• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.68-79
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• 2012

This study examines features in using Japanese apricots that assume a leading place with a special symbolism among various species of trees adopted to traditional gardens from a landscaping view. Specific aspects of how Japanese apricots were adopted to traditional gardens are as follows. First, while Japanese apricots are used in modern landscape space, there traditionally were six types in use of Japanese apricots as Tammae(探梅) Jungmae(庭梅) Bunmae(盆梅) Byoungmae(甁梅) Chomae(造梅) and Mukmae(墨梅). Second, Japanese apricots planted in gardens[庭梅] were placed mainly in a front yard of Sarang-Chae(the men's part of a traditional house) took a central area because symbolism and ornamental values of Japanese apricots suited what classical scholars sought. Preferred planting sites at that time include south of the building, the yard of Sarang-Chae, space in front of windows and next to fences and waterside. Third, Japanese apricots in traditional gardens were planted in five ways; Dansik(單植) Daesik(對植) Gunsik(群植) Yeolsik(列植) Honsik(混植). Dansik was the most common way in planting Japanese apricots and Daesik intended to enhance orderedness and symbolism of space. Japanese apricots for appreciating in an open field took the form of Gunsik in general but Honsik was also used with species of special symbolism. This study offers an opportunity to grasp traditional planting methods of Japanese apricots based on understanding of cultural aspects of Japanese apricots by focusing on Japanese apricots, the representative traditional species of trees. Results of the study would help to recognize the need to newly understand Japanese apricots and be useful information to plant and use Japanese apricots in a traditional way.