- Classic Italian gardens are known for their symmetry, use of hedges and evergreens to divide space, and inclusion of water features. They were designed as outdoor spaces for pleasure and entertainment to showcase wealth.
- Specific features included geometric planting beds, fountains, and sculptures. The Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace in Florence exemplify these characteristics with their long axial layout, stone structures, and abundance of statuary.
2. Italian gardens have been famous throughout
the world for their beauty, patterns, elegance,
symmetry & style .
Gardening has been a passion for the Italians
and they offer a vast variety of gardening styles
as well.
The land was usually very hilly and often rocky,
so walls were built to terrace the land into small
compartments.
Spectacular waterworks, fountains, and water
organs were built to entertain.
Plants such as box, olives, Italian cypresses and
large oaks were grown to shelter people from
the hot southern sun.
The plants were arranged in formal patterns
using symmetrical balance.
Unlike the French Garden Style, these gardens
were more intimate, and were never designed to
overwhelm.
3. Around the 15th century A.D. which is
known as the middle ages, barbarism
came to an end giving way to a
systematic political order in Italy.
This new system was based on
commerce and gave rise to a rich class in
Italy.
The art of garden design occupied a
prominent place along with sculpture,
painting and architecture.
The theory of linking the garden with
the houses by loggias or arcades.
Terraces and staircases were suggested
to overcome the problem of circulation
due to undulated form.
4. The main attraction was the countryside
which was away from the crowded city,
thus villas came into being.
Behind the house there were giardino
segreto or a secret garden, which was
quiet and visitors were not allowed.
Later in 15th and 16th century A.D. , the
stairways and use of water became quiet
rampant.
During the English regime suffered the
impact of the theories then prevalent in
England
5. • Classic Italian gardens are also known as Renaissance Gardens.These gardens were grown
solely for the purpose of pleasure.They showed symmetry everywhere.
• Evergreen outlined beds and hedges were a must. Hedges were given various shapes to
enhance interest and pleasure.The hedges were used to divide the garden into a number
of portions; each portion had a special view.
• The presence of water in one form or another was also a must.
• Various potted plants were also introduced in the landscaping. Different colored flowers
were introduced in the form of bunches scattered in different areas.
• Fountains, streams and ponds were introduced to create interest
and to provide relaxation.
6. The Italian Garden style came into
existence at the time of Renaissance
depicting light, open, peaceful &
symmetrical garden.
Formal garden
Follow form and function in its gardens.
It has similarity between the Persian and
Mughal styles with Italian styles i.e. Use of
heavy masonry features, though the
character of masonry was different in
Italian styles.
Made on Low slopes.
Formal entrance & broad pathways.
The Italians conceived their gardens as an
extension to their places as an outdoor
areas for entertainment and for showing
off their wealth & status.
Water during this time was especially
symbolic. It was associated with fertility
and the abundance of nature.
Most prominent feature – Flight of stairs
connecting different levels in gardens.
7. A garden's location has a
substantial influence on the
garden design.
Many of the great gardens of
history and today possess a
location that is topographically
significant and has a suitable
microclimate for plants, a well-
designed connection to water,
and rich soil.
However, a good garden
design, one that is well-
planned and constructed, can
increase the value of the
garden more than its location.
8. Layout of hard landscape, such as paths, walls
Water features
Sitting areas and decking
Evergreen trees, box hedges : Outlining / dividing the area
Topiary : Add humor and play-fullness to gardens.
Found in classical Italian garden
Statuary: central feature in a fountain.
9. Fruits & Tress
Arches & Pathways
Water
Terracing – Gardens built on hill side and are divided with varying moods
and add to views and vistas.
Garden Furniture – Proper seating is provided using natural materials like
wood & stone. Also covered seating are provided
Pergola
Railing plants
Terraced Italian garden of the Renaissance.
Elements – Jet fountains, Topiary, Hedges
Evergreens - the main source of greenery.
10.
11. FruitTrees:-
Potted fruit trees in an Italian Garden give the
gardener the option to move the trees to
various locations to change the view of the
garden.
Citrus trees that are potted can be moved
inside during cold weather and outside in
warm weather.
Fruit trees can also be planted against a wall
or trained to act as an arch in the garden.
Statuary andTopiary:-
To add a bit of personality to the Italian
Garden, use topiary, evergreens trimmed into
interesting shapes.
Many gardeners choose to use statuary
accents near topiary.
12. Climbing Plants andTrellises:-
Trellises provide separation from one part of
the garden to another.
Climbing or clinging plants such as grape
vines, honeysuckle and ivy are excellent
trellis plants.
Some varieties of roses, such as ramblers, tea
roses and English roses are also good
climbers and make a pleasant covering for
gazebos, trellises and arches.
Evergreens:-
Evergreens such as rosemary, myrtle and box
hedge are used to separate the garden's beds.
13. Garden Paths:-
Choosing tough plants to create pathways
around the perimeter and throughout the Italian
Garden to provide a walking path for exercise
and different views throughout the garden.
The paths are generally comprised of walking
stones with plants that tolerate traffic.
Hardy plants to use between stones are
Creeping Charlie, which prefers partial shade,
Creeping Lamium in partial to full shade, and
CreepingThyme, which can be grown equally
well in full sun and shade.
14. In the mountains of the north of Italy one can find
acid-loving plants (Calcifuges) like rhododendrons
and azaleas growing happily around the gardens of
Lake Como, whereas in the by the coast one can find
plants that prefer an alkaline soil.
For a softer approach with maybe a wildflower
meadow and ornamental vegetable garden.
The evergreen cypress tree grows to height
of 20 to 25m and can survive for many
thousands of years,The cypress tree’s
longevity, the fact that it remained
evergreen throughout the harsh winters and
it’s heady resinous scent earned the plant a
divine and spiritual status in Etruscan
society.
15. Mild climate – rain comes in winter and has plenty of
sunshine.
Surrounded by sea and mountains, Italy enjoys a very
moderate climate.
During the winters, skiing opportunities are found in
ample.
The hot summer is made pleasant by the cool sea
breezes. Summers are best for picnicking and hiking
The summer temperatures vary between 16°C to 19°C.
But temperatures in some parts can also rise up to
30°C. While in winters, it ranges from 12°C to 2°C.
16.
17. Palatial villa
Sits all the high on a hill overlooking
Florence and Arno valley.
Classical Italian renaissance
Garden.
Palace was central focus.
Upper terraces are approached by
staircases with reflecting pool on
one side which gives effect of
spacious and illusion.
Presence of water with shade
contributed to coolness.
Vegetation was arranged in linear
pattern.
Designing along the 2 axis –
horizontal and vertical.
18.
19. Home to distinguished collection
of sculptures & roman antiques.
Amphitheatre, initially formed by
clipped edges & greens, later
formalized by rebuilding in stone.
Elaborate arch. Of the grotto in
the courtyard separates palace
from the garden.
Large grotto’s statues continue
to be remarkable examples of
mannerist architecture and
sculpture.
Boboli garden have come out to
form an outdoor museum.
THE LARGE GROTTO IN FRONT OFTHE
PRESENT ENTRANCE
THETUFA SHOWSA STRONGTENDENCY
TOTHE BAROQUE STYLE
20. Longer axial developments
Wide gravel avenues
Considerable “built” element of stone
Lavish employment of statuary and fountains
Proliferation of details
The openness of the garden was an important
aspect
THE CROSSWAYS
INTHE GARDEN
THE ENTRANCE AND EXIT OF EVERYWALLWERE
MARKED BY A PAIR OF DOGS & LIONS CARVED IN STONE
21. Plan was divided into two, quite separated garden lacks natural water source,
hence conduits built from the nearby river to water the plants.
Primary axis centered on the rear façade of the palace.
Secondary axis is at right angle to the main one, leads down through a series of
terraces and water features.
FOUNTAINSAND AMPHITHEATRE THE AMPHITHEATRE