Post #10

Throughout the semester we studied and examined a vast variety of garden styles and structures throughout European history. The range of garden forms I have found quite interesting and intriguing. Watching the transition of styles, plant types, and uses of gardens really goes to show the wide diversity of garden art history. It has been quite fascinating to learn about, and many of these elements of gardens I had not considered in the past. Even though I enjoyed study all the different types of gardens, the arts and crafts gardens were my favorite.

There is something so appealing about the way the formal and informal are meshed together in this style. The way the plants appear to grow freely, but in fact are methodically arranged and planned out. These gardens by Jekyll and Lutyens were so captivating and so realistic for people’s homes. I really appreciated the importance of Kent and Capability Brown’s work, but there is something to be said for creating a beautiful garden a home and not an estate.

In my future home, I hope to have a garden that resembles something along the lines of an arts and crafts garden. The meandering paths and herbaceous boarders can give one the feeling of getting lost in the garden, while still having it controlled and maintained. I love the appeared randomness of the planting Jekyll creates in her gardens when she mixes up the different textures, heights, and colors of plants. This element makes each arts and crafts garden appear more unique, which I really value. I think each garden should have it’s own feeling, it’s own design, and it’s own layout. Gardens should not be cookie-cutter plans as we saw with the gardens during the Italian Renaissance. Arts and crafts gardens need to work with the genius of the location, which I think is a more respectable way of creating gardens.

Sources:

http://www.gardenvisit.com/history_theory/library_online_ebooks/tom_turner_english_garden_design/nineteenth_and_twentith_century

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02248/rodmarton1_2248169b.jpg

Post #9: Arts and Crafts Gardens

Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens finally settled the debate over who was in charge of the garden design that was fought and debated during the Battle of Styles. This Arts and Crafts movement took off and had a real focus on aesthetic beauty. Jekyll’s naturalistic planting coupled with Lutyens’s geometric designs solved the controversy of the Battle of Styles, since their work was both irregular and formal. The beautiful partnership between Jekyll and Lutyens led to the creation of many stunning homes and gardens that allowed both the garden designer and the architect to work together to create this new style. In their early years, the duo worked on Jekyll’s house at Munstead Wood.

Example of a herbaceous border at Munstead Wood

They created a new English Garden and provoked a new generation of gardeners. They were always interested in the genius of a place, more so than the desires of the owners. When designing they worked with the specific location in mind and they often used local materials in local ways. Some of their specific forms and contents include rectangular flower borders with long drifts. Jekyll also used the herbaceous border quite often. She is responsible for its resurge in popularity. Some people think that she invented the herbaceous border, but that is not true. She rediscovered it, but she actually preferred to call it the “flower-border” instead.

Jekyll paid close attention to color theory, and applied painting techniques for the coloration and planning of the gardens. This fully reflects the ideas of the arts and crafts movement being focused on aesthetic beauty.

More Information:

http://www.the-secretgardens.co.uk/lutyens-jekyll/

Photo Sources:

http://www.mygardenersguide.com/images/gallery/DSC_8159.JPG

http://blogmedia.designpublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gjtwo.jpg                  

http://ced.berkeley.edu/cedarchives/exhibitions/archive/fullsize/gj_1955-1_jekyll_1_bbc773f5b9.jpg

Post #8: Battle of the Styles

William Robinson

During the last quarter of the 19^th century, there was a Battle of the Styles over the future of garden designs. The main two characters in the Battle were William Robinson on one side, and Sedding and Sir Reginal Blomfield on the other. Robinson believed that horticulturists should be the ones responsible for designing gardens, not architects. As a gardener himself, he thought gardens could be independent and not simply stand as ornamentation to the architecture of a house. He also was very interested in having more natural looking gardens. Now that is not to say he wanted landscapes like Kent, because he certainly did not. Rather, he wanted to stay away from the highly formalized garden structures. He believed Versailles and Crystal Palace represented the evils of gardening. Robinson also had a vested interest in naturally grouping hardy plants, and he also enjoyed having exotic plants in gardens.

Sir Reginald Blomfield

On the opposing side of the battlefield were the architects. J. D. Sedding and Sir Reginald Blomfield believed that garden design should be based around the architecture of the building. They also believed in more formal gardening styles and techniques. Unfortunately, Sedding died before the publication of his book Garden Craft Old and New. Therefore, he was not able to defend Robinson’s attack on the work. Then, Blomfield came to play and stood up for the architects in this battle.

Both sides were very invested in their cases and refused to compromise. Therefore, in the end, it was not an architect or a gardener that won, but the collaboration of architects and gardeners. Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens represent this perfect union of architect and gardener. They were able to achieve something greater than what either side could have achieved on their own.

Sir Edwin Lutyens

Gertrude Jekyll

Image sources:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Blomfield-1921.jpg/220px-Blomfield-1921.jpg

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01075/gardening-graphics_1075750a.jpg

http://marymarthatours.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/clip_image0042.jpg

http://www.thecultureconcept.com/circle/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/U277583INP.jpg

Post #7: Field Study

Here in the 21^st century, it can seem nearly impossible to escape the crazy bustle of cities. With pavement and buildings covering every block, the idea of nature can begin to feel foreign. For this reason we need urban greenspaces. People need a place to walk, run, sit, or simply escape into nature. Copenhagen has done a wonderful job transforming their greenspaces and keeping them relevant and beneficial for the 21^st century urban citizens.

Ørstedsparken

The first park we visited was Ørstedsparken. This park still maintains elements of the old fortifications. For instance, part of the old moat now serves as the lake that runs through the park. The park itself is very effortless and pleasant. The meandering paths, simple foliage, and statues scattered throughout are very pleasing to the eye. Citizens use the park for leisure activities. There is a stage where people can put on performances, picnic tables and benches to sit at, and a café for people eat or drink. The park is very inviting and on sunny days is full of people.

Botanisk Have

Our next stop was Botanisk Have. I have visited the botanical garden multiple times, and I always enjoy going back. I remember my first time to the garden I was shocked that it was free. This made me think the garden really is a greenspace open to the public and encourages citizens to use the space. People can still go to walk around, sit in the grass and relax by the lake, as they could at most parks. However, they can also observe the different exotic plants or go inside the green houses. This gives people a way to experience plants that they would not get to see in any other park in Denmark.

 

 Østre Anlæg

Our third stop, Østre Anlæg, was one of my favorites. There were multiple viewpoints and all sorts of things to do. The first two parks we visited were very open and could pretty much be seen from one viewpoint. Østre Anlæg, on the other hand, had many different paths and areas. This park had play equipment for children, places to play sports, and a flower garden to sit or explore. These are all appealing aspects for people of all different ages, which is a very important element for an urban greenspace.

 

Kastellet

We ended our trip at Kastellet. It’s Europe’s oldest military base that is still in operation. This park did not seem quite as inviting as the other parks did. Most of the people there were running and using the space as a workout location. Some people would walk through on their way to the Little Mermaid, but there were not as many attractions that invited people to stay or explore the park. Since it’s still a military base it makes sense that the greenspace encourages people to pass through but not linger. Overall, all of these different greenspaces have important roles and are still being used in the 21^st century. Copenhagen has done a fabulous job of keeping these parks and gardens relevant and useful for all of its citizens.

Sources:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Ørstedsparken_-_café.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Botanisk_have_drivhus_1.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Østre_Anlæg_og_Statens_Museum_for_Kunst.JPG

http://www.starforts.com/gr/kastellet.jpg

Post #6: Bridgeman, Kent, Brown

During the 18^th century, there was a large transition for English gardens, which lead to the English landscape movement. This transition can be seen due to the anti-French sentiment at the time, as well as the interest in neoclassicism and enlightenment ideas. The thought of evoking sensations through landscape became very important, as did the concept of ornamenting typical farmland. This push towards more natural landscapes and drawing away from the more formal gardens designs were led by the big players of this movement: Charles Bridgeman, William Kent, and "Capability" Brown.

 

Bridgeman's ha-ha

Charles Bridgeman is often seen as the transitional landscape designer who began to break tradition and stray away from the norms. The ideas of writers Addison and Pope greatly inspired him and his new take on the English landscape. Bridgeman’s single largest contribution to English landscape was the invention of the ha-ha. It was revolutionary for it’s time because it allowed the existing landscape to be part of and incorporated into the garden and constructed landscape. Bridgeman still used axis, but he also started incorporating meandering and curving lines in his landscapes. Kent and Brown built their ideas based on what Bridgeman discovered, but took them even further.

Kent's Rousham

William Kent began his studies as an artist, architect, and eventually transitioned into his most famous role as a garden designer. Kent’s works looks natural, but every aspect is manipulated, shaped, and contrived to give this beautiful, natural, look. Rousham is the only existing original Kent work that has not be touched by other landscape artists. Bridgeman originally designed the garden, but as the fashions changed, Kent redid the garden over Bridgeman’s work. This was very typical for the time, and Bridgeman, Kent, and Brown’s careers were greatly intertwined. They were physically building off of what the previous designer had created.

 

"Capability" Brown landscape

If you thought Kent’s landscapes looked natural, you would be shocked by “Capability” Brown’s work. He designed acres and acres of land in England, and often times people today do not even realize they are in a "Capability" Brown work. It looks so picturesque, perfect, and natural. However, every aspect and element is manipulated and designed. There are mixed feelings about his work because of how much he manipulated nature to make everything look perfect. However, his influence cannot be denied. He worked on over 300 commissions and designed numerous acres throughout England. All three of these innovative designers led to different developments in the English landscape movement, with their different styles, content, and purpose behind the designs.

Sources:

http://austenonly.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/p10803151.jpg https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBiimiWjg6xQmr79ecMSm4gB8yfCRtTGyH-W8RSyTi6Q3EkpGOvPDXzWpX3-ceaJy3BC5kPH5krruyzq3foSeHGjs7qlIfScG_xCOSg0Nw8pR-yn3ONx8mOJ3ocmC4nFyqH19atnuuBPW/s1600/Rousham11W.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDJOgxRx_vQq2TKhpT69nWhtPGnzi3vpK0jh038aAFDjzRyMZkgMR4yuPGltsFWbdRd1RT3zLXMOtHEVaG5ABrdbo4ZpSSkAQTEeRIPulqU_TXcFkyg6cGYnyt_YDFOFGJ9TM34Gkmsa_/s1600/CVerneyC.jpg

Post #5: Versailles

King Louis XIV

King Louis XIV decided to construct Versailles in a swampy area that was the sight of his father’s old hunting lodge. The original château was on a hill and Louis was told that was not a good location for a grand palace; however, he dismissed everyone’s concerns. Louis believed himself directly appointed by god, and like other 17^th century monarchs and nobody could tell him what to do. He would not hear of his palace being built anywhere else and he wanted the old house to remain untouched and have the new design incorporate the old building.

Even though the building itself is incredibly spectacular, the gardens of Versailles are just as important as the Château. Louis XIV commissioned André Le Nôtre to design the grand landscape of Versailles in 1661, which he made his true masterpiece. The creation of the gardens was a tremendous amount of work. The gardens are elaborate structures and inventively geometric, formal, and Nôtre did a fantastic job for creating a sense of cohesion thought out the massive gardens. The idea of a principal axis was incredible important for the gardens, and Nôtre found a way to make the axis into an indefinite distance and erasing all visible boundaries (p. 92). The huge number of flowerbeds, fountains, pools, sculptures, geometric topiary, and canals were substantial. Louis XIV even had mature trees from other parts of France uprooted and brought to Versailles because he did not wait to wait to have the trees grow in. Apollo was his inspiration, as seen by his nickname the Son God. Therefore, he had statues and references to Apollo thought the gardens.

           

 In 1682, Louis XIV moved the government and court to Versailles. He used Versailles as a place to impress foreign dignitaries with ceremonies, festivals and concerts. He had a great impact over the music, art, literature, and theater during his time. This grand estate was meant to show off in every possible way. The fact that Louis had Versailles built over this difficult marshland displayed his power over nature and it was a “symbol of monarchial magnificence” (p. 92).

Sources:

http://www.history.com/topics/louis-xiv

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/gardens-and-park-of-the-chateau-  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJzRWMEsCR8

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/history-/versailles-during-the-centuries/the-palace-construction/ andre-le-notre-1613-1700

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XIV_of_France (picture)

http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/280/cache/versailles-palace-and-garden_28028_600x450.jpg?01AD=3tHTkdfMT4EEktiaguFaX1LKo9r8rTHX7xx68ZD1_C8QEDtxjiR3AwQ&01RI=34E3B0A5DA32E2E&01NA=na (picture)

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQiQ-7yZeVanIiWrsTdiB7Pw9pQAkIlzyNM1R5ivENethfmPy5rQQAZr-5Gaut4ThTrSLWCaIG25a3gjzvaaaSpkhL-F15xKFww0Dybu0uULgjzZu3kU_tLgTDtwM9XF4QDs31NOJ-ow/s1600/Versailles+3.jpg (picture)

Post #4: Luxembourg Gardens

During this previous travel break, I took a short flight to Paris and spent some time exploring France. Unfortunately I was unable to visit Versailles, but I did have the opportunity to examine a few of the public gardens in Paris. One of the parks that caught my attention was Luxembourg Gardens, or Jardin du Luxembourg, which is the second largest public park in Paris.  The park is about 22.45 hectares, which is the equivalent to about 55 acres.[1] It is a very popular park, and when walking around, it appeared that people use the garden for lots of different activities. There were little kids racing boats in the octagonal, central fountain Grand Bassin, people on runs, kids playing on the playground, people in workout classes, and people just wandering around the park. There were even tennis courts, marry-go-rounds, and other such activities! 

This was slightly different than what we had learned in class about the function of parks, or even gardens. Typically, there tends to be an over arching use or function for the park or garden, such as a hunting park, an orchard, or a garden for otium and relaxation. Even though there are multiple purposes of Luxembourg Garden, the majority of them fell into the category of leisure activities.

The duke of Luxembourg originally owned the garden, and it was purchased by Marie de’ Medici in 1612. She spent much of her youth in Florence and used the Bobli garden at the Pitti Palace as inspiration for the Luxembourg Garden.[2] There are numerous flowerbeds throughout the park, which are formal, geometric, and enclosed. 

There are a number of impressive water features, and also a handful of statues spread throughout. Some of these statues come from Greek mythology, and there are a number that depict and honor French politicians, musicians, scientists, and other such people. However, there is also a smaller scaled version of The Statue of Liberty created by Auguste-Bartholdi himself.[3] Overall, I found this park very intriguing because it used a number of the elements we have learned about so far and applied them in a slightly different way, and also because we have not studied as many parks so far. 

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[1] http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71393/Jardin-du-Luxembourg

[2] http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=39

[3] http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/jardinduluxembourg.htm

Sources:

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/jardinduluxembourg.htm

http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71393/Jardin-du-Luxembourg

http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=39

http://www.shedexpedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/luxembourg-gardens-paris.jpg

http://recommend.travel/files/2013/02/Luxembourg-gardens-Darla-2.jpg