More than just flowers!

 

Gardens have always been an intrinsic part of European culture. Although gardens are part of culture they also are shaped by culture. Gardens began with Sumerian hunting parks and Egyptian gardens as a place where one could find and enjoy a unique and important escape. As ideas and cultures were shared and spread throughout the world gardens continue to be an intrinsic part of European culture today. Current gardens are always influenced by past gardens but how a culture chooses different aspects of different garden styles can show a lot about changes in society.

 

The long history of gardens and how they change and adapt over time are evidence that gardens are an important aspect of culture. Differences in styles of gardens reflect changes and differences in society over time. One example of this is the difference between formal and informal gardens. Baroque gardens were highly formal gardens that were precisely trimmed and controlled and very orderly. This was seen as a direct reflection of the King’s power. This type of garden was meant to show someone’s power and status. An English Romantic garden was much less formal. These gardens were popular during a time that revolted against aristocratic social and political norms and instead focused largely on the importance of nature. Below is a picture of the juxtaposition between an English Romantic garden with a winding path that moves around the Earth’s natural features and a Baroque Garden with very straight paths and beds at Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Besides the history and culture, something about a garden can just make people happy. (Of course I am saying this with my own pre-determined cultural perceptions of nature being pure and healthy and good) Gardens are an oasis that can provide an escape from everyday life. They can be beautiful, peaceful, and useful. Not to mention watching things bloom and grow is simply amazing! Whether gardens were being used as herbries (Figure 2) for medicinal purposes in the medieval ages, or for Ashurbanipal to hunt lions in his paradise (Figure 3), they have remained an important cultural aspect in and around Europe.

 

Figure 2. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqxJOqJoVA/ToY3oyf7khI/AAAAAAAAEKk/PsuWmXPY_OA/s400/herb-garden.jpg

Figure 3. http://www.ancientreplicas.com/king-hunting-2-o.jpg

 

For a cool website and farm that uses gardens to make a living... check out Green Hope "farm" in New Hampshire and see how beautiful this place is!

http://greenhopeessences.com/