A brief history of gardening through the years
History of gardening – Many of today’s homes, public places, and business establishments have gardens. Some are simple and minimalist, while others are complex and elaborate works of art.
Some have very traditional elements, while others have cutting edge technology, in the form of modern garden light systems and very stylish garden planters.
It is so common, that most people take their existence for granted. However, gardens have a long history, one that spans as far as the history of human civilization itself.
Ornamental garden
Gardens can generally be classified into 2 groups, those that are used to grow foods such as herbs and vegetables, and ornamental gardens who primarily serve an aesthetic and decorative purpose. In prehistoric times, gardening for food and other crops were the main trend. These made cultivating and harvesting food easier for most groups of people, especially those who are far from large tracts of farm-able land.
It was when humankind has established themselves in many stable civilizations that the first ornamental gardens appeared. The ancient Egyptians and the ancient Chinese were among the first of these civilizations, and while they were worlds apart, both peoples recognized the potential beauty a well designed garden could bring.
The Egyptians were then followed by other nearby civilizations, such as the Persians, and the same could be said for the Chinese, whose designs spilled over to the Japanese. The west would see the creation of many world famous historical gardens, including the World Wonder called the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
As the centuries went by, conquering and conquered civilizations would share garden philosophies and designs. The Greeks, and then, soon after, the Romans would have their own garden styles, which would last until the fall of the Roman empire, and the rise of other European powers.
European countries such as France, England, and Spain, would bring gardening to the New World, and would continue to spread well into modern times, where it will be used, not just in the villas of the rich, but also in public places such as schools, town centers, and many more.
Today, gardens are a staple in landscape and architectural design, the legacy of man’s desire for natural beauty. For other great home gardening ideas, be sure to visit our Rival crock pot home page and see how others just like you are learning to live the slow-cookin’ lifestyle.
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