The History and Traditions of Landscaping

Below are a list of learning and assessment activities designed by users of this unit. Please include a brief description and general information for each activity.

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Session 1 - Orientations

Old push mowers. Image by Kim Thomas

Welcome ! This week we'll take an overview look at the unit and the assessment tasks.We will also identify the major characteristics of pre-17th century influences on typical gardens of this time period.

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and this course schedule and run through the assessment expectations and establish a hand in date for your assignment.
2. We also embark on a journey through time so we can start to identify the major characteristics of pre-17th century influences on landscapes/gardens.Hortykim has created this power point to guide you through significant garden styles of the pre 17th century which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Discussion topics which will help us understand this significant period in history may include the following:(If you are enjoying a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students then hard copies of related articles will be provided;if not try some of the resources suggested below.)

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the Neolithic Period

• What and when was the Neolithic Age? List some characteristics of this period.
• By what other names is this period known as?
• There are advantages and disadvantages to both lifestyles( food extraction via hunter gather means and food productions via permanent or seasonal settlements).List at least three advantages and three disadvantages for each approach.
• Why did a predominantly agricultural society dependent on domesticated crops and animals win out in the end?
• Are there still hunter and gatherers?Give some examples.
• Where is Mesopotamia and where is the earliest evidence of planned sowing of plants?List some of the first crops that were brought into cultivation during this time period of huge cultural and behavioral change.
• What type of tools would be used and what would they be made of?
• If you lived during this period what would your garden look like?Draw or create a montage that would best represent the lay-out,plants and landscape features of a garden in this time period.
• Use the resource material provided in class or sourced from your local library and complete the following activity:
• Create a time-line starting from 4.5 billion years ago...just kidding we will skip the very beginning and move through to you creating a time-line that starts from around 10,000 BC. The time line will be part of your assessment so hang onto it as you will be adding to it as we move through the history and traditions of landscaping.
• Example of a backward-looking logarithmic time line

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the Bronze Age

• When was the transition between the Neolithic age and The Bronze Age?
• What influences characterized this period in time?
• Where is the cradle of civilization?
• What does the word ghordos mean?
• When and how do we know about the first documented garden designs?
• Add the Bronze Age to your timeline and include the significant characteristics of this period in relation to gardens of this era.
• Sketch a garden concept plan for a pharaoh and try to include significant structures and plants.Research some specific information by looking at ancient Egyptian gardens created for leaders and high officials.For example, Queen Hatshepsut

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the Iron Age

• When was the transition between the The Bronze Age and Iron age?
• What influences characterized this period in time?
• Persian Gardens were developed as a direct response to an arid,hot climate-what would a typical Persian garden look like?
• Chahar Bāgh is one style of Persian Garden-list the characteristics that would explain the function and style of a Chahar Bagh.Do the same for Hayāt, Meidān, Park, and Bāgh.
• What is known about the style and function of Greek Gardens during this period?Please include information about The Gardens of the Academy,Theophrastus's Garden The Gardens of Epicurus and the garden on Hieron 2's pleasure vessel.(You can find some information in Thacker, C. , The History of Gardens, Reed,1979 pages 18 and 19).
• Theophrastus is said to be responsible for the world's first botanic garden-what are the titles of the two books he wrote on botany?
• What is known about the style and function of Egyptian Gardens during this period?
• What is known about the style and function of Roman gardens during this period?
• Add the Iron Age to your time line and include the significant characteristics of this period and how this reflects on gardens of this era.

Session 2

In this session we will continue our journey back in time to explore the history and traditions of landscaping in relation to the Middle Ages.

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and the course schedule and review assessment expectations and see if there are any questions or observations from our last session.
2. We also continue our journey back to the future and identify the major characteristics of the Middle Ages on landscapes/gardens.Hortykim has created a second power point to guide you through significant garden styles of which may prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Discussion topics which will help us understand this significant period in history may include the following:(If you are enjoying a face to face class with a learning facilitator and other students then hard copies of related articles will be provided;if not try some of the resources suggested below.)

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the Middle Ages

• What is another term for The Middles Ages and what time period did this cover?
• The fall of the Roman Empire created a general feeling of unrest and insecurity,how did this affect the type of gardens that were created at this time?
• List some of the features of monastic garden style.
• What was an infirmary garden?
• The 16th Century saw a transition from gardens with characteristics of a Medieval garden into gardens of Italian Renaissance Gardens-what characteristics would these gardens have?
• The Garden of Simples is also known as what?
• Choose a garden created during the Renaissance and explain some of the features that are of interest to you.
• Explain the term Mannerism and what does this era have to do with garden design?
• What is giochi d'acqua?
• Define the following commonly used features:Allée, Axis, Bosquet, Canal, Cul de sac,Fountains, Grottos with rocaille, Orangerie, Parterre de broderie, Patte d’oie (Goose foot), Tapis Vert, Topiary
• Add the Middle Ages to your time line and include the significant characteristics of this period in relation to gardens of this era.

Session 3

In this session we will continue our journey back in time to explore the history and traditions of landscaping in relation to Chinese gardens

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and the course schedule and review assessment expectations and see if there are any questions or observations from our last session.
2. We also continue our journey back to the future and identify the major characteristics of Chinese gardens.Hortykim has created a third power point to guide you through significant garden elements within the Chinese garden which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Visit The Dunedin Chinese Garden and list as many features as you can identify and briefly explain their significance? For example, The Dunedin Chinese garden has a large pond/small lake which we know is a key feature within a Chinese garden but why do the gardeners purposely color the water green?
4. Answer the following questions using the power point presentation and suggested links and books.

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of Chinese gardens

• What are some comparisons between Chinese garden design and 17th Century European garden design ? -Have a look look at this power point for some ideas.
• At the beginning of eastern civilization a form of religion based on animist beliefs developed-what are animist beliefs and which Chinese philosopher is most associated with the teachings of Taoism?
• The first Chinese gardens were vast pleasure parks comprised of plains, valleys, hills, streams, lakes and islands and were used for hunting and imperial court meanders.One of the first recorded landscapes of this natural style was constructed for Han Emperor Wei (140 - 89 BC) and the design was based on an ancient myth called what?
• In which dynasty did the idea of "small is beautiful" became the new measure of a garden's success?
• By the end of the Han Dynasty Chinese gardens could be classified by scale and program as either royal parks, enclosed temple gardens, or enclosed private scholar garden. The private or scholar's garden belonging to the scholar class was the beginning of the Classical Garden in China.Name one scholar garden and where in the world is it located?
• Explain the concept of yin and yang and how it would guide the design of a Chinese garden.
• What natural features or representations of them in the garden would help impart a closeness with nature and, in turn, a deeper understanding of life?
• What is a scroll painting and how is one represented in the Chinese garden?
• List some plants you may find in a Chinese garden and briefly explain what human characteristics these plants represent in the context of Chinese culture?
• What purpose(s)does a pavilion serve in the Chinese garden?
• House and garden walls may have circular shaped doors or windows built into them - what is the significance of this tradition?
• What does The Dunedin Chinese garden commemorate?
• The Dunedin Chinese Garden is named Lan Yuan (蘭園) what does this mean in English and what is the name of Dunedin' sister city?
• Briefly explain how the garden was constructed and why.
• What is Penjing
• Add this era to your time line and include the significant characteristics and influences of this period in relation to gardens of this historical period.

Bonus activities for the gungho!

1. Help your learning facilitator find useful resources web or print, whatever you think would be helpful resources to add to the existing list.You will have to read widely to find all of the information that is required.
2. View this power point presentation on Chinese gardens and identify the key elements.
3. Choose one garden from this power point presentation and find out where it is,when it was built and comment on the significance of some of the structures and natural elements contained in that garden.

Session 4

In this session we will continue our journey back in time to explore the history and traditions of landscaping in relation to English landscape gardens of the 18th Century

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and the course schedule and review assessment expectations and see if there are any questions or observations from our last session.
2. We also continue our journey back to the future and identify the major characteristics of English Landscape gardens.Hortykim has created a fourth power point to guide you through significant characteristics and traditions of the English school of landscaping in the 18th Century which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Answer the following questions using the power point presentation and suggested links and books.

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of The English School of landscaping during the 18th Century

• After the death of Louis the 14th there was a softening of the Baroque classical style that is so strongly associated with The French Classical Style or Baroque French Gardens, when did Louis the 14th die and how do you write 14 in Roman numerals?
• Name the gardener/designer most closely associated with the Garden of Versailles
• The sole surviving garden from a brief early 18th century period style called Rococo is located in which area of the UK?
• Chinoiserie style gardens peaked around the middle of the 18th century, when it was assimilated into rococo by the works of François Boucher but it declined when it seemed to European eyes the direct contrast to neoclassicism - what are some characteristics of Chinoiserie style gardens?
• Which landscape designer came up with the idea of using ha-has? What was the purpose of a ha-ha?
• List four reasons why The English Landscape Garden replaced the French Garden Style of landscape gardens.
• Charles Bridgeman (1690–1738) was an English garden designer during the onset of the naturalistic landscape style of the 18th Century,name one garden that he is well associated with.
• Rousham House in Oxfordshire is considered by some as the most accomplished and significant of which 18th Century landscape designer?
• English landscape gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown (1716–1783) began his career in 1740 as a gardener at Stowe under Charles Bridgeman, then succeeded William Kent in 1748, during his career he created or recreated over 170 gardens,which garden would you want to visit and why?
• Add this era to your time line and include the significant characteristics and influences of this period in relation to gardens of this historical period.
• You may have come across some words that are unfamiliar to you.Identify up to three words that require some investigation and use this garden glossaryto explain the meaning of the word that most intrigued you.

Session 5

In this session we will continue our journey back in time to identify the major characteristics of landscape influences from the 19th C

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and the course schedule and review assessment expectations and see if there are any questions or observations from our last session.
2. We also continue our journey back to the future and identify the major characteristics of 19th C influences from Europe,England and the USA. Hortykim has created a fifth power point to guide you through significant characteristics and traditions of the 19th century of landscaping which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Answer the following questions using the power point presentation and suggested links and books.

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the 19th Century

• JC Loudan established the design theory entitled Gardenesque. In this style, attention was given to the individual plant and placement in the best conditions for them to grow to their potential. 19th century thought was punctuated by the belief that gardens should not mimic nature, so Gardenesque offered a solution by introducing exotics into gardens and basing layouts on abstract shapes.In which year did Loudan establish this design theory?
• What prompted Jane Loudan to write the following publications? Instructions in Gardening for Ladies; The Ladies' Flower Garden; The Ladies' Companion to the Flower Garden; Botany for Ladies and The Lady's Magazine of Gardening.
• Linnaeus had 17 dedicated students who he trained to make close and accurate observations and, after helping arrange funding, sent some of them on expeditions to research various parts of the globe. At least seventeen notable students, seven of whom died while conducting their research, are referred to as "Apostles of Linnaeus" name one of these students.
• Joseph Banks was part of the crew that went on James Cook's first voyage. This voyage went to Brazil, where Banks made the first scientific description of a now common garden plant, bougainvillea, who was this plant named for?
• English botanists and commercial nurserymen had been passionately prospecting the world for new plants since the end of the 16th century, but these had to travel as seeds or corms, or as dry rhizomes and roots. But with the new Wardian Case, tender young plants could be set on deck to benefit from daylight and the condensed moisture within the case that kept them watered but protected from salt spray.What accidental discovery led Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw to invent this revolutionary case?
• When was the lawn mowerinvented?
• There were some distinctive trends associated with the Gardenesque style and these included:the eclectic garden,the natural woodland garden and carpet bedding and topiary.Choose one of these styles and comment on some of the characteristics associated with it.
• Joseph Paxton was famous for a few innovations- what would you consider to be his most interesting contribution?
• William Robinson believed in a more natural and less formal-looking planting of hardy perennials, shrubs, and climbers and reacted against the High Victorian patterned gardening.List at least five of William Robinson's achievements.
• Who borrowed Gertrude Jekyll's family name for his famous novella Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
• List at least five of Gertrude Jekyll's achievements.
• List the four phases of European influence on American gardens during the 19th C.
• The design of Central Park comes from social consciousness and commitment to egalitarian ideals. Name two 19th C designers who advocated for these principles which are now fundamental to the idea of a public gardens all over the world.
• Add this era to your time line and include the significant characteristics and influences of this period in relation to gardens of this historical period.

Session 6

In this session we will continue our journey back in time to identify the major characteristics of landscape influences from the 20th C

To do

1. As a group we'll look at the unit and the course schedule and review assessment expectations and see if there are any questions or observations from our last session.
2. We also continue our journey back to the future and identify the major characteristics of 20th C influences from Europe and the USA. Hortykim has created a sixth power point to guide you through significant characteristics and traditions of the 20th century of landscaping which will prompt discussions and further exploration if you desire.
3. Answer the following questions using the power point presentation and suggested links and books.

Questions related to the influences and characteristics of the 20th Century

• Garden design in the 20th C was still greatly influenced by the dominant trends of the 19th C.List some of these trends.
• List some characteristics and influences of the Cottage garden during the 19th and 20th C.
• List some of the characteristics of Sissinghurst Castle and Hidcote Manor.
• Name the husband and wife team who created the garden at Sissinghurst Castle.
• Vita Sackville West,The Hon Lady Nicolson was famous for her exuberant aristocratic life, her strong marriage, and her passionate affair with novelist Virginia Woolf.What are some other noteworthy observations about this interesting person?
• Who redefined the concept of ‘Cottage Gardening’ and produced a model that could be admired and adapted for cottage owners after WW2?
• Beatrix Farrand is one of the most accomplished persons recognized in the early decades of the landscape architecture profession.Where is the site of her best known garden design? Where did she draw inspiration from?
• Achille Duchêne was the garden designer most in demand among high French society at the turn of the 20th C. He was associated with the design of how many gardens world wide?
• In his book "Gardens Are For People",Thomas Church outlines four principles for his design process.What are they?
• Burle Marx was a Brazilian landscape architect whose designs of parks and gardens made him world famous. He is accredited with having introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil.What influenced his designs?
• The Post Modern style of garden design is strongly associated with Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe.His friendship with a number of leading modern artists led to an interest in Carl Jung and the the role of the subconscious in landscape design.Research some of his most famous designs and comment on one you like or dislike and explain why.
• Some more notable garden designers of the 20th century include: Sylvia Crowe, John Brookes, and Penelope Hobhouse. Investigate one of these people and determine where they are from and what influences them as a designer.What do you like about some of their designs?
• Add this era to your time line and include the significant characteristics and influences of this period in relation to gardens of this historical period.

Resources

Below is a list of resources related to this week's activities.

• If you do not have a computer at home with broad band then it may be useful to visit Otago Polytechnic Community Learning Centres
• If you prefer to read a book on the topic then have a look at some of the books listed under Books.

Links

• History of Gardening
• History of Gardening
• Lao tzu
• The Dunedin Chinese garden

Books

• Brooks, J., Room Outside, Thames & Hudson, 1969
  
• Newton, N.T., Design on the Land, Belknap, Harvard University, 1971
  
• Thacker, C. , The History of Gardens, Reed, 1979
• The full online text of Marie-Luise Gothein's History of Garden Art This 945 page book was first published in German in 1913 and re-published in English in 1928.It is a good overview of garden history.
• The full online text of Garden Design in the British Isles History and styles since 1650 © Tom Turner
• Jellicoe, Sir Geoffrey, Susan Jellicoe, Patrick Goode and Michael Lancaster.The Oxford Companion to Gardens, New York: Oxford University Press, 1986
• Strong, Roy Royal Gardens, New York: Pocket Books, 1992

Video

Assessment Options for Presentations

• The objectives of this activity builds on student interest, satisfies curiosity, teaches planning and research skills, encourages independence, allows work with complex and abstract ideas, and taps into high motivation. The activity allows students to work with appropriately challenging tasks, hones communication and presentation skills, and blends assessment and instruction.
• There are 10 students presently enrolled in this unit who are attending face to face classes and each student will be asked to present a 20-30 minute presentation for the last two classes.Students will prepare presentation on one of the following topics:

The History and Traditions of Landscaping Presentations June 21 and June 22 (Option 1)

• Create a 20-30 minute presentation on one of the following topics.Include photos/pictures,quotes and references you found useful for explaining the significance that the following influences had on landscapes/garden styles related to that period in time.

1. Chinese gardens(from 100 BC to present day)
2. Japanese gardens(from 5th century to present day)
3. Islamic gardens(from 7th century include Persian Islamic,Mughal/Indian,Turkish and Moorish/Spanish garden styles)
4. Medieval gardens(from 8th century - 15th century)
5. Italian Renaissance gardens(1550 - 1600s)
6. French gardens(1650 - 1700s)
7. English Landscape Gardens(1720 - 1800)
8. English Public Parks
9. English gardens/Gardenesque style plus Natural Wild and Woodland gardens (1800-1900)
10. Early New Zealand gardens(1900 - 2000)

The History and Traditions of Landscaping Presentations June 21 and June 22 (Option 2)

• Create a 20-30 minute presentation on one of the following famous gardens.Include photos/pictures,quotes and references you found useful for explaining the significance,history and traditions associated with each garden.

1. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
2. Garden of Versailles
3. Boboli Gardens
4. Rikugien Garden
5. The Lingering Garden,Suzhou City
6. Vaux-le-Vicomte
7. Villa d'Este
8. Sacro Bosco at Bomarzo
9. The Dunedin Chinese garden
10. Stowe House
11. Chiswick House
12. Chatsworth House

The History and Traditions of Landscaping Presentations June 21 and June 22 (Option 3)

• Create a 20-30 minute presentation on one of the following famous garden designers.Include photos/pictures,quotes and references you found useful for explaining the significance,history and traditions associated with each designer.Make it work.

1. Theophrastus
2. Niccolo Tribolo
3. Andre Le Notre
4. Charles Bridgeman
5. John Loudon
6. Henry Wise
7. William Kent
8. Capability Brown
9. Humphry Repton
10. Roberto Marx
11. Fred Olmsted
12. Joseph Paxton

Support materials

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• List any other resources that may be useful (further readings, related units or other activities)

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