16.02.2014

            Gardens have always been an intrinsic part of European culture due to their tie to religion, relaxation, pleasure, and society. Throughout European history, gardens have played an integral role in society, and as societies have grown and transitioned, a few things have remained the same. People have always needed to eat, they have always needed a place to escape and relax, a place to have fun, and a type of connection with nature. Therefore, gardens are totally interwoven with European society since they can serve all these purposes. When discussing gardens it is important to remember there are different types and sizes of gardens. Some of these gardens include, parks, orchards, and herbers. Based on their size and function, the various types of gardens can be used for different purposes and by different people in European culture.

            Historically, gardens have been a benefit and pleasure for the upper class to enjoy. The Romans were some of the first Europeans to really explore gardens to their fullest extent. They expanded on the Greek’s idea of the peristyle but instead, placed a garden in the middle courtyard. Romans believed in otium, where they spent leisure time doing activities that were artistically or academically valuable or enlightening. This could include activities such as writing, painting, or discussing philosophy. Gardens were often the perfect location to spend such a time. This represents the relaxation or the idea of a “safe haven” that gardens supply.

Example of a peristyle

            As previously mentioned, gardens have often been a luxury of the upper class, and many people also used their gardens as a way to showoff their wealth. Gardens became a sort of exhibition where people could flaunt their statues, plants, water features, and other such items. 

Image of Versailles Gardens

During the medieval times, gardens also represented spaces for romantic and courtly love. The religious aspect and symbolism gardens held also contributed to their intrinsic nature in European culture. This was especially important due to the prominent role of religion throughout European history. When considering Christianity, gardens are very important, and the Garden of Eden is a great example. Many gardens would have elements such as a fountain and an evergreen tree, representing the fountain and tree of knowledge of good and evil from the biblical text. The Virgin Mary also became attributed to gardens, which gave gardens another aspect of religious significance and importance.

            Lastly, the utilitarian use of gardens cannot be overlooked. Some of the main purposes and functions of gardens have been utilitarian, such as a source of food for the owner of the garden. Unlike many of the large-scale, ornamental gardens, people from different classes could enjoy these utilitarian gardens. One did not need to be in the upper class to have an herb or vegetable garden. Overall, gardens have been highly connected to European culture throughout time. Gardens have been an intrinsic part of European culture due to people’s desire for a place of peace and pleasure, the religious connotation and symbolism gardens hold, and the utilitarian use as well. 

Sources:

https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/leach/www/c414/gardens.html

http://holidayandtraveleurope.blogspot.dk/2013/02/france-versailles-gardens.html