A Brief History of Landscapes
Throughout history, landscape designs have reflected a particular culture’s values. From the utopia of Islamic Gardens to the geometric patterns used during the Italian Renaissance, each landscape served a purpose and sought to convey a specific message. Today, Nixa Lawn Service takes a brief look at landscape history in America and around the globe, including some famous gardens that you can still tour today.
The Islamic Gardens
Over time, colorful flowers became the central focus of a beautiful garden, and they remain the focal point today. However, Islamic Gardens also featured tiled surfaces, water fountains, and pavilions and porches that created shade. They succeeded as pleasure gardens, and you can still visit many of them today. For example, you can witness Charbagh, a popular variation of the Islamic form when you visit the gardens of the Taj Mahal. Shallow water channels separate the garden into four parts, symbolizing the four rivers of paradise.
Another prominent tourist attraction is the Moorish gardens of Alhambra, the fortress-palace in Spain. In the early 1300s, the garden served as the country estate of the kings of Granada (now Andalucia).
The Development of the American Landscape
Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in the development of the American landscape. In 1803, the third U.S. President endorsed the Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored the territory obtained in the Louisiana Purchase. This expansion of the United States impacted plant exploration. Jefferson was also interested in collecting plants, and as a result, many plant collectors recorded thousands of new plant species. Additionally, he founded the University of Virginia, and the campus design affected college campuses near and far. Other universities began to prioritize landscape architecture as well as landscape gardening.
The Present and Future of Landscapes
As we include more innovation and technology into our gardens, our landscapes will progress, evolve, and change. It’s important to examine history and understand that the past often influences us in our design decisions. You don’t have to duplicate an Islamic Garden, but you can create an appealing, functional landscape that fits your budget and matches the style of your home.
Landscaping at Nixa Lawn: Professional, Creative, and Skilled
At Nixa Lawn Service, we’re committed to hard work, honesty, and transparency. We have provided a variety of landscaping services in the Springfield and Nixa area since 2000. Whether you need a paver patio built or a single tree planted, you’ve come to the right place. Request a landscaping quote today.
