The idea of a landscape company is relatively new but the art is nowhere close to being a recent discovery. Though it may seem like a modern invention, public and residential landscaping has been practiced throughout history for hundreds of years by many different cultures. For each culture, landscaping represented something different and was made up of different elements.
Basic Elements of Landscaping
Before we get into the long history of landscaping, let’s first take a look at the elements included in lawns and gardens throughout the years. These elements can be broken into two different categories: softscaping and hardscaping. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. This includes trees, flowers, plants, shrubs, and others. Hardscape elements are non-living additions like water features, paths, statues, patios, and more. Both softscape and hardscape pieces are used in landscape design. Each type plays a distinct role in the landscape and each works with the other to create the intended ambiance.
European Gardens
Many people believe that landscaping rose to popularity during the ancient Roman era. The garden, back then, was an area devoted to peace and served as an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These gardens were usually designed based around religious and symbolic elements and often held both softscape and hardscape elements. Roman gardens were highly influenced by Greek, Egyptian, and Persian gardening techniques.
Unfortunately, the art of landscaping got lost somewhere during the middle ages and emerged to popularity again during the Renaissance period. Landscaping in Italy during this time period grew from basic gardens to outdoor piazzas and elaborate villas. Prevalence only grew and designs became more sophisticated and ornate. In the 17th century France, we have such high end landscaping examples as the gardens at Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, designed by Andre le Notre.
These two designs alone inspired a whole generation of 18th-century landscapers in England, including William Kent and Lancelot Capability Brown. These men created multiple large parks, remodeled the grounds at Blenheim Palace, and incorporated architecture in order to work with and imitate nature.
Islamic Gardens
The Islamic gardens in the middle east were zones created for rest, reflection, and to serve as a reminder of paradise. The idea of paradise revolved around water, fruit trees, flowers, and shade. Unlike many European gardens that were created for walking, these gardens were made for peaceful contemplation and sitting. These gardens were also often enclosed in order to shut out the roughness of the surrounding land. Man made canopies and pavilions offered shade. Islamic gardens also featured ornate architecture that often showcased fractal geometry and domes.
Asian Gardens
The gardens and landscaping of Asian countries have been well-documented (and some well-preserved) throughout the years. In Japan, landscapes were typically influenced by the major religions of the day. This included Shintoism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism. The Japanese gardens, including rock gardens and zen gardens, were created as places for quiet reflection or meditation. Japanese gardens were made to represent the peacefulness of nature and provide people a place to silently look back on themselves. Often, these gardens included water features, waterfalls, stones, bridges, trees, and plants.
The gardens of China were built for visitors to contemplate nature, both alone and socially. They were called the Chinese Scholar’s Garden. They were designed to offer a spiritual utopia. People could go to these gardens to reconnect with nature, become one with one’s heart, and re-establish ancient idealism. In order to be considered a genuine garden, the landscaping needed to be designed and built according to 17 necessary elements. Plants in these gardens were symbolic. The most common were bamboo, which was used in every Chinese garden. Bamboo represents strength and resilience of character.
Malaysian gardens are also known as Neo Nusantara traditional gardens. These focus showcase outdoor living designs inspired by Malaysian crafts and culture. These gardens serve as a peaceful sanctuary where one can relax and refresh their senses. This style of landscape has been adopted by many around the world.
North American Landscapes
Many North American landscapes were influenced by Sir Humphry Repton, who created both the Birkenhead Park and Victoria Park in Liverpool. However, the two parks greatly influenced landscape architecture in Canada and the United States.
However, it was Frederick Law Olmsted that was named the “Father of American Landscape Architecture.” Even though he initially rejected the title at first, his styles gradually seeped into American architectures, including the U.S. Capitol Grounds and Central Park in New York. He famously used a concept on functional, well-designed parks with plenty of green pastures among the city buildings. He also founded the American Society of Landscape Architects in New York in 1899. This group represented the majority of architects in based in the United States. Eventually, Frederick Law Olmsted’s son took his first course in landscape architecture in 1900 at Harvard University, following his father’s footsteps.
The major movement that he created began to influence city architecture in the 20th century, which led to the L’Enfant Plan in 1901. From then on, Cleveland and Chicago began using landscape architects to develop and create urban parks and residencies. In the 1902’s urban planning became its own degree program from landscape architecture. However, landscape architecture even today plays a large role in both urban design and planning.
The history of landscaping is long and rich. Outdoor spaces meant different things for different people around the world, though many recognized the relaxing effect nature can have. From ancient Asia to current day America, high end landscaping is still going strong, though nowadays the focus is on residential landscaping. No matter where in the world or when in time, landscaping has played a mighty role.
A landscape company like K&D Landscaping can help you to transform your yard into the green space of your dreams. Regardless of your style, you will likely incorporate elements of the past into your residential landscaping. Contact K&D Landscaping today for more information about high end landscaping.