The document provides a history of garden styles from ancient times to the present. It begins with the earliest gardens in Egypt around 3000 BC, which were utilitarian enclosures for growing food and keeping animals. The Persian and Mughal gardens that followed incorporated flowing water and formal, geometric designs divided into four sections. Notable Mughal gardens included the Shalimar Bagh known for its terraces and fountains, and Humayun's and Akbar's tomb gardens which featured water channels and plants. The document examines the elements, styles and examples of different historical garden types on multiple continents over thousands of years.

1. HISTORY OF GARDENS 1
INTRODUCTION
A brief look at historical styles still has a relevance for the
academicians as well as the professionals today even though the
terms of reference may have changed.
Many of the elements that make up today’s landscapes have historical
antecedents, while the number of old gardens which actually remain indicates
that they have stood the test of time visually and as places for use.
In its earliest form the garden was basically an enclosure, made
of thorn or scrub, to keep out wild animals and keep in domestic
ones. The enclosure later took more permanent shape as a defense
against other humans as much as the animals. This was also used
for growing both food and plants.
This creation of a small private sanctuary characterized early enclosed gardens,
although their function varied according to the climate and lifestyle.

2. HISTORY OF GARDENS 2
DIFFERENT STYLES
•Early Egyptian Gardens
•Persian & Moorish Landscapes
•Mughal Gardens
•16th C. Italian Renaissance Gardens
•17th C. French Renaissance Landscapes
•18th C. English Romantic Landscapes
•Japanese Landscapes
•Chinese landscapes
•American Contemporary Landscapes
•Indian Traditional Landscapes

3. HISTORY OF GARDENS 3
Early Gardens
Earliest recorded garden in Egypt in 3000 BC.
•Completely utilitarian in concept & layout
•Surrounded by mud wall to ward off sun and heat
•Square or rectangular shaped with the house located within
•Formal layout
•Use of water as irrigation channels
•Channels for functional reasons divided the garden into geometric
areas
•Plants & herbs were grown for consumption and medicinal values
(e.g. Onion as their staple diet & other vegetables)
•More elaborate gardens had channels widened into pools with fish
and arbours with vines to sit under as well as shade giving
Palms.

4. HISTORY OF GARDENS 4
Examples
This fresco (1400 BC) found on the tomb of
Nebamun in Thebes shows an ornamental fish
Pond in the centre with fruit trees, Palms & Vines
This Persian miniature paintings shows Babur in
Bagh-I-vafa (Garden of Fidelity). The irrigation channel
Divides the garden into four and there are Orange & Pomegranate trees surrounding the
Reservoir.

5. HISTORY OF GARDENS 5
PERSIAN GARDENS
The formal style of early Egyptian gardens characterized the whole
Islamic world during the next few thousand years.
• Gardens were walled with grape vines and other creepers
• Fruit trees like Peach, Apple, Cherry, Banana, Date and Olive
were cultivated.
• Flowers like Poppies, Lilies, Chrysanthemums and Roses were
grown in formal beds between the cross shaped water channels.
• The idea of a flowering Paradise within a formal setting were
captured in Persian writings, painted miniatures and woven
carpets.

6. HISTORY OF GARDENS 6
MOORISH GARDENS
The Persian concept influenced
the Mughal and Moorish gardens.
Water was used to link different
planted areas and for cooling
effect.
The Moorish influence stretched
along North Africa into Sicily and
Southern Italy to Southern Spain
to South America to California
where it was eventually
metamorphosed into today’s patio
Garden, with water in the form of
swimming pool.
Style remained same as formal &
symmetrical with high walls for
shade and privacy.
Moorish Tradition in Californian water garden:
Formal & symmetrical with high walls giving a
Private, enclosed feeling.

7. HISTORY OF GARDENS 7
MOORISH GARDENS
Designed for outdoor living within
the confines of one’s own property.
Moorish Garden in Spain consisted
of several courtyards, known as
Patios, with water as the connecting
link.
Canals with central fountain, ornate
pillars, tiled floors & walls.
Orange trees planted along wall to
give extra shade & Aromatic plants
along the edge of water – A
progress of utilitarian concept to
aesthetics.
Patio-de la Riadh in Granada, Spain:
•Curving jets of water fall
•Flower-edged central canal
•Walled enclosure

8. HISTORY OF GARDENS 8
MUGHAL GARDENS

9. HISTORY OF GARDENS 9
PHILOSOPHY OF
MUGHALS
The Mughal gardens in India are a direct
offshoot of Persian gardens.
Concept of Persian garden: Persian
gardens are designed around water flowing
to the four corners of the earth.
The four rivers of life meet at the center
to take the place of a central pavilion.
From this evolves the concept of Char
Bagh with straight water channels crossing
at right angles to divide the garden into
four quadrants.
The Persian Garden carpet

10. HISTORY OF GARDENS 10
A
BABAR WITH HIS
LADIES,BESIDE THE
LOTUS POND
 The Mughal Empire
in Northern India
lasted as an
effective power
from 1526 to the
1750s.
 The gardens
created by the
Mughal dynasty rank
as one of the great
landscape traditions
of the world.

11. HISTORY OF GARDENS 11
There were basically two types of Mughal gardens
—those surrounding a mausoleum (mausoleum
garden) and those developed for pleasure (pleasure
garden).
The first one was built by the owner during his own
life for holding receptions and banquets. After his
death it was converted into a tomb- Humayun’s tomb/
Taj Mahal.
The next was related to the traditional formal
paradise-type layout - Kashmir has many pleasure
gardens which were situated on the lower slopes of
the surrounding mountains like Shalimar bagh, Nishat
bagh etc.

12. 12
TYPICAL MUGHAL GARDEN
A new environment in
which water was to play an
important role.
Mughal gardens were laid
out in conformation with
geometrical patterns, with
divisions and sub-divisions.
Normally square or rectangular in plan, was divided into four
quarters (CHAR BAGH) and was enclosed by a high wall.
Typical tomb garden plan
Charbagh is a Persian-style garden layout, in which the main building is put at the centre
of a quadrilateral garden, divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller
parts. Charbagh style was brought to India by Mughals. Humayun's tomb and Taj Mahal
in India are the most famous examples of this style

13. HISTORY OF GARDENS 13
PLANTS AS ELEMENT
Fresh green willows
form a leafy green
canopy.
Fruit trees were
planted for
revenue and beauty
Flowers like jasmine &
michelia were used for
colour and scent
Chenar gave weight,
shade & sense of scale
within the gardens.

14. HISTORY OF GARDENS
14
PLANT MATERIALS IN MUGHAL
GARDENS
 It is known that their gardens were full of flowers,
fruits and in Kashmir shade trees as cypress, willow,
poplar were present. The plains added to palms, mango,
tamarind and the pagoda tree.
 Fruits included Almond, Cherry, Apple, Mango, Melons,
Pineapple, Orange, etc.
 The Saffron crop of Kashmir was economically very
important. Flowers included Carnation, Coxcomb,
Jasmine, Lotus, Hollyhock etc.

15. HISTORY OF GARDENS 15
WATER AS ELEMENT
It is an idealized
form in the pattern
of irrigation
Water containers included
Channels, chaddars,
Reflecting pools etc.
Water is shown
symbolically & physically
as the source of life
Channels divide
area into four
rectangular parts
Water is the basic
essence of a
Mughal garden

16. HISTORY OF GARDENS 16
From terrace to terrace the
water was led down the
beautiful slopes called Chadars
which mean white shawls of
water - of marble or stone
chutes carved in various patterns
so that the water running over
them were thrown up and
broken into ripples and splashes.
constructed canals and tanks
like the Persians.
Carved marble chaddar or water chute
Moving water

17. HISTORY OF GARDENS 17
Series of niches were also provided behind the waterfall
The Mughals like the Persians paved the channels of water
with blue tiles.

18. HISTORY OF GARDENS 18
Fountains

19. HISTORY OF GARDENS 19
Still water Although water was visually
confined within the water axes,
its presence was everywhere
apparent. Water has a visual and
psychological cooling effect,
which contributed to the overall
sense of lushness in the garden

20. HISTORY OF GARDENS 20
HARDSCAPING ELEMENTS
Chabutra-thrones
overlooking the
garden.
Pavilions built
of marble
sandstone
Monumental
and ornate
gateways
Intricate marble
lattice in tomb
gardens
Brick and
stone paving.

21. HISTORY OF GARDENS 21
BABUR
 The first Mughal emperor was a
great patron of garden art. He
gave instructions that the
gardens he had created should be
well kept, properly watered and
maintained with flowers.
 The important gardens under his
patronage include Bagh-i-wafa,
Ram bagh, Dehra bagh, Zahara
bagh etc.

22. HISTORY OF GARDENS 22
RAM BAGH, AGRA
Dramatic siting, brilliant use of water and a deep and skilful
delight in planting and architecture.
Rambagh or Arambagh- ‘Garden of Rest’
The basic pattern is
one of geometrically laid
out walks,with platforms
raised well above ground
level from which to view
the gardens.
A terrace follows the
east bank of Jamuna and
on it are the remains of
two substantial
buildings.

23. HISTORY OF GARDENS 23
HUMAYUN’S TOMB, DELHI
The garden has four main parts.
These are divided by waterways
that come out of the central tomb
area and lead to the four gates.
It takes the Char Bagh motive
and enlarges and repeats it in an
intricate pattern almost wholly two-
dimensional and Persian in
character.
Plan of the tomb garden
The tomb of Emperor Humayun is a typical Mughal mausoleum
garden of the earliest period.

24. HISTORY OF GARDENS 24
HUMAYUN’S TOMB, DELHI
The channels and tanks
have the depth of mere
engravings but minute
differences of level are
created in order to exploit
the ripple of water.
Water and the garden
are important parts of
tombs because they remind
the visitor of paradise,
where water and vegetation
are abundant. The first memorial garden tomb of a Mughal Emperor

25. HISTORY OF GARDENS 25
AKBAR’S TOMB , SIKANDRA
The tomb stands
on a raised
platform from
which four wide
raised causeways
lead to four
gateways.
The garden
needs its trees
(cypress, pine,
plane and palm) to
create a soothing
atmosphere. The perspective of Akbar’s Tomb

26. HISTORY OF GARDENS 26
AKBAR’S TOMB , SIKANDRA
The plan is exactly
geometrical, dimension
repeats dimension and the
whole is finely proportioned
to set off the great tomb
within it.
A walled enclosure is
divided symmetrically by the
mausoleum at the centre, into
the four fold plot of Babar’s
Bagh-I-wafa
Four tanks set in the centre
platform supplied water to the
narrow runnels

27. HISTORY OF GARDENS 27
MUGHAL GARDENS OF KASHMIR

28. HISTORY OF GARDENS 28
SHALAMAR BAGH , KASHMIR
Built by Emperor
Jehangir for his wife
Nur Jehan,
Shalimar, is a
beautiful garden with
sweeping vistas over
gardens and lakes,
and shallow terraces.
The garden is 539
m by 182 m and has
four terraces, rising
one above the other.
EMPEROR’S
GARDEN
ZENANA
GARDEN
Plan
Section

29. HISTORY OF GARDENS 29
A canal lined with polished stones and supplied
with water from Harwan runs through the middle
of the garden.
The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once
reserved for royal ladies called the Black Pavilion.
The entrance pavilion Shalimar Garden in summer
SHALAMAR BAGH , KASHMIR

30. HISTORY OF GARDENS 30
NISHAT BAGH , KASHMIR
Situated on the banks of the
Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan
Mountains as its backdrop
and was designed by Asaf
Khan
It's the largest of the
Mughal gardens measuring
548 metres by 338 metres,
and often the most crowded.
The walks beside the channel
are bordered with lines of
Cypresses and Chinars. “The Garden of Bliss” in autumn
Nishat Bagh has 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac
which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake.

31. HISTORY OF GARDENS 31
NISHAT BAGH , KASHMIR
Situated at the foot of a hill with a row of chinars framing it, the
garden is a visual delight with their stepped terraces, formal elegance,
ornamental shrubs, sparkling fountains, a beautiful pink pavilion and
a steeply angular bridge into a hitherto unsuspected inner lake.

32. HISTORY OF GARDENS 32
CHASME SHAHI, KASHMIR
Smallest of the Srinagar
Mughal gardens, measuring
just 108 metres by 38 metres,
the Chasma Shahi, or 'Royal
Spring', are well up the
hillside.
The fresh water spring in
these pleasant, quieter
gardens is reputed to have
medicinal properties.
The gardens were laid out
in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan
and include three terraces, an
aqueduct, waterfalls and
fountains
SECTION
PLAN

33. HISTORY OF GARDENS 33
CHASME SHAHI, KASHMIR
The water from the spring supplies
the fountains and then goes through the
floor of the pavilion and falls to the
lower terrace in a cascade of 5metres,
over a polished black stone chute.
There is a small shrine,
the Chasma Sahibi, near
the gardens, which also has
a fresh water spring.
Quiet garden or “The Royal Spring”

34. HISTORY OF GARDENS 34
SHALAMAR BAGH , LAHORE
The Shalamar gardens at Lahore were laid
out by Ali Mardan Khan, on Shah
Jahan’s instructions.
• The design comprises three terraces,
dropping down from the south, the
changes in level being about 15’.
• The first and third terraces are char-
baghs of similar proportion and design; the
middle one contains the great reservoir
which is the principal feature of the garden.
• The garden seems to have been especially
noted for the large number of buildings
which it contained.

35. HISTORY OF GARDENS 35
FAIZ BAKSH LOWER , LAHORE
The lower terrace,
forming more public part of
the garden, were known
together as the Faiz Baksh
(the Bestower of Plenty).
Eighteen feet wide, 800
feet long, and 1.5 feet deep,
this was the most
commanding water channel
built in the Mughal gardens
This was merely the cross-axis in the lowest, most public,
terrace of the garden.
View from the lower terrace to upper terrace

36. HISTORY OF GARDENS 36
FAIZ BAKSH MIDDLE , LAHORE
The central level is the
most spectacular. The great
reservoir, 200 across, once
contained 152 fountains.
In the centre is a marble
platform, reached by a
narrow causeway.
Round the whole reservoir
runs a double paved path,
with a flower parterre.
The water flows through the southern pavilion by way of a
broad carved marble chute or chadar and at the bottom,
overhanging the water, is the emperor’s throne of white marble.

37. HISTORY OF GARDENS 37
FARAH BAKSH , LAHORE
The upper terrace at
Lahore was known as
the Farah Baksh( the
Bestower of Pleasure )
A broad canal led
from the river to the
garden, feeding
hundreds of fountains,
pools, and lushly
irrigated plantings.
The three terraces, the
central water axis, and
the marble waterfalls all
reflect the influence of
Kashmir.

38. HISTORY OF GARDENS 38
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
The mausoleum, instead of occupying the
central point stands at the north end just above
the river.
Each of the four quarters of the garden have
again been sub-divided into sixteen flower
beds by stone-paved raised pathways.
The tank has been arranged to perfectly
reflect the Taj in its waters.
At the centre of the garden, halfway
between the tomb and the gateway, stands a
raised marble lotus-tank with a cusped and
tree foiled border.
Two marble canals studded with fountains
and lined with cypress trees (symbolising
death) cross in the centre of the garden
dividing it into four equal squares.

39. HISTORY OF GARDENS 39
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
Modeled after the Persian
concept of earthly paradise, the
Taj exhibits elaborate renditions
of cut-stone architecture, water
chutes, standing pools, flowing
fountains, and plantings to
stimulate all the senses
Landscape artists at the Taj
attempted to translate the
perfection of heaven into
terrestrial terms by following
certain formulas.
In Islam, four is the holiest of all numbers - most arrangements of the
Taj are based on that number or its multiples - and the gardens were
thus laid out in the quadrate plan.

40. HISTORY OF GARDENS 40
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA
The star shaped pattern of the
parterres is preserved along the
main canal.
The architects designed a clever
system to procure water for the Taj
through underground pipes
To ensure uniform and
undiminished water pressure in the
fountains, irrespective of the
distance and the outflow of water, a
copper pot was provided under
each fountain pipe
The floral inlays, possibly the
outstanding decorative feature,
are world renowned.

41. HISTORY OF GARDENS 41
PINJORE GARDENS, HARYANA
Nawab Fidai Khan, a cousin of
Aurangzeb, and an architect of repute
planned the architecture of the
gardens.
He planned the Garden on the
classical Charbagh pattern, giving the
area central waterway.
Both sides of this waterway were
covered with the patches of green
bordered with flowers and shaded by
plants like the traditional Palm, the
Cypress and Magnolia. Romantic Sunset at Pinjore

42. HISTORY OF GARDENS 42
PINJORE GARDENS, HARYANA
The seven terraces at Pinjore,
instead of ascending, descend into the
distance.
From the stately Sheesh Mahal
built in the Rajasthani–Mughal style,
the watercourse with its never-ending
bubbling cascades, flowing under the
towering Rang Mahal, and then
around the Jal Mahal.
The graceful arched balconies and
tinkling fountains, luxuriant green
lawns and murmuring watercourse,
and colourful flowerbeds, and
monumental gateways—all were
carefully planned to create a special
effect.

43. HISTORY OF GARDENS 43
METAMORPHOSIS
Narrow rills developed into wider canals and great tanks- to enjoy the cool air
generated by large sheets of water and its need in Indian heat.
Transformation from simple stone thrones in the water channels of Nishat and
Shalamar to elaborate building set in centre of great tanks surrounded by sprouting
jets of water.
Another Persian feature which persisted in the earlier Mughal Gardens was the
underground room but as the new comer adjusted to the surroundings they
delighted more in life in open air.
Single jets from Persian tanks developed into hundreds of fountains.
Level Landscape to contoured landscape indicative of increasing magnificence
and simplicity.
Water from its simple existence as channels and tanks were found in great
fountains and cascades.

44. HISTORY OF GARDENS 44
In early 15th C., merchants in Florence began to build villas or farms
on the surrounding hills. The earliest Renaissance garden were at
first in the formal enclosed tradition but gradually a view was
allowed into the garden through a hole in the wall. As a natural view
became more important the enclosures were swept away and the hill
side gardens were allowed to stretch through the Olive groves and
vineyards.
ITALIAN LANDSCAPE

45. HISTORY OF GARDENS 45
During 16th C., in Rome, architect Bramante designed a Papal
Garden within the Vatican.
This was the fore-runner of High Renaissance style, with a
magnificent arrangement of steps and terraces, which became a
prototype of everything that followed.
From then on, the
garden design had
terraces at different
levels retained by
walls and
interconnected by
grand staircases.

46. HISTORY OF GARDENS 46
Water remained as a major feature, but in more engineered form. It
was pressurised and used spectacularly, progressing down an incline
or displayed in an elaborate fountain.
While these renaissance gardens were cool retreat with shade and
water of great importance, they were also show places where
vegetation were deliberately manipulated.
The Italians were
the first to make
decorative use of
plants with
HEDGES to link
the house and
garden
structurally.

47. HISTORY OF GARDENS 47
Two Great Gardens:
1. Villa d Este, Tivoli
2. Villa Lante

48. HISTORY OF GARDENS 48
Villa d Este, Tivoli, Italy
Villa d‘ Este overlooking beautiful Lake Como.
The villa is actually situated in the town of
Cernobbio (pronounced 'chair-know-bee-oh')
With hilly terrain as the
natural landform, the garden
was laid out in terraces with
ornamental vegetative patterns
Made to use the slopes.

49. HISTORY OF GARDENS 49
Villa d Este, Tivoli, Italy
Villa d Este, 16th C.
garden of
Renaissance Italy:
Ridges and high
Points tend to segment
the land
Into separate spaces
and use areas
In the form of terraces.

50. HISTORY OF GARDENS 50

51. HISTORY OF GARDENS 51
Water provides a great
Spectacle with grand
Displays such as these:
Cascading down
terraces which are
carved out of hill sides
And create a dramatic
water fall.
Terraces are edged
with balustrades and
the theatrical setting is
complemented by
statuaries – readily
available from ancient
Roman sites.

52. HISTORY OF GARDENS 52

53. HISTORY OF GARDENS 53

54. HISTORY OF GARDENS 54
Water in various moods of dynamicity:
Shooting up, falling gracefully,
Gushing with rage etc.

55. HISTORY OF GARDENS 55
Villa Lante

56. HISTORY OF GARDENS 56
Lavish use of carved stone
Sculptures integrated with
water and vegetation.

57. HISTORY OF GARDENS 57
FRENCH LANDSCAPE
Some Great Gardens of Renaissance France:
1.Villandry
2.Vaux Le Vicomte
3.Versailles
The Renaissance movement originating in Italy spread Northwards,
together with increased knowledge about plants and their cultivation.
In France, the small formal gardens within the walls of moated
cha^teau moved outside becoming more grander in scope.
Dictated by the natural landform of flat plain terrains of France,
Large expanses of water body or grass areas were possible to create.
The style remained geometric, as the original pattern of formal beds
Within a grid system of paths was simply repeated in order to enlarge
The garden.

58. HISTORY OF GARDENS 58
Chateau Garden at Villandry, France
Geometric garden with intricate parterres of clipped box-hedges
And vegetables grown for their colour, beauty and consumption.

59. HISTORY OF GARDENS 59
Vaux-Le Vicomte: Location
In 17th C., Andre Le Notre changed
French garden planning
significantly. With Vaux-le-
Vicomte in 1661, he established a
style that was to influence the
whole of Europe for a century.
His layout was still very
geometrical and formal, but they
became much more elaborate and
interesting with long magnificent
vistas, pools or rectangular canals
and grand water parterres.

60. HISTORY OF GARDENS 60
Vaux Le Vicomte

61. HISTORY OF GARDENS 61

62. HISTORY OF GARDENS 62

63. HISTORY OF GARDENS 63

64. HISTORY OF GARDENS 64

65. HISTORY OF GARDENS 65
Another distinctive character
Was the hedge lined avenues
Which fanned out through the
Surrounding forest known as
Pattes d’oie (Goose feet).

66. HISTORY OF GARDENS 66

67. HISTORY OF GARDENS 67

68. HISTORY OF GARDENS 68

69. HISTORY OF GARDENS 69
VERSAILLES
Versailles, the 17th Century
French Renaissance
Garden:
In the context of the flat
topography of France,
landform at Versailles
Functions as a unifying
factor, visually and
functionally, Connecting
other components in the
landscape e.g. Vista
formation

70. HISTORY OF GARDENS 70
Location of Versailles

71. HISTORY OF GARDENS 71
The Grand Canal
Le Notre was appointed royal landscape architect to King Louis
XIV & The garden at VERSAILLES is his best creation.
•In concept, it was a vast outdoor drawing room, intended for the
entertainment of a court of thousands.
•Canals and display water,clipped and trained vegetation,
Statuaries and the elaborate parterres provided visual interest.

72. HISTORY OF GARDENS 72
A grand royal garden laid out in monumental scale.

73. HISTORY OF GARDENS 73
View of the landscape

74. 74
Latona Fountain
Apollo Fountain Tapis vert or Grass Carpet

75. HISTORY OF GARDENS 75

76. HISTORY OF GARDENS 76

77. HISTORY OF GARDENS 77
View of the Grand Canal across Latona fountain

78. HISTORY OF GARDENS 78
Apollo Fountain
Parterres

79. HISTORY OF GARDENS 79
ENGLISH LANDSCAPE
The gardens of English royalty and aristocracy were developed on
the lines of Italian and French Renaissance layouts during the 16th &
17th C. They were less rigorously formal as the English climate is
more conducive to mixed planting. There was also a developing
interest in horticulture and emphasis on flowers grown for their
appearance rather than for culinary or medicinal use.

80. HISTORY OF GARDENS 80
Early English Gardens
One of the first gardens in the grand formal
Style was at Hampton Court Palace, later
emulated by all the nobility.
The flower beds were laid out in a knot-
garden pattern and other characteristics
included mazes, gazebos, topiary, sun-
dials, trellis and arbour. Vegetable gardens
were usually walled and separate from the
main garden.
After 1660, the influence of Versailles
reflected in the replacement of simple
knots by grand parterres, gentle fountains
by vast lakes and canals, while broad
beech-lined avenues stretched out to the
horizon.

81. HISTORY OF GARDENS 81
Sheffield Park
The Great Garden of Stourhead
During the 18th C., influenced by writers,
landscape painters & philosophers, the
English Landscape Movement reacted
Against the artificiality of formal gardens.
It professed the curved lines and irregularity
of nature and the idea of a romantic natural garden. Formal gardens were entirely swept
away by this new school of thought.
With William Kent as the pioneer of this movement, followed by Lancelot Brown and
Humphrey Repton, contours were altered, hills built and valleys excavated, straight paths
were abandoned and straight canals turned into serpentine lakes.
Garden of Stourhead

82. HISTORY OF GARDENS 82
The Garden of Stowe

83. HISTORY OF GARDENS 83
William Kent 1685 - 1748
William Kent was born in Bridlington, East Yorkshire.
He firstly trained as a sign painter then progressed to
landscape painting, followed by architecture.
Through his architectural commissions Kent moved
onto developing the surrounding landscape.
He had a vision that all landscape should be
viewed as a classical painting remarking that
‘all gardening is landscape painting’, with
sympathetic arrangements to maximise the
artistic effects of shape, light and colour.

84. HISTORY OF GARDENS 84
Kent ’s career as a landscape designer proved very
successful and he is viewed as the master of the
‘picturesque’ and ‘natural’ gardening style.
It was William Kent who provided the grounding
for the illustrious career of Lancelot ‘Capability’
Brown who for a time worked under his direction
at Stowe.
Kent’s most famous and unique garden can be
found at Rousham House, the gardens remaining
much as he had planned them almost 300 years
later.

85. HISTORY OF GARDENS 85
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown
1716 – 1783
Lancelot Brown was born in Northumberland.
A move to Buckinghamshire in 1739 led to
employment by Lord Cobham at Stowe in 1741,
where his job as head gardener lasted for 10 long
years.
It was here at Stowe that gave Brown the
opportunity to work with William Kent and John
Vanbrugh, and see great works carried out there
under the overall direction of Kent.

86. HISTORY OF GARDENS 86
Lancelot Brown was a leader in the development
of the ‘natural’, ‘English’ or ‘serpentine’ style of
gardening.
In 1751, Brown became an independent landscape gardener,
although he described himself as a ‘place-maker’ rather than a
landscape gardener, and quickly became very fashionable and in
great demand.
Lancelot Brown became known as ‘Capability’ because of his
fondness of speaking of a country estate having a great
‘capability’ for improvement.
He rejected the very formal geometric French style of gardening,
a la Versailles, and concentrated on echoing the natural
undulations of the English landscape.
Characteristics of his work included grass meadows in front of the
mansion, serpentine lakes, follies, encircling carriage drives, belts
and circular clumps of trees. Bridges or cascades often were
used to connect the ‘natural’ lakes.

87. HISTORY OF GARDENS 87
Humphrey Repton 1752-1818
Repton was born in Bury St. Edmunds in 1752, the son of a
successful tax collector.
His real passions were botany, entomology and gardening and he
wished to have a career in which he could enjoy these interests.
Repton spent some time in Ireland working as private secretary to
William Windham, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland . It was here that he
made many acquaintances which, when he returned to Essex , he
called upon offering his services as an ‘improver of the landscape’.
As a result he soon had a steady flow of work. Repton returned to
England determined to become a worthy successor to Capability
Brown.
Repton’s style continued on from Brown’s as he included a vision of
the house and how it was placed with relation to the landscape
surrounding it.

88. HISTORY OF GARDENS 88
Repton saw gardening as an art form with the landscape as his
canvas, his ideal being natural beauty enhanced by art.
Repton carried on the landscape gardening skills developed by
Brown, introducing terracing to the foreground and gravel walks.
He also reintroduced the flower bed and separate flower
gardens.
Repton outlined his principles of landscape gardening in his book
‘Observations on the Theory and Practice of Landscape
Gardening’ -
“The perfection of landscape gardening consists in the four
following requisites. First, it must display the natural beauties
and hide the defects of every situation. Secondly, it should give
the appearance of extent and freedom by carefully disguising or
hiding the boundary. Thirdly, it must studiously conceal every
interference of art. However expensive by which the natural
scenery is improved; making the whole appear the production of
nature only; and fourthly, all objects of mere convenience or
comfort, if incapable of being made ornamental, or of becoming
proper parts of the general scenery, must be removed or
concealed”.

89. HISTORY OF GARDENS 89
Repton also published a book called ‘Sketches and Hints on
Landscape Gardening’(1795). These books were based on his
findings during his prolific career.
For every client Repton would keep a record in a red leather
bound book detailing proposals for changes, maps, plans,
drawings, watercolours and before and after sketches. These
became known as his famous Red Books some of which
survive, leaving a legacy of innovative ideas and helping to
shape a new ideology which remains a part of modern day
landscaping practice.
Repton undertook over four hundred commissions during his
thirty year career working on many important stately homes.
One Repton garden, largely unchanged, can be viewed at
Betchworth House in Surrey . Others include ; Ashridge,
Cobham Hall, Dyrham Park, Harewood House, Longleat,
Brighton Royal Pavilion, Sheringham Park, Tatton Park and
Woburn Abbey.

90. HISTORY OF GARDENS 90
JAPANESE LANDSCAPE

91. HISTORY OF GARDENS 91
The most important characteristic of the Japanese
Garden is their expression of the ESSENCE OF
NATURE, rather than its mere representation.

92. HISTORY OF GARDENS 92
The Japanese designer composes his garden picture from
nature, reproducing in an exaggerated form the impression he
obtains from it in the given space.

93. HISTORY OF GARDENS 93
Boundary Treatment

94. HISTORY OF GARDENS 94
•HILL GARDEN
•FLAT GARDEN
•TEA GARDEN

95. HISTORY OF GARDENS 95
HILL GARDEN
The hill garden features a hill,
with which are usually
combined a pond and a stream.
~ requires large ground areas
Tree plantation:
•Substantial equality of appearance through out the year…
evergreen trees interspersed with flowering trees and
Japanese Maple (famous for its autumnal hues).
•Background lined by evergreens along the garden
periphery.
•Pine trees fashioned into fine shapes, as picturesque as
those of ‘bonsai’s or pot plants.

96. HISTORY OF GARDENS 96
FLAT GARDENS
~ are those laid on flat terrains
and believed that the scenic
features of the sea, lake or pond
are taken as inspiration.
While the HILL GARDEN is said
to represent the mountains or
valleys, the FLAT GARDEN
represents the coast or island.
Stone groups in a flat garden represent island
of varying size.

97. HISTORY OF GARDENS 97
~ not have any ups or downs and
the monotony is relieved by stones and trees, and
further complexity is effected by either a well, a
water-basin or some stepping stones.

98. HISTORY OF GARDENS 98

99. HISTORY OF GARDENS 99
TEA GARDENS
~ are gardens attached to tea-houses, and in their design, the issue
of utility plays an important part –
-to reflect the rites required to be observed by the guests
-It is divided into two sections:
-Outer garden or ‘Soto-roji’
-Inner garden or ‘uchi-roji’
-The outer garden has a waiting place, a small edifice for guests’
waiting.
-Provision for washing hands in a water-basin and a stone lantern
for illumination

100. HISTORY OF GARDENS 100
Pathway leads to the inner
garden, entry marked with
a simple Gate
Inner garden consists of the
tea-house, a rest place
called ‘koshikake’ and a
convenience.
A second water-basin,
placed low on the ground,
for rinsing mouth.
Path, water-basin and rest place are all lit with stone lanterns.
Tree plantation:
HARMONY is preferred. Both evergreen & deciduous trees may be
used, but not made imposing…
Outer garden is aesthetically in contrast to the inner garden…..
Outer garden may be fully exposed to sun-light (deciduous trees),
Inner garden will be darkened by shadowy trees (evergreen)

101. HISTORY OF GARDENS 101
ELEMENTS:
1. Water
Pond
Stream
Waterfall
Wells
2. Islands
3. Bridges
4. Stones
5. Fences
6. Stone lanterns
7. Water-basins
8. Garden paths:
stepping stones/
paved path

102. HISTORY OF GARDENS 102
Ryoan-ji

103. HISTORY OF GARDENS 103

104. HISTORY OF GARDENS 104

105. HISTORY OF GARDENS 105
Religious
Buildings &
Landscapes

106. HISTORY OF GARDENS 106
Mount Fuji (Fuji san) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. has been
worshipped as the GOD.
Venue: Gotemba

107. HISTORY OF GARDENS 107
Revered as the living god Takosugi, a very old cedar tree.
Venue: Mt Takao

108. HISTORY OF GARDENS 108
Divine Figures outside Temple
Venue: Mt Takao

109. HISTORY OF GARDENS 109
Other statues outside Temple
Venue: Mt Takao

110. HISTORY OF GARDENS 110
Close-up of the statues

111. HISTORY OF GARDENS 111
Kamisama or God in Japanese

112. HISTORY OF GARDENS 112
Life and Times of Lord Buddha

113. HISTORY OF GARDENS 113
Kamisama or God in Japanese.

114. HISTORY OF GARDENS 114
Wishes offered to God by devotees.

115. HISTORY OF GARDENS 115
Divine Inscriptions

116. HISTORY OF GARDENS 116
Protectors Outside the Temple

117. HISTORY OF GARDENS 117
Protectors Outside the Temple

118. HISTORY OF GARDENS 118
Largest Bronze Buddha Statue outside Temple in Japan.
Venue: Kamakura

119. HISTORY OF GARDENS 119
Shrine in Kamakura
Venue: Kamakura

120. HISTORY OF GARDENS 120
The World Heritage Toshogu shrine
Venue: Nikko

121. HISTORY OF GARDENS 121
Shinkyo or the sacred bridge
Venue: Nikko

122. HISTORY OF GARDENS 122
The Famous opening Torii of Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

123. HISTORY OF GARDENS 123
The series of Torii in Fushimi
Inari Shrine

124. HISTORY OF GARDENS 124
The series of Torii in Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

125. HISTORY OF GARDENS 125
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

126. HISTORY OF GARDENS 126
Main Building Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

127. HISTORY OF GARDENS 127
Fushimi Inari Shrine

128. HISTORY OF GARDENS 128
Deity at mountain top Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

129. HISTORY OF GARDENS 129
Deity at mountain top Fushimi Inari Shrine
Venue: Kyoto

130. HISTORY OF GARDENS 130
Inside the premises of KinKakuji or Golden Pavilion
Venue: Kyoto

131. HISTORY OF GARDENS 131
KinKakuji or Golden Pavilion

132. HISTORY OF GARDENS 132
Inside KinKakuji or Golden Pavilion
Venue: Kyoto

133. HISTORY OF GARDENS 133
Inside KinKakuji or Golden Pavilion

134. HISTORY OF GARDENS 134
Ryoanji or Zen Temple
Venue: Kyoto

135. HISTORY OF GARDENS 135
The famous Zen Rock Garden
Venue: Kyoto

136. HISTORY OF GARDENS 136
Plan of Ryoanji The famous Rock Garden

137. HISTORY OF GARDENS 137
Tsukubai, water basin, in Ryoan-ji
Venue: Kyoto

138. HISTORY OF GARDENS 138
Kyu-Mizu-Dera or Temple of Pure Water
Venue: Kyoto

139. HISTORY OF GARDENS 139
Entrance of the Kyu-Mizu-Dera or Temple of Pure Water
Venue: Kyoto

140. HISTORY OF GARDENS 140
Kyu-Mizu-Dera or Temple of Pure Water
Venue: Kyoto

141. HISTORY OF GARDENS 141
The three streams of Kyo-Mizu Dera represents , longevity, love and wealth.

142. HISTORY OF GARDENS 142
Venue: Nara
Todaiji Temple

143. HISTORY OF GARDENS 143
Venue: Nara
Entrance of the , Todaiji temple Nara

144. HISTORY OF GARDENS 144
Guards at the Entrance of the , Todaiji temple Nara
Venue: Nara

145. HISTORY OF GARDENS 145
Venue: Nara
Inside the Shrine in Nara

146. HISTORY OF GARDENS 146
Venue: Hiroshima
The famous Torii of Itkushima Shrine

147. HISTORY OF GARDENS 147
Venue: Hiroshima
Inside the Itkushima Shrine

148. HISTORY OF GARDENS 148
Inside the Itkushima Shrine

149. HISTORY OF GARDENS 149
LIGHTING
To illuminate different landscape elements like plants, landform, pools
and other water features, man-made structures and sculptures etc. to
dramatize the overall visual composition.
Daytime gives no hint of how lighting
Will transform this yard at night.
In darkness, the shoji acts as a giant
projection screen, showing silhouettes of
banana trees positioned behind it.

150. HISTORY OF GARDENS 150
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT

151. HISTORY OF GARDENS 151
ITALIAN / MUGHAL
The starting point of the Italian
garden is the house from which the
garden extends into the landscape.
The Mughal garden is a dwelling
place in its own right not
necessarily connected with the
palace or house.
While the use of water as a a central theme is
shared by both, their attitude to it is quite
different.The Mughal relies on the form and quality
of water, keeping container simple. In Italian
gardens the water gushes from carved figures and
flows into wrought basins. The intricate carving of
the chaddar in the Mughal garden is designed to
give shape to the falling water.

152. HISTORY OF GARDENS 152
FRENCH & JAPANESE/
MUGHAL
French & Mughal:
Both served as
setting for court
ceremonials
Japanese and
Mughal: The similarity
between Mughal garden
makers and Japanese
garden makers is that
both loved plants,
respected nature and
were influenced by
religion.
But whereas the
Japanese Buddhism
worked through the
sanctity of living forms
the Muslim religion
stresses geometric
form.
But Mughal
gardens also
provided space for
seclusion and
informal living.