British Garden Design from the Georgian Era to the Edwardian Era
From the Georgian era (1714 - 1830) and the Edwardian era (1901 - 1910), British garden designs underwent several notable transformations that reflected cultural evolution. Let's have a look at them.
Georgian Era (1714 - 1830)
The Georgian era saw a shift away from the formal and rigid garden designs, such as those of the Stuarts and Tudors. The design favored a more naturalistic design, which included curving paths, sweeping lawns and serpentine lakes.
Gardens stopped having symmetrical and smooth shapes. The inspiration for this naturalistic design was the paintings of Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorraine, two notable Baroque era artists.
One notable gardener during this era was William Kent. He showed his design skills by planting gardens at Stowe and Rousham. Another noteworthy individual was Lancelot “Capability" Brown, who fine-tuned the stereotypical English landscape Garden by emphasizing smooth transitions between countryside and house.
Also during the Georgian era, gardeners started integrating statues, temples and grottos along garden paths. One of the most prominent Georgian-era gardens in Britain today is Studley Royal Water Garden in Yorkshire, England. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered by many to be the origin of the 18th-century landscape garden. Other modern-day gardens with Georgian-era features include:
- Osterley Park (London)
- Hestercombe (Somerset)
- Croome (Worcestershire)
- Chiswick House (London)
- Stowe (Buckinghamshire)
The Victorian Era (1830 - 1901)
The Victorian era marked the beginning of technological innovation in gardening. The introduction of ironwork, glasshouses and mechanized lawnmowers meant the ornamental plants could be cultivated throughout the year.
This era also saw the rise of horticultural science and botany, as the ferns and subtropical species from British colonies arrived on the island. Key figures from the Victorian era include Sir Joseph Paxton and William Robinson, who were known for designing the Crystal Palace and pushing the wild garden movement, respectively.
The Edwardian Era (1901 - 1910)
The typical Edwardian garden reflected the anti-industrial movement. Key figures in the Edwardian era include Edwin Lutyens and William Morris. These individuals were also behind the Arts and Crafts movement.
During this era, people made gardens an extension of their house. People used gardens as leisure areas and tea party venues. Climbing plants and lush herbaceous borders softened the geometric layouts of the garden.
The Role of Preservation Organizations and Volunteers in Maintaining Heritage Sites
Preservation organizations are the major enterprise behind heritage gardens preservation and management. They educate the public and pour funds into restoration projects.
The most influential and well-known body behind the conservation of historic gardens across Wales, Northern Ireland and England is the National Trust. It was founded in 1895. The National Trust is one of the biggest landowners in the United Kingdom.
Some of the gardens under the National Trust include:
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden,
- Bodnant Garden, Conwy
- Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire
The National Trust usually implements sustainable maintenance practices such as water conservation and organic pest control on its gardens. It also employs specialists and professional gardeners to take care of the properties.
Another organization is the English Heritage which was founded in 1984. It was formerly a part of the Department of the Environment. In 2015, the organization split into the English Heritage Trust and Historic England.
The English Heritage Trust manages historical gardens such as Eltham Palace and Audrey End. On the other hand, Historic England is responsible for providing advice on conservation.
Volunteers are people who willingly submit themselves to help with garden maintenance. They play an integral role in maintaining the beautiful states of Britain’s historic gardens. They are responsible for:
- Serving as tour guides and educating visitors about the history of the gardens.
- Organizing charity events and fairs to build up funds for restoration projects.
- To assist with daily maintenance activities like pruning, composting, weeding and planting.
Case Studies of Garden Restoration and Adaptive Reuse Projects
Britain has taken efforts in the past to restore neglected gardens to their former, more beautiful state. These projects often rely on reviewing written descriptions and historical plans.
On the other hand, the country has decided to repurpose some gardens for community engagement, education and tourism while still maintaining their historical essence. Here are some cases of gardens that fell into disrepair and were restored.
The Privy Garden, Hampton Court Palace (London)
William III created this garden in the late 1600s. Over the course of about 300 years, the garden was neglected. In the late 1990s, a project to restore the site to its original form commenced. Historians read through the paintings, historic plans and plant lists from royal records.
The restoration process involved the cultivation of tens of thousands of plants to match the original species and their arrangements. This extensive archeological effort restored the garden to its appearance in 1702, the year that Wlliams III passed away. The Privy Garden has become a standard for research-based heritage gardening in Britain.
The Heligan Gardens (Cornwall)
The Heligan Gardens were once the grand estate of the Tremayne family. When World War 1 broke out, most of the estate’s workforce went off to battle and the site was abandoned.
After its rediscovery in the 1990s, John Willis and Tim Smit made an effort to restore the lost Gardens of the Heligan to its Victorian era state by cultivating pineapple pits, melon frames and fruit walls. Today, this site has become a major tourist hub and an icon of ecological preservation.
Guide for Visitors on Exploring Britain’s Gardens
If you are looking to explore Britain's historic gardens, you need to keep some proper etiquette. You are looking into the country’s past as well as its future. Here are some pieces of advice that you should know.
Maintain Decorum in these Historic Sites
The ideal thing to do is to walk quietly. Don’t make noise, run around, play music, or do anything that will disturb other visitors. Don’t bring any unnecessary large baggage. Also, respect signs such as “Do Not Touch” and “No Entry”. These signs are there for good reason. If you are bringing children along, be careful with the way that you handle them.
Take Permission for any Form of Commercial Photography
Photos are a good way to maintain good memories of your journey to any of the British historic gardens. However, pay attention to the instructions in whatever areas you visit. Some places might prohibit photography outright.
If you are taking any commercial-level photography that requires drones, tripods, or large equipment, you need to have a commercial license and obtain permission from the authorities.
Check the Garden’s Website
Before visiting any of Britain’s heritage gardens, pay a visit to their official website. You will be able to learn if there is an admission fee for adults and children. You will also be able to see provisions for wheelchair users and restrooms. Gardens have specific rules on whether pets and assistance dogs are allowed.
How the Gardens Serve as Living Archives of British History
In Britain, gardens are more than just plants that dot the ornamental landscape. They serve as living archives that showcase the transformation of British values and social ideals through different eras. From the formal geometry of the Tudor era or the modern naturalism and ecological planting, gardens reflect aesthetic values.
Today, the use of irrigation, greenhouses, IoT-based systems and mechanized maintenance on gardens shows the country’s commitment to technological advancement. Britain is doing a good job of maintaining these heritage gardens, leaving behind a legacy for future generations.