Present Condition of Tree Species Planting in the Soswaewon Garden and their Chronological Changes

This study investigated the background thoughts and geographical characteristics of the trees planted in Soswaewon garden located in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. This study also investigated the tree species in the early years of the garden and their chronological changes. The number of trees planted in Soswaewon garden is presently 135 in 22 species, which consists of 107 arboreals in 15 species and shrubs in 7 species. Tree species which showed high frequency rates were Zelkova serrata, Lagerstroemia indica, Acer palmatum, Sophora japonica and Rhododendron indicum. The background thoughts of these trees were Feng Shui, Yin Yang, and Confucianism for Zelkova serrata; Shin-sun, Taoism, and Confucianism for Lagerstroemia indica; Confucianism for Acer palmatum; Shin-sun, Taoism, and Confucianism for Sophora japonica. Rhododendron indicum was planted just for decoration without any particular background thoughts. In exploring geographical characteristics, all of 5 trees species were found to grow well everywhere in southern regions of Korea, especially in maritime climate of the south west coasts. Literature survey revealed the tree species planted in the early years of the garden. Back in 1548 when Soswaewon was first established, there were 11 tree species growing, then 12 species in 1755, 28 species in 1983, 23 species in 1999, and 24 species in 2012. At present, there are 22 tree species growing in Soswaewon garden.