Historical Contexts - Topic 2 (Planting Styles), Element 1

Question 1

What is the definition of garden style?

Answer 1

Style refers to the way in which we express ideas and organise materials, plants, colours and ornaments to create a composition that can be understood and appreciated.

Question 2

What are the three central design ideas that underpin many garden styles?

Answer 2

• Formality
• Informality
• Classicism

Question 3

What does formality in garden design imply?

Answer 3

A rigid observance of convention or etiquette, representing order, power, control, balance, and a sense of peace and unity.

Question 4

What is informality in gardening?

Answer 4

A rejection of formality, with denser planting that spills out in a natural way.

Question 5

How has informality in gardening gained popularity?

Answer 5

It has become popular due to increased home ownership, environmental concerns, and recognition of biodiversity loss.

Question 6

What does classicism in the arts refer to?

Answer 6

The high regard given to the period known as classical antiquity, specifically the culture and art from ancient Greece and Rome.

Question 7

What are common features of classicist gardens?

Answer 7

• Statuary
• Follies
• Bridges

Question 8

What type of planting choices are commonly associated with classical gardens?

Answer 8

• Box
• Laurel
• Lavender
• Cupressus sempervivens (Italian cypress)

Question 9

From which period did the classical style continue to influence garden design?

Answer 9

From the Renaissance period and influenced design right up to the Victorian period and beyond.

Question 10

What was a driving force behind the reverence of classical Greece and Rome?

Answer 10

A desire to embrace scientific learning and reject the superstition of earlier centuries.

Question 11

True or False: Theophrastus developed a system of plant systematics almost two thousand years before Linnaeus.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Na

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Classical style represented a particular interpretation of classical Greek and Roman philosophy; a desire to embrace _______.

Answer 13

[scientific learning]

Question 14

What issues arise from the representation of beauty in ancient world sculptures?

Answer 14

Unadorned white marble is used to represent white, smooth skin, prompting uncomfortable questions around the legacy of race and racism.

Question 15

What is the significance of the classical style in terms of its influence on garden design?

Answer 15

It has persisted for hundreds of years and continues to influence garden design today.

Question 16

What cultural influences were often misinterpreted in western gardens?

Answer 16

Important and influential garden styles from Islamic, Mughal, Japanese, and Chinese cultures.

Question 17

What does the term ‘whitewashing ancient statues’ refer to?

Answer 17

The practice of representing ancient figures in white marble, reflecting issues of race and cultural dominance.

Question 18

What is the time period associated with the Renaissance garden style?

Answer 18

c1450 - c1600s

Question 19

What does the term ‘Renaissance’ mean?

Answer 19

‘Rebirth’

Question 20

Which key design principle is central to Renaissance gardens?

Answer 20

Central axis

Question 21

List key elements of Renaissance garden design.

Answer 21

• Formal hedges
• Clipped topiary
• Symmetrical ponds
• Fountains
• Classical references

Question 22

What is the significance of symmetry in Renaissance gardens?

Answer 22

Symmetry and geometry are key elements in the Renaissance style

Question 23

What is the relationship between the house and the garden in Renaissance design?

Answer 23

The garden design emanates from the house

Question 24

What are common features of Renaissance gardens?

Answer 24

• Formal hedges
• Clipped topiary
• Frescoes and murals
• Large symmetrical ponds
• Fountains

Question 25

True or False: The Baroque movement influenced Renaissance gardens.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What is 'The Natural style' associated with?

Answer 26

Landscape style

Question 27

What movement followed the Renaissance style in garden design?

Answer 27

Landscape style

Question 28

Who were key figures in the development of the Landscape style?

Answer 28

* Sir Richard Temple, 1st Viscount Cobham * William Kent * Lancelot 'Capability' Brown

Question 29

What political context influenced the Landscape style?

Answer 29

A need to create a distinctly English style, rejecting French influences

Question 30

What key feature defines the Landscape style?

Answer 30

Rolling expansive, undulating lawns

Question 31

What does 'ha-ha' refer to in Landscape gardens?

Answer 31

A walled ditch designed to be invisible, protecting estates while preserving views

Question 32

Fill in the blank: The Picturesque style incorporates a sense of _______.

Answer 32

Wildness

Question 33

What was the reaction of the Picturesque style against?

Answer 33

* Capability Brown’s rolling lawns * Stiff formality of Renaissance style

Question 34

Who were the critics that attacked Capability Brown’s style?

Answer 34

* Richard Payne Knight * Sir Uvedale Price

Question 35

What natural features are emphasized in the Picturesque style?

Answer 35

Naturalistic water features, such as streams

Question 36

What is the importance of 'borrowed landscape' in garden design?

Answer 36

Incorporating views from beyond the garden into the design

Question 37

Name an example of a garden that reflects the Picturesque style.

Answer 37

Central Park, New York

Question 38

What is a defining characteristic of the Picturesque style compared to earlier styles?

Answer 38

A busier, more unkempt appearance

Question 39

Which tree species is noted for its wild, spreading limbs in Picturesque gardens?

Answer 39

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica)

Question 40

Na

Answer 40

garden design.

Question 41

What is the significance of features and plantings being appropriate to period and style in historic landscapes?

Answer 41

It ensures the authenticity and integrity of the garden's historical context. ## Footnote Acknowledgment of inappropriate features can detract from the historical value.

Question 42

Na

Question 43

What period does the Gardenesque style correspond to?

Answer 43

The height of British imperial power during Queen Victoria's reign (1837 - 1901). ## Footnote This period saw increased global trade and the movement of plants.

Question 44

Na

Question 45

What layout characteristics are typical of Gardenesque gardens?

Answer 45

* Symmetrical layouts * Abstract shapes * Use of containers for specimen plants ## Footnote The focus was on showcasing individual plants rather than their natural environment.

Question 46

What philosophy did the Arts and Crafts movement embody in garden design?

Answer 46

A renaissance in hand-crafted, locally sourced, and ‘simple’ rural style. ## Footnote This was a reaction against industrial mass production.

Question 47

What are some indicative features of the Arts and Crafts garden?

Answer 47

* Garden ‘rooms’ * Lush close plantings * Naturalistic drifts of flowers * Hand-crafted hard landscaping ## Footnote The style often blends formality with informality.

Question 48

Who were the intellectual influences behind the Arts and Crafts movement?

Answer 48

* John Ruskin * William Morris ## Footnote Both advocated for the improvement of people's lives through the arts.

Question 49

What is the purpose of a wild garden?

Answer 49

To break down imposed formality and reduce human impact on gardens. ## Footnote This concept has gained popularity with the environmental movement.

Question 50

Who was an early proponent of the wild garden philosophy?

Answer 50

William Robinson ## Footnote He introduced ideas like mixed herbaceous borders and naturalistic planting.

Question 51

What are the benefits of higher plant density in gardens?

Answer 51

* Reduces evaporation * Provides habitat for wildlife * Improves soil structure ## Footnote High plant density helps mitigate environmental issues.

Question 52

What influences modern garden styles?

Answer 52

Environmental realities and the need for resilience against climate change. ## Footnote Modern gardens often incorporate both formal and informal elements.

Question 53

What is the 'New Perennial' movement in garden design?

Answer 53

A style using perennials and grasses for a fluid, naturalistic look. ## Footnote Spearheaded by Piet Oudolf, it focuses on seasonal interest and wildlife support.

Question 54

Na

Question 55

What modern garden feature helps maximize growing areas in urban environments?

Answer 55

Green walls ## Footnote These are essential in smaller gardens due to increasing population density.

Question 56

True or False: The Arts and Crafts style is often criticized for its perceived lack of authenticity.

Answer 56

True ## Footnote Critics viewed its idealized view of history as 'snobbish'.

Question 57

Fill in the blank: The Gardenesque garden celebrates the _______.

Answer 57

[individual plant] ## Footnote This style emphasizes showcasing plants as specimens.

Question 58

What is a common maintenance requirement for bedding plants in the Gardenesque style?

Answer 58

Frequent watering, feeding, and deadheading. ## Footnote This style is considered high maintenance.

Question 59

What materials are used in modern garden design for contrast?

Answer 59

Warm pine and white stone ## Footnote These materials provide contrast and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Question 60

What is a key characteristic of modern garden trends?

Answer 60

Low maintenance ## Footnote Many modern gardens require minimal upkeep, making them more appealing to gardeners.

Question 61

What maintenance is required for wildflower meadows?

Answer 61

Cut back once at the end of the growing season ## Footnote This practice helps maintain the meadow's health and appearance.

Question 62

What is necessary for prairie planting style?

Answer 62

Deadheading of flowering perennials ## Footnote This process helps to prolong blooming and improve the visual display.

Question 63

What should be considered regarding the use of plastic in modern gardens?

Answer 63

Cost of manufacture and disposal ## Footnote The environmental impact of plastic elements is significant in modern garden designs.

Question 64

Are modern gardens necessarily more sustainable?

Answer 64

Not necessarily ## Footnote Sustainability in gardening is complex and not solely defined by modern practices.

Question 65

What historical challenges resonate with modern garden sustainability?

Answer 65

Growing and storing produce, protecting from weather, using water effectively ## Footnote These challenges highlight the ongoing relevance of historical gardening practices.

Question 66

What theme is reflected in the design of historical gardens?

Answer 66

Power and privilege of the wealthy ## Footnote Historical gardens often symbolize the status of their affluent owners.

Question 67

What types of people historically spent money on gardens?

Answer 67

Royalty and aristocracy ## Footnote Examples include Japanese shoguns, Egyptian pharaohs, and British upper classes.

Question 68

How has the accessibility of gardening changed over time?

Answer 68

Has become more accessible and democratic ## Footnote Increased access to gardening reflects broader social changes.