subject: The Beauty of Vegetation [print this page] The Beauty of Vegetation The Beauty of Vegetation
Vegetation refers to the ground cover provided by plants. It includes everything from primeval redwood forests, coastal mangrove stands, sphagnum bogs, desert soil crusts, roadside weed patches, wheat fields, and cultivated gardens and lawns. England was once almost entirely covered with woodlands, today however less than 10% of the country remains forested. New forest, in the south of England, is the largest area of natural vegetation left in England. The most common trees found in the UK are, pine and birch, which live in mountainous areas, oak and beech, which are found in the lowlands, and elm and ash.Fresh and wild flowers are one of the most beautiful components of vegetation. There are many different kinds of flowers, each more beautiful than the next. Their biological function is to effect reproduction. This is usually achieved by providing a means for the union of the sperm with eggs. Flowers are also used by people for romantic, religious, or festive occasions. Their colour and their beauty is something that people have come to admire, which makes them lovely gifts. There is nothing quite as special as getting a ring at your doorbell and opening it to see a big bouquet of flowers. Flowers are also a part of many traditions, such as births or Christenings. At funerals, they are given as an expression of sympathy for the grieving, and at social occasions often worn in the form of a corsage. In Hindu culture, it is common to bring flowers as a gift to temples, as they are used for worshipping goddesses. Red roses symbolize love, beauty and passion; Poppies console in times of death; Irises and Lillies are a symbol of resurrection and life; Daisies represent innocence.In the visual arts, flowers have often been used to symbolize the female anatomy. Think of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings for instance. Flowers have inspired poets, musicians, writers and more. Their smell, their colours, their beauty have an unparallel impact on our emotions and creativity.But all parts of vegeation are beautiful. The green, the shade, the life that exists in the branches of trees and on the leaves of plants. Some regions are rich with colours and greenery. They tend to get lots of rain and as a result are home to millions of plant species. A trip to the rainforest for instance is one of the most remarkable experiences one can have.
