Garden
History
An understanding of garden history and garden design theory is the basis of all great garden designs. Learn about garden design throughout the ages and discover historical garden design styles with the UK’s leading garden designer directory. Choose which historical gardens to visit as you find out about the history of garden design.
Ornamental Gardens
The facts
It is a commonly held belief that the 16th Century marks a turning point in garden history; a shift from plants beng considered as food and medicine, to be considered for purely ornamental purposes. There is evidence of ornamental gardens as far back as the Egyptians. Read more »
The Origins of Garden Design
The beginnings of garden design
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of garden design. The story of the designed landscape spans thousands of years and every continent of the globe. Read more »
Medieval Garden Design
Learning about garden design from Paintings
Unfortunately, none of the medieval gardens in Europe have survived in their entirety. With little historical documentation about these gardens and the plants within them, garden historians have been forced to look to paintings to discover more about Medieval garden history. Read more »
The Garden History Society
Campaigning for the future of our historic landscapes
The future of our historic landscapes, parks and gardens is constantly under threat. The Society aims to promote the study of the history of gardening, landscape gardening and horticulture, to promote the protection and conservation of historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes, and to advise on their restoration - and to To encourage the creation of new parks, gardens and designed landscapes. Read more »
The Institute for Garden and Landscape History
A collaboration between Bristol Uni and the Hestercombe Garden Trust
The Institute for Garden and Landscape History has been established to promote the study and development of gardens, designed landscapes and parks by encouraging academic research, practical horticulture and related traditional skills. It aims to disseminate this knowledge for the benefit and education of the public and, in support of this objective, to preserve and maintain archives and collections. Read more »
The Museum of Garden History
One of London's best small museums
The Garden Museum (formerly the Museum of Garden History) is the leading UK venue for exhibitions and debate on gardens and garden design. The museum was founded in 1977 in the Church of St Mary at Lambeth. Following a dramatic transformation in 2008, visitors will now find a newly designed interior with a sequence of individual spaces for exhibitions, the permanent collection, education, café and shop. Read more »
