Ahh, is there anything more satisfying than the feeling we get when we spy our first spring flower in the garden after a long winter? But did yall know the first posies on earth actually originated as weeds? Yep...over time, however, if the blossom was attractive enough AND if the flower produced a pleasant-enough aroma, they were quickly cut, shoved into containers, & brought inside to help cover up odors. However, in the Americas, the idea of outdoor gardens dedicated specifically to flowers didnt become commonplace until the mid-19th century. In fact, the first flowers were tolerated in home gardens because they were found to keep nasty bugs off the crops, thus farmers began incorporating rows of blooming weeds alongside crops consumed by their families [this system by the way still works beautifully today]. On the other hand, forest gardening [a plant-based food production system], is truly the worlds oldest form of gardening. And according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the enclosure of outdoor space began in 10,000 BC. where forest gardens originated along jungle-clad river banks & in the wet foothills of monsoon-fed areas. In the gradual process of families improving their environment, useful tree and vine species were identified, protected & improved whilst undesirable species were quickly eliminated. Eventually foreign species were also selected and incorporated into the family garden. But, the most influential ancient gardens were the Ptolemys Gardens at Alexandria. Even the archaeological finds of wall paintings in Pompeii attest to extensive villa gardens with water features, cultivated roses & shaded arcades. And today, modern gardens, whether commercial or simple backyard escapes, feature a delightful blending of flowers, trees, shrubbery & even architectonic designs. Thomas Church, landscape architect extraordinaire (1902-1978] became known as one who opened the American door to the Modern movement in landscape architecture with what came to be known as the California Style.” In fact, it was he who introduced in his 1948 Donnell gardens swimming pool [a kidney-shaped design with an abstract sculpture within it], which soon became the icon of modern outdoor garden living at its finest. So go ahead and bury your hands in the garden this spring. Pop in a pansy or two and take extreme comfort in knowing our long-ago ancestors enjoyed doing the exact same thing as you. Pretty cool, huh? ♥
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 18:18:16 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015