Abstract:

In this paper, more than 70 species of cultivated woody plants in the Bejing Botanical Garden have been classified according to the combination characteristics of occurrence dates of different phenophases including leaf emergence and leaf coloration, leaf emergence and all leaf shedding, leaf coloration and all leaf shedding, and first flowering and leaf emergence. This kind of plant classification has provided an useful procedure for objectively evaluating ornamental values of different woody plants in respect of the seasonal aspect. By selecting woody plants with specific phenophase combinations in the plant landscape making, the spatial and temporal rhythm of a landscape can be strengthened and the dynamic relationship between various seasonal aspects in the landscape can be harmonised, so that the aesthetic perception will be fully demonstrated.

Key words: Phenophase combination, Classification of woody plants, Plant landscape making, Beijing Botanical Garden