Is it that gardens symbolise control and mastery over nature, a haven of peace and plenty, order and beauty, a status symbol, an object of power or an example of the temperament of the owner.
If we were to think about gardens such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Gardens of the Real Alcazar in Seville and the Gardens of Versailles - we would probably think about bold ostentatious wealth.
A Pharaoh had his garden painted on his tomb in 1492BCE.
Gardens can also have religious and philosophical messages or dimensions. The four rivers of Eden in the Old Testament are represented by four watercourses in Islamic paradise gardens and four paths in Christian cloister gardens. And the true meaning of existence is hinted at in the hidden principles of The Zen Garden.
Gardens are a stream of sensory experiences, skirting across our mind. Representing a taming of nature, from dark forests to dank swamps, to an extension of our living spaces - open - structured to perhaps still our minds - but also retaining mystery to capture our interest and hopefully enhance our imagination.
Over the centuries- trees have been planted as symbols- Yew trees were commonly planted near the lych gate - where prior to mortuaries, the deceased awaited burial. Palm trees symbolised victory, peace and bounty - the cedar tree symbolised pride, majesty and dignity and both stood for righteousness. Trees can also be planted to mark important occasions- royalty are often asked to plant a tree.
Gardens and gardening are more popular than ever - in the UK - 27 million people report a personal interest in gardening. Monty Don - one of the world’s leading TV gardeners has a viewing of 3 million people every time he broadcasts.
Towns and villages are swamped with the rise in community gardens.
When I googled ‘Why do we garden’ there are a million reasons, from stress relief to connecting to nature, encouraging mindfulness to creativity and exercise or combating loneliness the list is endless.
Interestingly, those of us that garden, don’t need a reason - we do it because we love it. Growing food, growing flowers and a green cool space is really just an added bonus.
Lisa Walmsley - Dip app science,
Horticulture, Landscape design
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