunk and low-growing branches.
Kapok Tree: This majestic tree grows to over 150 feet. It is an emergent tree in Southeast Asia. It actually originates in South America and had since spread into parts of Asia.
Mangroves: These trees grow in areas where rainforests and oceans meet. Their ariel roots keep the trees above the water, making it look like the tree is on stilts. This tree helps protect the coastline from erosion.
Strangler Figs: This is one of the most important species within a rainforest because they bear fruit several times per year, helping feed the animals living there. This tree is commonly known as the Banyan Tree.
Asian Gardening
Asian gardening is carefully planned, using symbolism and personal meaning to elicit feelings of peace and reflection. This type of gardening contrasts greatly with Western gardening, which tends to emphasize color. Asian gardening emphasizes foliage texture and form, generally using more greenery than flowers. They strategically place basic natural elements like water, stone, wood, sand, gravel, moss and other plants, resulting in a more structured, permanent garden.
Many homeowners today experiment with Asian styles of gardening. There are five basic styles of Japanese gardens, all of which are easy to try at home. Check at a local gardening center to find any materials you may need for one of these projects.
Hill and Pond Garden: This type uses plants, stones, soils and water to resemble natural Japanese landscapes.
Dry Landscape Garden: This type of garden is typified by raked gravel.
Tea Garden: This uses stepping stones subtly within a landscape of Asian flowers and plants and other elements all surrounding a Teahouse or sitting area of some sort.
Stroll Garden: This garden emphasizes movement and encourages walking. It stresses the concept of hide and reveal, using many well-placed treasures within the garden.
Courtyard Garden: This is good for small spaces, where the emphasis is still placed on the spirit of nature.
