Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees

The flowers, shrubs, and trees in Xi'an, actually everywhere we have been in China, are beautiful. Landscaping is obviously a high priority in Chinese culture.  One of the most eye-catching parts of the construction here is that new areas seem instantly landscaped with beautiful, plentiful, mature plantings. Sometimes the landscaping is begun before the construction is completed. No need to wait a few years to do it or a few decades for it to mature. Many of the older buildings are beautifully landscaped as well. We love all the tree arched roads of our campus. We have lots of lovely parks and plazas nearby which are artfully landscaped.

Another interesting technique used here is the placing of small potted plants (still in their pot) on a cement sidewalk or courtyard in a fancy design creating an instant and beautiful arrangement. Just arrange the potted plants in a plain or intricate design. Later replace them with new ones. Great time saving--no digging holes. It is fast, impressive and can be replaced quickly and several times during the season.

None of these photos are particularly remarkable but they show a variety of foliage and flowers as we encounter and enjoy them in China - most just around where we live and Xi'an in general. Most we encounter in walking several miles in all directions around our campus. If you surmised that purple is a favorite Chinese color, we would tend to agree: