This book brings together information about the history, occurrence, and use of more than 400 plants grown in Chinese gardens. As well, attention is drawn to over 2000 years of Chinese horticultural endeavour and to the involvement of ornamental plants in Chinese art, literature, symbolism, and everyday life.<BR>Thus the book is an essential reference for everyone who grows or is given pleasure by the garden plants of China, for those who like to read about them or admire their depictions in Chinese paintings and decorative art, for those interested in garden history, and for visitors to China with an interest in plants, gardens, and Chinese culture in general.