A History of the English Garden

  • By Paul Day Tree Surgery
  • 08 Jul, 2019

When it comes to picturing a typical English summer day, images of lazy afternoons lounging in the garden, soaking up the somewhat temperamental rays may come to mind. In a country as small and urbanised as the UK, it can be a welcome respite from the daily grind to have a quiet green space to retreat to for that dose of nature we all need from time to time. 

Yet, this love for gardening here in the UK isn’t a new thing. In fact, British landscape designers can be found creating gorgeous natural havens here on our little island for thousands of years. With this in mind, we decided to take a closer look at this decidedly British pursuit.


Roman gardening

With Roman conquerors settling in the British Isles during the first century CE, many of the palaces that were constructed were built with gardens. The earliest example of such a structure can be seen at Fishbourne Roman Palace in Sussex, where the garden has been partly reconstructed. 

There isn’t a huge amount known about Anglo-Saxon gardening practices, as it’s theorised that the war-like societies didn’t deem it to be important.


Medieval and Tudor gardens

After the Romans left the British Isles, gardening culture would not reappear until monasteries began to cultivate them for herbs and medicine. Cloister gardens became especially popular during this time, taking inspiration from previous Roman designs. 

With the arrival of Tudor culture, the English, again, began taking ideas from Italian landscapers. This included large green spaces that would mirror the opulent property, with statues dotted around the grounds - King Henry VIII was particularly fond of sundials for his royal gardens.


The English Landscape Gardens

During the 18th century, a specifically British style of garden design began to spread throughout the country and mainland Europe. Known as an English landscape garden, these spaces would emphasise a natural view, with large bodies of water and rolling green lawns. 

Brought into being by landscape designers William Kent and Charles Bridgeman, the English garden reached its pinnacle during this period, with some of the most stunning landscape designs, such as Cheswick House and Stourhead, still around today to visit.


Gardens today

The iconic landscaper Gertrude Jekyll has been a huge influence on much of the English garden styles we have today, popularising ideas such as herbaceous borders and the incorporation of colour schemes. 

However, with styles and aesthetics being easier than ever to emulate thanks to the internet, the English garden today can be anything you want it to be, with the right landscape designers help, of course.


Paul Day Treecare - Sheffield’s premier landscape designers

Wanting to turn your garden into a natural haven for you to enjoy? Get in touch with Paul Day Treecare today. Our team of landscaping experts are on hand to ensure that your garden redesign becomes the perfect addition to your property, no matter what lifestyle you lead or aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. 

For more information on our landscaping services, visit our website or get in touch with our team on 01909 519 675.
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