The Meaning of Imitating Nature
“模仿自然”的含义
“ Imitating nature” is the fundamental rule of China's art of horticulture. Whether in the magnificent imperial gardens，or in private gardens，much attention is paid to the recreation of a natural environment in the garden, in the design of a small garden, the aim is to make a small space suggest an effect of more space. The settings in the garden should be disposed in such a way as to give a continuation of appeal. The design of a large garden should make good use of the hills and water in the natural environment to form a main scene, complemented by a number of subordinate ones. Particularly in a small private garden，every possible way is tried to condense a landscape scene to reproduce a picturesque miniature. In the harmonious relationship between man and nature, all things in nature are personified.
“模仿自然”是中国园艺的基本规则。无论是在宏伟的皇家园林，或在私家园林，都重视对园林自然环境的享受，对小园林的设计，目的是让小空间变成更多的空间的效果。在花园中的一开始设置时，应被布置成这样的方式，以得到延续的吸引力。一个大园林的设计应充分利用自然环境中的山水，使其形成一个主场景，辅以一些从属的场景。尤其是在小型私家园林，每一种可能的方法都被运用，试图让山水风光再现，使其成为一个风景如画的缩影。在人与自然的和谐关系中，自然界万物都拟人化。
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