History of Landscaping
History of Landscaping - Formal Design vs. Informal Design
The landscaping design styles that you see around you evolved over time. Learn about the great debate in the history of landscaping -- formal landscaping design vs. the informal look of the English cottage garden. Also discover interesting facts behind America's love affair with lawns.
The Plants of China
Recent landscaping history in the West is about more than just how design has evolved. Plants are at the heart of our efforts to adorn the yard, and the fact is that our plant choices, too have evolved. The plant collectors responsible for bringing Chinese plants to the West had a huge impact on how we garden: so many of our favorites are of...
Common Plant Names and Linnaeus' Naming Convention
To combat the confusion caused when everyone refers to a plant by any of its various common names, Carl Linnaeus developed the binomial system. The binomial classification is the scientific way of referring to a specimen, so everyone knows exactly what you're talking about. The common names may seem easier but are fraught with difficulties.
Edgar Allan Poe in the History of Landscaping
Considering the diversity of Poe's interests, it is not surprising that he wrote a piece about landscaping. "The Domain of Arnheim" is the title of the story. In it, Poe provides his own answer to a question contemplated often in the history of landscaping: "What kind of property would you have if money were no object?"
7 Deadly Sins of Landscaping
Even though it is my own article, I want to warn you to take this article with a grain of salt. For it's a piece about prevailing attitudes right now about the landscape. But as the student of landscaping history knows, opinions change over time; so in essence, this is a snap shot. Also, even within the same age, there will be dissenters.
Great Wall of China
This is the mother of all masonry walls! Said to be visible from the moon, the Great Wall of China was begun in the 7th century B.C. Discover interesting facts about it from TravelChinaGuide.com.
How the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Were Irrigated
Read Lee Krystek's presentation on the Hanging Garden's of Babylon to learn about one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. This site is replete with graphics and references to the ancient sources explaining, for instance, how these famous gardens were irrigated.
Japanese Landscaping History
The Japanese are now widely emulated in the West for their landscaping. This history of landscaping and gardening in Japan covers the period from 646 to 1912. It takes a look at the influence of China and the introduction of Buddhism on early Japanese designers, and at the impact of Zen's philosophy of meditation on later periods.
U.S. Landscaping, 1850-1920
Here's a different approach -- a collection of slides from the Harvard faculty. The collection includes a historical view of U.S. landscapes (1850-1920) and offers views of cities, specific buildings, parks, private estates and gardens. Plans, maps and models are provided. Of particular interest are the slides of formal gardens, terraces, and arbors.
Garden and Landscaping History Resources
This site has some wonderful resources on landscaping history, including: biographies of landscape designers; historic design styles charts; a guide to historic garden restoration; West Asian gardens (Egypt, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkey); Chinese garden history; Japanese garden history.