The History and Evolution of Gardens

Today, I am pleased to talk about the history of gardens, as well as how they've evolved over the centuries. Here is a picture I took of my wife in our own garden, in Canada.

The History and Evolution of Gardens

Gardens, in the way we understand them today, which is to say as either food sources or ways to beautify and/or protect our property, do historically date back quite a long time.

One way to define gardens is as the cordoning off of outdoor space, which began in prehistoric times - historians estimate this was in about 10 000 B.C. - along the overgrown river banks and the wet foothills of monsoon regions in India and Asia.

Places that received lots of rain and changes in wind were typically the perfect location for a "forest garden". The original forest garden was plant based, pro-food, and very private. They were designated with as "agroforests", and the term is still used today.

Food and Protection

When gardening was first used in those ancient times, families primarily wanted to improve their personal environment, firstly, in a practical way, by growing food close to where they lived, and also to protect themselves from wild animals and sometimes people.

Food, as it always will be, was then, as now, always on the minds of our ancient forebears, and so the primary function of gardens was just that - grow food, and lots of it. Pre-historic people eliminated everything that didn't produce food (ie. weeds).

Staying alive was a peoples' number one goal, moreso at this time, when everywhere was essentially "wild" and there was less protection offered in every way you can imagine.

So, gardens were quickly becoming a big deal to our ancient ancestors, just as much as the strength of your home itself or whatever dwelling you lived in was at the time. Eventually, these gardeners of yore incorporated new (to them) species of fruits and vegetables into their gardens, adding a variety new species to their garden, and then, to their table.

Beginning of Landscape Architecture

Garden construction and design was the beginning of what is known as "landscape architecture". It began in West Asia and spread westward into what is Europe today. By the way, the word, "garden" comes from the Old English word, "geard", which means "enclosure".

In 27 BC, a Roman author and engineer by the name of Vitruvius, wrote a book called, "Ten Books on Architecture". He talked about design, landscape, engineering the environment, water, and the importance of public gardens. He introduced ideas such as beauty, convenience, and utility.

Gardening for Aesthetic Purposes

With the emergence of the first civilizations, wealthy influential leaders in societies began to create gardens purely for aesthetic purposes. Evidence of this can be found in Egyptian tombs, where paintings from the 16th century BC, presented ornamental horticulture. Lotus ponds surrounded symmetrical rows of acacia and palm trees.

More evidence of people thinking that gardens should be beautiful came from Persia with "Darius the Great". It was said that he had a "paradise garden". This type of garden comes from the old Iranian culture where land was enclosed inside a wall for many reasons.

The paradise garden has an enclosure wall of some sort around cultivated land. The land could be wild. It could be well tended and fussed over. It could also be a watery greenery. But it was all done for a purpose and thought about by its owner for a long time. The idea of the paradise garden wasn't just to go food. This garden concept had a much more philosophical purpose. An axis of symmetry was very important to a Persian/Middle Eastern garden.

Refuge for the Educated

The Persian garden ideas eventually spread to Greece after Alexander the Great. In 350 BC, gardens such as these appeared at the great schools in Athens. Scholars wrote about a new topic: botany. Gardens became a refuge for the well educated. Places where "higher" learning and reflection took place.

The most influential ancient gardens in this part of the world, were Ptolemy's gardens in Alexandria Egypt. Lucullus visited Ptolemy's gardens and took the garden ideas back to Rome. Evidence of this can be seen in Pompeii by studying the wall paintings there. Gardens were becoming very elaborate, and a status symbol.

Rich Romans built extensive villa gardens with water features such as fountains, rivulets, topiary, roses and shaded arcades.

International Styles

This paradigm shift in gardening spread quickly to China and Japan, where aristocratic gardens featuring miniaturized and simulated natural landscapes. Water and rocks became very important to the design of gardens at this time. Natural elements symbolized power and religious thought. Zen gardens appeared, and emphasized the concept of using a garden for reflection and increasing one's own wisdom.

By the 13th century, many people in Europe began to understand the importance of the garden, and, soon enough, everyone wanted their own little piece of paradise. Every significant Roman or Parisian villa had to have a garden. The formal "garden a la francaise" can be witnessed in the Gardens of Versailles in France.

The English loved the idea of a "wild garden" with lots of perennials. The Italian Renaissance garden appeared in the 15th century. The Spanish Royal Family introduced public parks. All these new garden ideas were spreading to America and the New World.

Modern Times

The concept of "modernism" in the art world influenced gardens of the 20th century. Clarity, bold colours, form, design, were concepts now filtering into gardens in America.

Gardens today are about many things and the topic of gardening has become very complex. Primarily, gardens are for growing food such as the concept of a "community garden", or gardens are an extension of the owner's personality and creativity.

During World War I at the turn of the 1900's, food production was at a low in both the United States and Europe. Food prices in America soared and meatless and wheatless days were introduced to cut consumption. More food was needed so, the National War Garden Commission was formed and Americans were encouraged to grow food.

This was a way the people back home could contribute to the victory of the war …. thus victory gardens emerged. This victory garden phenomenon returned during World War II as well under the National Victory Garden Program.

Gardening became part of the popular culture. Not only the poor made gardens but all across the social strata, gardens could be found, and in every conceivable location too. Gardening waned for a while in popularity, but as society became for educated about the world around them, gardening became popular once again for both health and environmental reasons, and interest has only increased, I believe.

People began to create gardens of all sizes and shapes, and for any number of reasons, wherever they liked. Gardening became complicated and some laws were challenged. It became a question of "rights".

The Garden City Movement

The industrial revolution brought more than half of the world's population into cities. People always had to deal with floods, storms, drought, air pollution and natural disasters, but now, with populations growing larger and faster, and congregating in close quarters, the world's environments would be challenged even more.

City officials were given the challenge to reduce human's negative impact on the world around them. As a result, the "garden city" concept game into fashion at the turn of the 20th century.

Large cities like London, Paris, Rome, and New York, were dirty and polluted because of industry, inadequate housing, and the lack of healthy open spaces. It happened in Asian megacities and now it is beginning to happen in Europe and the Americas.

A British urban planner by the name of Ebenezer Howard had a vision to design and plan cities that offered a peaceable, livable environment, replete with nature and open space.

He encouraged wide boulevards and sprawling suburbs. For him, it was time for the countryside to invade the cities rather than the city to spread into the countryside.

The Father of Landscape Architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted created famous gardens such as New York's Central Park. Little did he know that the automobile would drive right over his vision in the years ahead.

21st Century

Today, in the 21st Century, the Industrial Revolution has been replaced with the Information Age. Gardens of all kinds are everywhere. Cities are growing with some having a population of over 25 million residents, such as Cairo and Mexico City. The world's population is at 7.6 billion.

People are starving everywhere. People are killing people everywhere. More than ever before, we need gardens that grow food. More than ever before, we need "green space" with vegetations to fight the World's carbon dioxide problem.

Education is a powerful solution to today's problems, and gardens might just be the answer. People are becoming more educated and computers (the World Wide Web) in particular, are allowing people to have more free time.

As a result, the world's population has more leisure time. Why not get into local green spaces and gardens? Why not produce more gardens of every kind and visit the ones that are already made.

There are so many garden spaces around the world for people to experience, that we will only mention a few in closing. Hopefully, more people will visit these special magical places …

Some Famous Gardens To Visit

The Metis Garden (Jardins de Metis)

This must-see Canadian treasure is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec Canada. This national historic site, was created by a passionate gardener and plant lover, Elsie Reford, between 1926 and 1958. It is an English style garden. In recent years, they added some very creative interactive gardens by world renowned landscape architects.

Monet's Garden in Giverny France

Claude Monet only lived for 43 years. He was born in 1883 and died in 1926 at his home in Giverny France. He had a passion for gardens as well as colours. His flower and water gardens are famous works of art still today. His gardens will engage, enable, and empower you to be positive and do more to help the state of the world.

In Summary of The History and Evolution of Gardens

1. Gardens Have Been Around for Centuries, and Their Purposes Have Evolved Over Time

Gardens have been around for centuries, and their purposes have evolved over time. In ancient times, gardens were used primarily for food production. Today, gardens are enjoyed for their beauty and relaxation.

Gardens first originated in Mesopotamia, and later spread to Ancient Egypt and China. The earliest known garden was built by the Sumerians in 3200 BC. This garden was called the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and it was built to please the wife of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

The Egyptians also built beautiful gardens, which they called paradise gardens. These gardens were meant to be places of peace and relaxation, where one could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Chinese also have a long history of gardening. One of the most famous gardens in China is the Summer Palace, which was built in the 18th century. This garden is a perfect example of Chinese landscape architecture, and it features many beautiful pavilions, temples, and bridges.

Gardens continue to be popular today. In fact, according to a study by the National Gardening Association, there are more than 36 million households in the United States that have gardens. And, many people view gardening as a form of relaxation. In fact, studies have shown that gardening can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of well-being.

2. The First Gardens Were Used for Growing Crops to Sustain Human Life

These early gardens were likely simple, functional affairs, with little in the way of decoration or adornment. Over time, however, gardens began to take on a more aesthetic role, as people began to see them not just as utilitarian spaces, but as places of beauty and relaxation. Today, gardens come in all shapes and sizes, and serve a variety of different purposes. Some are still used for growing food, while others are purely decorative. No matter their purpose, however, all gardens share a common history that can be traced back to those first agricultural plots.

3. Later, Gardens Became a Place for People to Relax and Enjoy Nature

As time went on, gardens became more than just a place to grow food. They became a place for people to relax and enjoy nature. Gardens began to include flowers, trees, and other plants that were not edible. People also started using gardens as a way to show their wealth and status.

The first public gardens were created in the 1600s. These gardens were open to everyone, and they were a place where people could go to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Today, there are public gardens all over the world. Gardens have come a long way since their early beginnings. They are now a place where people can enjoy the beauty of nature while spending time with family and friends.

4. Today, Gardens Are Still Used for Both Practical and Aesthetic Purposes

While the specific design of gardens has changed over time, they have always served both practical and aesthetic purposes. Today, gardens are still used to improve the look of a home or business, while also providing a space for relaxation and enjoyment. Additionally, many people use gardens as a way to grow their own food.

No matter what the purpose of a garden may be, they all require some level of care and maintenance. Fortunately, there are now many different tools and products available to help make gardening easier than ever before. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, there are plenty of resources out there to help you create the perfect garden.

5. Garden Design Has Also Evolved Over Time, From Simple Plots of Land to Intricate Landscapes

Over time, garden design has also evolved, from simple plots of land to intricate landscapes. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of ornamental plantings and features. This began in ancient times, with the Egyptians and Greeks using plants and flowers to adorn their gardens. Today, gardeners can choose from a wide variety of ornamental plants, from traditional favorites like roses and lilies to more unusual specimens like cacti and succulents.

Another change that has taken place is the way in which gardens are used. In the past, they were often seen as places of refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Today, however, gardens are more likely to be used as outdoor living spaces, where people can relax, entertain guests, or simply enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty. This change in usage has led to a corresponding change in garden design, with more emphasis placed on creating comfortable and inviting spaces.

Despite these changes, some things have remained constant throughout the history of gardens. The love of plants and nature, for instance, is something that has always been at the heart of gardening.

And, as the famous British gardener Gertrude Jekyll once said, "There is no garden without a gardener."

Whether they are simple or elaborate, gardens will always be a reflection of the people who create and care for them.

6. There Are Now many different types of gardens, each with its own unique features

Different types of gardens have evolved over time to suit different purposes, climate conditions and styles. Some of the most popular types of gardens include English, French, Japanese, cottage, rock and water gardens.

1. English gardens are characterized by their soft, naturalistic look with lush green lawns, meandering paths and often a mix of native and ornamental plants.
2. French gardens on the other hand are more formal in design, with straight lines, symmetrical plantings and often featuring decorative features such as fountains or sculptures.
3. Japanese gardens are inspired by nature and typically feature stone lanterns, bridges and waterfalls set amongst beautiful plants and trees.
4. Cottage gardens are informal in style and feature a mix of pretty flowers and herbs, often with a picket fence or stone wall surrounding them.
5. Rock gardens are another popular type of garden, which use rocks and gravel to create a naturalistic landscape.
6. Water gardens are also becoming increasingly popular and feature ponds or waterfalls as their main focal point.

Conclusion

In closing, hopefully you know a little more about where the idea of a garden came from, and maybe you agree that gardens are part of the future of our planet Earth. A new generation of gardeners is before us, so let's connect. New garden ideas are just a click or a search away. Garden ideas are endless and free if you just look in the right places.

BeachBabyBob once said, "Gardens are our teachers. A single flower, grass, or tree is geography, science, mathematics, art, economics and more. There is a gardener in all of us, especially when tragedy is at our doorstep."

John O'Donohue once said, "The human soul is hungry for beauty. We seek it everywhere - in landscape, music, art, clothes, furniture, gardening, companionship, love, religion, and in ourselves. No one would desire not to be beautiful. When we experience the beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming."

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