It has been like this since the collapse of Vulcan. Each of these plants represent the connection shared with the planet. Individual people take on a more floral form.

[If Jim looks around, he will see two or three little bushes with little budding flowers on them... but nothing quite so significant as the giant flower in front of them.

However, in the center of the garden, right next to the fountain, was a bush....and it was black, as if charred. It may have been a rose bush at some point.]

It will take time... but the garden will eventually repair itself... [It would take a life-time though without great aid. And Spock didn't have access to a mind healer.]