Garden design - a history
Garden design has evolved over many centuries, with varying styles from all over the globe being shaped and adapted to suit differing needs. From classical French parterres in the seventeenth century, to the calm, zen gardens of Japan, there’s a garden style to suit every taste. If you are looking to hire a garden designer in Glasgow to help create your dream outdoor space, it is important to understand the different styles available and the unique elements of them all.
Gardening is an art that has been practiced by humans for many centuries. From the Egyptians who built gardens around their temples, to the Greeks who developed the concept of a sacred grove, garden design history is rich and diverse. This all seems a long way from Glasgow, but when you're thinking about finding a garden designer, it is worth knowing a bit of the context of garden design. During the Middle Ages, castle and monastery gardens were created, primarily for herbs, food, and medicinal plants. During the Renaissance, garden designers began to stress the beauty of gardens, incorporating art, sculpture, and water into their designs.
The 1600s and 1700s marked a golden era of garden design, as elaborate gardens became status symbols for the rich and wealthy. French garden designer André Le Nôtre was famous for creating symmetrical parterres, while Capability Brown revolutionized English landscape gardening, with rolling lawns, meandering paths, and naturalistic features.
In the 1800s, gardening developed into a more democratic activity, as public parks and urban outdoor spaces were developed for the enjoyment of the general public. Japanese and Zen gardens also became popular during this time, emphasizing peace, simplicity, and beauty.
Today, garden designers in Glasgow and beyond continue to innovate and push boundaries, creating contemporary gardens that reflect modern tastes and values. From rooftop city terraces to permaculture farms in the countryside, the history of garden design is an ongoing story of ever-changing creativity, beauty, and inspiration.