At the end of the 4th century. the brilliant era of antiquity with its sciences, art, architecture ended its existence, giving way to new era- feudalism. The period of time spanning a thousand years between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance in Italy is called the Middle Ages, or the Middle Ages. Change architectural styles does not significantly affect park construction, since during this period the art of gardening, which is the most vulnerable of all types of art and more than others requires a peaceful environment for its existence, suspends its development. It exists in the form of small gardens at monasteries and castles, that is, in areas relatively protected from destruction. The Middle Ages, which lasted almost a thousand years, did not leave exemplary gardens, did not create its own gothic style garden architecture. A gloomy, harsh religion left its mark on the lives of peoples Western Europe and dulled the joy of perceiving the beauty expressed in gardens with beautiful flowers. Gardens first began to appear only in monasteries. The fundamental principle and model of all gardens, according to Christian ideas, is paradise, a garden planted by God, sinless, holy, abundant with everything that a person needs, with all types of trees, plants, and inhabited by animals living peacefully with each other. This original paradise is surrounded by a fence beyond which God banished Adam and Eve after their fall. Therefore, the main “significant” feature of the Garden of Eden is its enclosure. The next indispensable and most characteristic feature of paradise in the ideas of all times was the presence in it of everything that can bring joy not only to the eye, but also to hearing, smell, taste, touch - all human senses. The monastery garden - its layout and the plants in it, were endowed with allegorical symbolism. The garden, separated by walls from sin and the intervention of dark forces, became a symbol of the Garden of Eden. As a rule, monastery courtyards, enclosed in a rectangle of monastic buildings, were adjacent to the south side of the church. The monastery courtyard, usually square, was divided crosswise into four square parts by narrow paths. In the center, at the intersection of the paths, a well, a fountain, and a small pond were built for aquatic plants and watering the garden, washing or drinking water. The fountain was also a symbol - a symbol of purity of faith, inexhaustible grace or the “tree of life” - the tree of paradise - a small orange or apple tree, and a cross was also installed or a rose bush was planted. Often a small pond was built in the monastery garden, where fish were bred for fast days. This small garden in the courtyard of the monastery usually had small trees - fruit or ornamental trees and flowers. A small orchard inside the monastery courtyard was a symbol of paradise. It often included a monastery cemetery. According to their purpose, the gardens were divided into apothecary gardens with all kinds of herbs and medicinal plants, kitchen gardens with vegetable crops for the needs of the monastery and orchards. Monasteries at that time were, perhaps, the only place where they provided medical care, both monks and pilgrims. On small patches of land, sparingly illuminated by the sun due to high walls and roofs, only a few favorite plants were grown - roses, lilies, carnations, daisies, irises. Since there were few gardens in the Middle Ages, the plants grown were highly valued and strictly protected.

The labyrinth garden is a technique that was formed in monastery gardens and took a strong place in subsequent park construction. Initially, the labyrinth was a pattern, the design of which fit into a circle or hexagon and led to the center in complex ways. In the Middle Ages, the idea of ​​labyrinths was used by the church. For repentant pilgrims, mosaic spiral winding paths were laid out on the floor of the temple, along which believers had to crawl on their knees from the entrance to the temple to the altar to atone for their sins. So, from performing a tedious ritual in the church, they moved on to cheerful walks in the gardens, where they moved a labyrinth, where the paths were separated by high walls of trimmed hedges. From such a labyrinth there was, as a rule, only one or two exits, which could not be so easily discovered . Occupying a small area, this labyrinth created the impression of an endless length of paths and made it possible to take long walks. Perhaps in such labyrinths the hatches of a secret underground passage were hidden. Subsequently, labyrinth gardens became widespread in regular and even landscape parks in Europe. Castle gardens or Feudal type of gardens. Gardens in castles had a special character. Feudal gardens, unlike monastic ones, were smaller in size, located inside castles and fortresses - they were small and closed. Flowers were grown here, there was a source - a well, sometimes a miniature pool or fountain, and almost always a bench in the form of a ledge covered with turf - a technique that later became widespread in parks. They arranged covered alleys of grapes, rose gardens, grew apple trees, as well as flowers planted in flower beds according to special designs. The castle gardens were usually under the special supervision of the mistress of the castle and served as a small oasis of calm among the noisy and dense crowd of castle inhabitants that filled its courtyards. They were also grown here medicinal herbs, and poisonous, herbs for decoration and having symbolic meaning. IN medieval gardens Decorative flowers and bushes were planted, especially roses taken by the crusaders from the Middle East. Sometimes trees grew in the castle gardens - lindens and oaks. Near the defensive fortifications of the castle, “meadows of flowers” ​​were set up for tournaments and social fun. It was at this time that decorative elements such as flower beds, trellises, pergolas appeared, and a fashion for potted plants appeared. Spicy aromatic plants, flowers and exotic plants were grown in pots. houseplants that came to Europe after the Crusades. At the castles of large feudal lords, more extensive gardens were created not only for utilitarian purposes, but also for recreation. Gardens of the late Middle Ages were equipped with various pavilions; hills from which one could look at the surrounding life outside the garden walls - both urban and rural. During this period, labyrinths, which were previously common only for patios monasteries. The paths of garden labyrinths are surrounded by walls or bushes. Judging by the frequent images gardening work, the gardens were carefully cultivated, the beds and flower beds were enclosed in stone protective walls, the gardens were surrounded either by wooden fences, on which images of heraldic symbols were sometimes painted with paints, or stone walls with luxurious gates.

Part IV

Daisy

Delicate daisies were the favorite flowers of the Virgin Mary and appeared from the reflections of stars in drops of dew. In the northern sagas daisy was dedicated to the goddess of spring and love and was considered the “bride of the sun.” Well, in the times of troubadours, knights and beautiful ladies, the game of “frank daisy” appeared - fortune telling “loves - does not love.”

In general, luxury in the Middle Ages ornamental gardens did not have. Troubled times forced the construction of high walls and towers and the reduction of interior spaces. Fortresses were built on inaccessible peaks or surrounded by wide ditches, so only tiny gardens could be built in castles, which were loved by everyone and were interpreted as “oases of calm.” Meadows were arranged around the castles for tournaments and social entertainment.

At first, castle gardens were more utilitarian - they provided for the needs of table and treatment. Apothecary gardens were supplemented fruit trees and shrubs, as well as vegetable plots. “Sweet-smelling” plants were grown: roses, lilies, primroses, violets, cornflowers, which were used in rituals, decorations and foods. Perfumes and spices were made from flowers. Violets were added to salads. Primrose, violet, pink petals and hawthorn mixed with honey and sugar constituted a favorite delicacy. Girls and women wore flowers in their hair and wreaths on their heads. In France, wreaths made from flowers were called “chapeyron-de-fleurs”, and those made from roses were called “chapel”. People who knitted wreaths began to be called “chapeliers,” just as hat makers are called today. Obviously, from these wreaths came French word"shapo" - hat.

First mention of flower garden roses and violets dates back to approximately 1000. From that time on, the orchard often contained decorative areas. The favorite tree was linden, which was often planted next to the well.

At the beginning of the second millennium, centralized states were formed in Europe, cities grew, crusades spread, a worldly spirit began to permeate the culture, and the level of education of the population increased. An interest in man and earthly life awakened. Now it was already possible to show the beauty of the human body and express love for earthly things. Monasteries are losing their role as cultural centers to cities.

An important part of mature culture Middle Ages there was a knightly culture. The concept of “knight” has become synonymous with nobility and nobility. A “code of knightly honor” and “rules of courtliness” emerged. The reflection of knightly culture was the poetry of troubadours, trouvères and minnesingers, “chivalrous novels”, as well as the “pleasure garden” of knightly society. These gardens served as prayerful or philosophical retreats. Mandatory activities included reading, playing music, singing and dancing.

The structure of such a garden was described by the Dominican monk Albertus Magnus (1193-1280), a famous naturalist Middle Ages. He wrote that for a “pleasure garden” “there is always a place in any territory that is unsuitable for growing crops. "Pleasure gardens serve primarily to satisfy the two senses of sight and smell, and they require little maintenance, since nothing is so pleasing to the eye as a wonderful layer of grass of medium height." These gardens were built on leveled areas, cleared of old roots (to destroy old seeds in the ground, Albert the Great suggested pouring boiling water over the entire area). The garden included a rectangle of flower beds for aromatic plants. The center of the garden was a wonderful clearing where you could sit, relax and restore peace of mind. Between the clearing and the flower beds, beautifully flowering plants grew on a hill.

He formulated and practical recommendations: “Trees and vineyards should be planted on sunny side glades; their foliage will protect the clearing and provide refreshing shade.” They are not suitable for this because they do not provide much shade and require fertilizer, which can damage the clearing. The "Garden of Pleasure" should be open to the north and east winds, as these winds bring health and purity. But it is closed to winds of opposite directions (south and west) because the stormy nature of these winds and impurity have a weakening effect. The north wind can interfere with the ripening of fruits, but is very beneficial for human health. The "Garden of Pleasure" provides pleasure - not fruit." At the same time, an anti-feudal and anti-church culture, in opposition to the knightly one, was spreading in the cities. Works of urban satirical epic appeared. This is the famous “Romance of the Rose” in two parts, the first of which was written by Guillaume de Lorris in 1220-1230. The author describes the “garden - earthly paradise”:

“... I saw that garden in a dream;

I saw blooming May in a dream,

When everyone is so happy about spring,

When everyone and everything is delighted:

And all the little birds, wearing fluff,

With the foliage of a new oak grove,

And all the gardens, bushes and herbs."

He is led into this garden by Lady Idleness herself, wearing a delightful wreath and a garland of roses. Along a path among fresh fragrant herbs, he comes out into a clearing where Mr. Myrtle (the owner of the garden) and his friends are frolicking; and seven maidens, adorned with wreaths and garlands of roses, dance with them. Lorris sees many trees from warm and distant countries (originally from "Alexandria": date palm, figs, almonds, pomegranates, cypresses, pine trees, olives and laurels. Some trees are connected by branches together and form arches. The air is intoxicating with the spicy aroma of ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. The picture is enlivened by the presence of animals - roe deer, deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds, and water jets gushing from a clean transparent source sprinkle flowers and grass with wet dust sparkling in the sun. However, on garden wall the author sees a gallery of paintings and sculptural portraits: Hatred, Betrayal, Greed, Avarice, Envy, Sadness and Old Age.

Miniature from "The Romance of the Rose" pleasure garden

This talented work has been translated into many languages ​​and republished several times. The original gardens of the castles have not survived, but the bright miniatures illustrating “The Romance of the Rose” brought to us the atmosphere medieval knightly “garden of pleasures”, smoothing out the satirical and edifying sharpness of literature.

Gardens mature Middle Ages purchased decorativeness(About the appearance of the first ornamental gardens you can read in the article Gardens Ancient Egypt and Crete). The development of crafts affected the art of decorating fountains, benches, gazebos, and mosaic paving. The entrances to the garden were decorated with ornamental wooden gates with shingle roofs. Parts of the garden were also separated by light fences with gates. Pergolas and trellises dating back to ancient Rome were common.

Important!

Another achievement of the Middle Ages was the emergence of botanical gardens who were of Islamic origin.

The Arabs translated and preserved the scientific heritage of antiquity, expanded their knowledge in the field of botany and horticulture, and collected descriptions of many plants. Harun al-Rashid and his successors brought plants and their seeds from Asia and Africa. The great botanist Ibn al-Baytar of Malaga classified approximately 14,000 plants. Participants in the Crusades brought information about different countries and plants, developing interest in natural sciences.

Important!

Arabic method of sowing seeds different plants the lawn was also adopted by Europeans, and a similar lawn got the name Moorish.

Lawns are not only Moorish, but also decorative, parterre, ordinary, meadow. This is written about in the article Classification of Lawns on our website.

Botanical Garden

In 1250 there was already a Botanical Garden, part of a medical school established by Arab doctors in Spain. Education ceased to be a monopoly of monasteries, and gardening became the business of merchants and scholars interested in botany. The creation of universities also encouraged the gathering botanical collections. At the beginning of the 14th century botanical gardens appeared in Salerno, Padua, Pisa, Bologna, Venice, Prague. This passion for collecting rare and foreign plants has survived to this day.

Important!

In the XII-XIII centuries they began to appear public outdoor gardens of a representative nature for the recreation of citizens.

At first they were organized in the cities of Italy and France. They occupied relatively large areas and were used for city fairs. The space was formed by meadow-type lawns and shady alleys with decorative garden elements. Lawns are classified into decorative, meadow, ground floor. You can read about this in the article Classification of Lawns. In later Middle Ages, when the cities achieved economic prosperity and relative peace, they were surrounded by peripheral green belts with meadows and groves. These meadows were named in Latin: "pratum commune", from where the names "Prado" in Madrid and "Pratter" in Vienna came.

One day, Charlemagne's son Prince Pepin asked his teacher: “What is rain?” And the learned Anglo-Saxon Alcuin is one of the revered “encyclopedists” Middle Ages, answered: “The conception of the earth, ending in the birth of fruits.” Perhaps this is where we can end the story about the Middle Ages - the “bad weather” in which the socio-cultural community of Europe was conceived and born. End.

The era of antiquity with its architecture, art, and sciences ended its existence at the end of the 4th century. A new time has come - the era of feudalism, or the Middle Ages (5th–15th centuries).

During the Middle Ages, the formation took place European countries, constant internecine wars, uprisings. It was at this time that Christianity was established. Slavery gave way to the feudal system.

The history of medieval architecture is divided into three periods:

1) early medieval (4th–9th centuries);

2) Romanesque (10th–12th centuries);

3) Gothic (late 12th–14th centuries).

Architecture, art, especially park construction, are very vulnerable and require a peaceful environment for their existence, therefore, in conditions of unrest in the world, especially in Europe, the development of landscape art is suspended. The size of gardens is sharply reduced, internal gardens appear within monasteries and at castles, where they like

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then safety from destruction is guaranteed. It was the inner garden that became the only link between city dwellers and nature.

Decorative and fruit plants, as well as medicinal herbs, were grown in the inner garden. The trees grew in even rows and were mostly of local origin, with some exotic ones too.

Orchards surrounded on the perimeter for protection deciduous trees(linden, ash, poplar).

The prototype of modern flower beds were regular beds with medicinal and ornamental plants: mallow, wormwood, sage, tea, poppy, Bogorodskaya grass, rue, etc. The formation of the beds was in the form of prisms. Their slopes were strengthened with turf, poles or wickerwork.

In the Middle Ages the following appeared main types gardening facilities :

- monastery gardens;

- castle gardens;

- university gardens;

First botanical gardens at academic centers.

IN monastery gardens often two cross-shaped intersecting paths divided them into four parts. In the center of the intersection, a cross was installed or a rose bush was planted in memory of the martyrdom of Christ. Gardens at monasteries had a utilitarian purpose. Aesthetic issues usually relegated to the background.

The enclosed courtyard inside the monastery, where ornamental plants were grown, was called a cloister.

Castle gardens served for relaxation and meetings, were arranged with decorative elements and were small in size.

Small indoor garden areas have led to the emergence of a new technique - labyrinth – a section of specially entangled garden paths, separated by trimmed greenery (Figure 4). He fit into some geometric shape, usually a square or hexagon.

The technique was borrowed from the builders of temples, who laid out a mosaic pattern on the floor, leading along complex paths, like labyrinthine paths, to the center of the hall. Crawling along such a pattern on their knees, pilgrims imagined that they were making a distant pilgrimage. Subsequently, this idea was transferred to the garden.

The late Middle Ages are characterized by the development of science and the opening of the first universities (in Paris, Oxford, etc.). Reached

High level of development of botany and horticulture. The first began to appear botanical gardens, opened to the general public already in the Renaissance.

Figure 4 – Example of a labyrinth (photo from engraving)

So, features of landscape gardening art of the Middle Ages in central Europe the following:

Simplicity and geometric layout of internal gardens;

Development of a new technique - a labyrinth;

The emergence of the beginnings of botanical gardens and preparations for their opening to the general public by the first half of the 15th century.

Hispano-Moorish (Arab) gardens

Education in the 7th century played an important role in the development of world landscape art. The Arab Caliphate, which united the conquered lands of Palestine, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Spain.

Social conditions. Muslim art of the East is distinguished by majestic monumentality, schematism and abstraction.

IN early period During the development of Islamic architecture, the premises of mosques, religious educational institutions and other buildings were grouped around a large courtyard decorated with covered galleries. The most famous masterpieces landscape art that has survived

to this day, are the gardens in Spain.

The Arabs applied the experience of Egypt and Rome in constructing irrigation structures and created a powerful hydraulic system where they used the melting of snow on mountain peaks, turning waterless Spain into a flourishing land.

Formed in Spain new type garden - Spanish-Moorish (patio).

It resembles the garden of a medieval monastery and the atrium-peristyle garden Ancient Rome. The patio was small in size - from 200 to 1200 m2, surrounded by the walls of the house or a high stone fence and was a continuation of the premises under open air. His plan was distinguished by strict regularity. The main decorative elements were pools, canals, and miniature fountains. Much attention was paid to paving, due to the hot climate of Spain, which did not allow the use of lawn. The paving on the patio was two-color, organized with river or sea pebbles. Majolica (colored tiles) was used. It was used to line the bottom and edges of reservoirs, and lined retaining walls and benches. The main colors are blue, green, yellow, as if softening the heat.

Natural conditions. The climate is hot and arid, which forced the use of irrigation. Frequent dry winds, sand, and dust provided the basis for the construction of powerful walls around it.

Vegetation . Preference was given to evergreen species (boxwood, myrtle), which formed trimmed hedges or borders. They grew thujas, laurels, oleanders, almonds, orange and tangerine trees, and cypresses. The walls of buildings in cold tones served good background For lemon trees and jasmine.

Flowers did not play a decisive role in landscaping. They were mainly valued for their aromatic properties. Rose and jasmine were especially popular. Wisteria, magnolia, agave, irises, daffodils, and mallows were widely used.

Water and its meaning. Paradise is identified with an ideal garden and its abundance of water. It usually reached the edge of the reservoir and even overflowed. The correct shape of a container with water in the center of the garden or at the intersection of paths symbolized stability.

The location of the garden was always chosen taking into account the source of water.

Fountains were initially used as filters to purify water from insect larvae, but later, when the variability of flowing water was appreciated, they began to be used for the pleasure of the eyes, and the noise - “as music for the ears.”

Water devices Spanish-Moorish gardens are divided into types:

- channels,

- narrow streams,

- swimming pools,

- fountains.

The specific features of the gardens of this time are:

Compositional relationship between the architecture of the building and the gardens;

Lack of common axial structure.

The interior is so fused with the courtyards that it is not always clear whether the visitor is inside or outside. This is achieved by the fact that the transition from the house to the garden was decorated with arches, and the gardens and interiors were decorated with identical plants.

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1. Gardens of the Arabs in Spain.

At the end of the 4th century. The brilliant era of antiquity with its sciences, art, and architecture ended its existence, giving way to a new era - feudalism. The period of time spanning a thousand years between the fall of Rome (late 4th century) and the Renaissance in Italy (14th century) is called the Middle Ages, or the Middle Ages. This was the time of the formation of European states, constant internecine wars and uprisings, and the time of the establishment of Christianity. “But at the same time, in these torments, a new human society was born. In wars and uprisings, famine and epidemics, slavery was destroyed and replaced by the feudal system.”

In the history of architecture, the Middle Ages are divided into three periods: early medieval(IV-IX centuries), Romanesque(X-XII centuries), Gothic(late XII-XIV centuries). The change in architectural styles does not significantly affect park construction, since during this period the art of gardening, which is the most vulnerable of all types of art and more than others requires a peaceful environment for its existence, suspends its development. It exists in the form of small gardens at monasteries and castles, that is, in areas relatively protected from destruction.

Monastery gardens. Herbal medicinal and ornamental plants. The layout was simple, geometric, with a pool and fountain in the center. Often two crosswise intersecting paths divided the garden into four parts; in the center of this intersection, in memory of the martyrdom of Christ, a cross was erected or a rose bush was planted.

Castle gardens arranged inside their territory. They were small and introverted. Flowers were grown here, there was a source - a well, sometimes a miniature pool and fountain, and almost always a bench in the form of a ledge covered with turf - a technique that became widespread in parks.

Garden labyrinth- a technique that was formed in the monastery gardens and took a strong place in subsequent park construction. Initially, the labyrinth was a pattern, the design of which fit into a circle or hexagon and led to the center in complex ways. IN early middle ages this drawing was laid out on the floor of the temple, and later transferred to the garden, where the paths were separated by the walls of a trimmed hedge. Subsequently, labyrinth gardens became widespread in regular and even landscape parks. In Russia, such a labyrinth was in the Summer Garden (not preserved), a regular part of Pavlovsk Park (restored) and Sokolniki Park, where its roads looked like intertwined ellipses inscribed in the spruce massif (lost).

The late Middle Ages are characterized by the opening of the first universities (Bologna, Paris, Oxford, Prague). Horticulture and botany have reached high level development, the first botanical gardens appeared (Aachen, Venice, etc.).

Arab gardens in Spain

In the 8th century Arabs (Moors) settled on the Iberian Peninsula and stayed here for almost seven centuries. Toledo became a major center of education, and Cordoba the most civilized city in Europe.

Borrowing the experience of Egypt and Rome in constructing irrigation structures, the Arabs were able to use the melting snow on the mountain peaks and created a powerful hydraulic system, turning waterless Spain into a flourishing land. A new type of garden was formed here - Spanish-Moorish. This is a small courtyard (200-1200 m2) of atrium-peristyle type (patio), surrounded by the walls of the house or fence, and is a continuation of the front and living quarters in the open air.

A complex of such miniature patio, included in the complex structure of the palace, are the gardens of Grenada, created in the 13th century. in the residences of the caliphs - Alhambra (650X200 m) and Generalife (area 80X 100 m).

In the Alhambra, the palace premises were grouped around the Court of Myrtle and the Court of Lions. The myrtle courtyard (47X 33 m) is surrounded by walls of buildings with an elegant arcade, richly decorated with ornaments. In the center there is a pool (7X45 m), elongated along the long axis and framed by rows of clipped myrtle. The main effect is the reflection of the arcade of the tower in the water of the pool. The Court of the Lions (28 X 19 m) is also surrounded by walls and an arcade, crossed by two mutually perpendicular channels, in the center of which there is a fountain of two alabaster vases supported by 12 black marble lions.

There is also the Queen's Courtyard, decorated with a fountain, 4 cypress trees in the corners, and most importantly - a complex covering ornament, into the design of which both the pool and the places where the cypress trees are planted are woven.

The Generalif Ensemble is the summer residence of the caliphs, located 100 m above the Alhambra. It is a complex of isolated patio gardens on terraces. The most famous is the courtyard with the canal. It is elongated and surrounded by an arcade; in the center there is a narrow 40-meter canal, decorated with two rows of fountains. Their thin streams form an arched alley. The garden is freely planted with small trees and shrubs.

In general, the traditions of the Spanish-Moorish garden are characterized by the following features: simplicity of planning and individuality of the solution. The layout is regular, determined by the geometric plan of the patio. The garden has a compositional center, most often a swimming pool. The entrance to the garden is often placed not in the center, but on the side, thereby breaking symmetry and enriching the overall picture of the garden.

The connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces of the garden appearance is achieved by arranging viewpoints decorated with arcades. This method of interconnection was subsequently widely developed in landscape art.

Water is the main motif of the garden. It is present in every patio in the form of channels, pools, and springs gushing out of the ground. The water either flows down channels made in the railings of the stairs, then permeates the plane of the garden in a narrow strip, then spreads out like a vast mirror (Myrtle Courtyard), then forms fountain streams. In all its diversity there is a desire to show the value of every drop.

Vegetation is used in such a way as to demonstrate the individual merits of each specimen. Cypress trees, orange and tangerine trees, jasmine, almonds, oleander, and roses were planted freely. Haircuts were rarely used as an architectural element.

The hot climate did not allow the use of a lawn, so most of the territory was decorated with decorative paving.

The color scheme is characterized by a combination of the overall restrained color scheme of the walls, the greenery of trees and shrubs with bright splashes beautiful flowering plants or colored coatings. Decorative paving is one of the important elements Spanish-Moorish garden. Sometimes retaining walls and garden benches were lined with colored majolica. Primary colors are blue, yellow, green.

Thus, the Spanish-Moorish style was formed with a set of its own techniques that corresponded to the requirements of time, nature, and national traditions.

Spring is the time of discovery summer season. For gardeners and vegetable gardeners these days, gardening and vegetable gardening products are in high demand, and, having purchased the necessary equipment, summer residents go to their garden plots. Today it is fashionable to landscape areas in style - to plant exotic plants, erect sculptures, dig artificial reservoirs. However, few people know that in the Middle Ages, gardens were real works of art.

Medieval gardens

In the Middle Ages, the work of a gardener was likened to the work of a book writer. It was believed that the garden should be read like a book, benefiting from it.

As a rule, gardens in the Middle Ages were laid out in monasteries and castles. At that time, flowers and some fruits could only be found there. The monastery courtyard was built in accordance with a strict plan and included a garden, a vegetable garden with even rectangular beds, and sometimes a pond was built for growing fish. Such an ensemble was called the courtyard of paradise. IN garden of paradise, fenced from prying eyes, they grew ornamental plants, medicinal herbs and fruit bushes.

Many decorative techniques in the Middle Ages were borrowed from antiquity. The principle of regularity dominated both architectural compositions and the arrangement of green spaces. Sculptures, fountains, cascades, baskets and grottoes played an important role in the design of the gardens.

The construction of gardens and parks in Italy was influenced by the work of such masters as Bramante, Raphael and Palladio.

Gardens and villas at that time formed a single ensemble. One of the most famous architectural and park works of the Renaissance was the Villa Madama. Giulio Medici chose a picturesque hillside overlooking Rome for this villa. The initial design of the villa was prepared by Rafael Santi. Despite the complex landscape, the famous architect harmoniously surrounded the villa with a terraced garden.

Another masterpiece of that time is Villa Fornese. The architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola accurately calculated the proportions of the Fornese garden and was able to make advantageous use of the natural topography of the area.

During that era, Italy inspired creative searches in other European countries. Thus, in France, under Italian influence, the Fontainebleau Gardens were created near the Royal Palace in the 16th century, and the Luxembourg Garden near the Luxembourg Palace was created at the beginning of the 17th century.