(11/22) When I told my wife I would be writing an article on the history of gardens, she said one word "Boring!" So, I thought if I titled the article something more intriguing, maybe you would continue to read!? Monty Python’s skit, "Silly Walking in the Garden", is a segue into a discussion of English Gardens. We will then discuss the evolution of the magnificent Persian gardens and their vast influence on gardens of today. Finally, no garden history review would be complete without a mention of lovely Japanese gardens.

English gardens were planted by Roman conquerors in the first century A.D. They were symmetrical plantings of box hedges, with small areas for statues (think Rome), urns and garden seats. No, they were not utilitarian; no food produced and no flowers, ugh. They were definitely a status symbol of large villas and palaces. These formal gardens were located inside castles or behind walls only to be seen by the wealthy.

We have to wait until the Middle Ages, around 500 A.D. before gardens reclaimed some importance in England. Monasteries finally brought us some flowers, kitchen gardens and herb gardens. Finally some aesthetics such as beauty and fragrance gained a foothold in the formal English garden.

The Victorian Age, 1830’s-1910’s, introduced public gardens and green spaces for the general population. Massed flowerbeds, greenhouses, exotic colors and intricate designs characterized these more pleasing gardens. Pleasing to the senses of sight, touch and smell; a new concept for England, but a very old concept for our next foray into gardens of the world, the magnificent Persian gardens.

Persian (Iranian) gardens can be traced possibly as far back as 4,000 B.C! The concept of a "paradise on earth" spread through Persian literature with gardens being the central symbolic feature. The garden was walled, to provide a place of relaxation, spiritual reflection and social interaction. Classical Iranians came to be known as the ‘great gardeners’ of antiquity. This paradise on earth symbolism combined nature, art and architecture. The ancient Persians believed planting trees was a sacred activity.

One of the most magnificent places I have ever been is the Alhambra in southern Spain. It is a medieval fortress perched high on a bluff overlooking Grenada. It was built by Muslims, with construction beginning in the year 1238. Building on the concept of utilizing air, water, light and geometry, the fortress is massive, beautiful, spiritual and sensual. Yes sensual. One of the ancient gods was both the god of gardens and sexuality. Covered aqueducts brought water from high mountain snow melt. These mountains can be seen in the distance. The buildings were exquisitely planned to allow sunlight in for the entire year, creating geometric lines of light as an art form. The garden’s construction is a combination of formal (with an emphasis on structure) or casual (with an emphasis on nature), both having lovely geometric lines of light, tiles and flowing water. Shade was meticulously planned as well as efficient conservation of water. The gardens consisted of trees in neat rows, native plants usually in rows or in large stone pots and raised beds. Raised beds in the 14th century….WOW! The beds were placed beside storage and irrigation systems, using the cooling effect of flowing water with the coolness of the earth; shaded from the hottest part of the day. Flowers and their accompanying fragrances were also an integral part of the grand plan.

Japanese gardens deserve more recognition than there’s time for. 600 A.D. was when one of the three most famous gardens was built. These gardens highlight the beauty of nature, avoiding man-made components whenever possible. Japanese gardens also capture aspects of traditional Shinto religions, as well as Daoism and Buddhism. Six aspects are considered essential to a Japanese garden; these include coolness, subtlety of design, scenic views, wisdom and respect, serenity, and spaciousness.

These ancient cultures knew so long ago what modern science has now proven. Not only can gardens provide sustenance, they improve mental and physical well-being. To be outside, plan beds, put your hands in the dirt, drop seeds into the ground, care for your plants, and see your results; these all activate pleasing senses and give a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The results are right there in front of you. It’s pretty amazing to think that what we are enjoying today began thousands of years ago. So, whether you throw a few native pollinator seeds in the ground, plant a tree or have large fancy raised bed gardens, everyone can enjoy this most satisfying and lasting hobby. Happy gardening!