The medieval lithurgical vestments were decorated mainly with figural embroidery, the plant ornament had an additional character and appeared rarely. In the 16th century, however, the situation changed and after 1600 even reversed. In connection with overseas trips, the range of depicted flowers – which gradually found itheir way to aristocratic gardens – expanded considerably. In the specialised church embroidery, the flowers usually had their symbolic interpretationk some of them with a very long traditiion (roses, lillies, olive etc.), but even the new species subsequently acquired similar meanings (eg. South American Passiflora). The book addresses the characteristic depiction of flowers in the church evnironment in connection with the service itself and with emphasis on the Czech lands. It focuses on the symbolic meanings and sets the art of church embroidery in broader cultural context. The book also includes extensive photographic documentation.