[Photo by Lou Qingxi/For China Daily]

3. Plants

Plants in a garden are like hair on a person, making up an essential element of the garden's ecological environment. They can be set against hills, around ponds and near constructions to form picturesque scenery.

The chosen plants were usually traditional local species, planted naturally to form a landscape of mountain forests, which change colors in different seasons. Among them, ancient trees were of special value, as they served as silent witnesses of history. In Jiangsu's gardens, trees older than 100 years are commonly found.

Related: Protecting country's cultural treasures