Islamic Garden Design and Islamic gardens in garden history
The Islamic Garden Design tradition grew out of practical concerns and the irrigation techniques of the Persians. Islamic or Moorish garden design developed to feature repeated garden design elements, including water, symmetry, and the 'Chahah Bagh' - Water channels that split the design of the garden into four.
Essentials of Moorish Garden Design
The facts
There are many garden designers practising in the UK at the moment. We are a nation of gardeners and benefit from hosting some of the leading showcases for new and established talent in garden design, such as Chelsea Flower Show. There are several factors which may sway your choice of garden designer. Read more »
The Chahah Bagh or Fourfold Garden
Garden Design Layout
The 'Chahah Bagh' or Fourfold garden was a garden design device adopted from the irrigation techniques of the Persians. The four intersecting watercourses that divided and dominated Islamic garden design came to represent the four rivers of life. This fourfold design would usually be enclosed within a square or rectangular courtyard, and the point at which the four channels met would he marked with a central pool or pavillion. Read more »
The Gardens of The Alhambra and the Generalife
Gardens to visit in Spain
Islamic gardens were often built to represent an idea of heaven on earth, and when you visit the gardens of The Alhambra in Granada, you will understand why. In the hot, dry climate of Southern Spain, the gardens are an oasis of cool, calm tranquility. Read more »
Water in Islamic Garden Design
Water Features
Water is the essential element in all Islamic Gardens. At it's essence, the water represents the source of life but it also works as a design device to cool the garden, irrigate the garden, and to mask sound. The sounds of rippling water was a delight to the senses, whilst large pools of still water reflected the ornate architecture like a giant mirror. Read more »
An Obsession with Tulips
Plants for your garden
The tulip was often used as a sacred symbol in Turkish gardens and so you will often see it portrayed on tiles, perhaps decorating garden fountains. Read more »
