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Posted on 3:08 PM by Wanto and filed under
By Jason Flinstone
A historical survey shows that the form of the garden was to a large extent dictated by its function. The function, in turn, was affected by many things, including climate and lifestyle. From the Renaissance onwards most gardens were large and designed mainly for show and for tranquil pursuits such as the gentle stroll; they were invariably tended by gardeners.
At the other extreme there was also the tradition of the cottager's garden, used for growing vegetables and for keeping a pig and a few chickens. Today the situation is very different: the twentieth century has brought increased leisure, while gardens have become smaller and available to many more people. The interest in gardening continues to grow but is, nevertheless, only one of many demands on our leisure time. It is therefore important that a garden is well designed from the outset, with the owner's requirements taken into consideration, so that it can be safely left to mature in the way it was planned without needing constant attention.
In this context it is often easier to define style in a negative way: concrete slabs, for instance, lack the subtlety and texture needed for paving a cottage garden, and asbestos pots would he out of character in the garden of a traditional brick house.
A good garden plan not only demonstrate the enormous range of needs and activities which can be catered for within such a limited space, they also show how a design based on individual needs will transform the same basic plot into a unique, well planned garden.
The demands of a single family can vary enormously over a number of years. Where they are likely to be in the same home for sonic time it is important that the garden plan is flexible enough to reflect these changing needs. A young couple might use the garden mainly for sunbathing or entertaining and would want a simple layout which is easy to look after. The arrival of children would impose many new demands, from pram-standing space to soft play areas and tricycle runs. With a growing family a bigger area of the garden might be devoted to vegetables, with a large terrace space for outdoor activities and family meals.
As children leave home the garden area should become quieter and parents should have more time to spend in it. They may concentrate more on the plants themselves, possibly with special interests developing such as roses or a greenhouse. However, what can be looked after with ease at fifty becomes something of a chore at seventy.
At the other extreme there was also the tradition of the cottager's garden, used for growing vegetables and for keeping a pig and a few chickens. Today the situation is very different: the twentieth century has brought increased leisure, while gardens have become smaller and available to many more people. The interest in gardening continues to grow but is, nevertheless, only one of many demands on our leisure time. It is therefore important that a garden is well designed from the outset, with the owner's requirements taken into consideration, so that it can be safely left to mature in the way it was planned without needing constant attention.
In this context it is often easier to define style in a negative way: concrete slabs, for instance, lack the subtlety and texture needed for paving a cottage garden, and asbestos pots would he out of character in the garden of a traditional brick house.
A good garden plan not only demonstrate the enormous range of needs and activities which can be catered for within such a limited space, they also show how a design based on individual needs will transform the same basic plot into a unique, well planned garden.
The demands of a single family can vary enormously over a number of years. Where they are likely to be in the same home for sonic time it is important that the garden plan is flexible enough to reflect these changing needs. A young couple might use the garden mainly for sunbathing or entertaining and would want a simple layout which is easy to look after. The arrival of children would impose many new demands, from pram-standing space to soft play areas and tricycle runs. With a growing family a bigger area of the garden might be devoted to vegetables, with a large terrace space for outdoor activities and family meals.
As children leave home the garden area should become quieter and parents should have more time to spend in it. They may concentrate more on the plants themselves, possibly with special interests developing such as roses or a greenhouse. However, what can be looked after with ease at fifty becomes something of a chore at seventy.
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