Landscaping is considered one of the most sophisticated forms of art. It is located at the junction of several sciences at once, which helps to interact most effectively with objects of animate and inanimate nature. Among the abundance of design solutions in landscaping, the most common and successful is the so-called European style. The article discusses in detail all its features, as well as describes the history of formation.

History of European landscape design

The history of modern landscape design dates back to the time of primitive society. Since ancient times, man has actively used all kinds of vegetation for food and medicinal purposes. Part of the flowering species has become one of the traditional objects cultivated for decorative landscaping. The first serious steps in the development of this art were made around the 7th – 8th centuries BC. in the territory of Ancient Babylon.Hanging Gardens of Babylon During this period, all the knowledge accumulated by mankind was systematized, which resulted in the creation of the “Hanging Gardens”. They became not only a real wonder of the world, but also the first successful attempt at landscaping with the help of several groups and varieties of plants. Later, during the time of the Egyptian kingdom, the so-called aesthetic approach to the design of the site was formed.based on symmetrical proportions.

The next leap in the development of the European style was made in the era of the Roman Empire. This time was characterized by the rapid development of almost all scientific fields, including botany and other natural disciplines. During this period, it was customary to cultivate the environment to smooth, but strict outlines, while maintaining the harmony of all proportions. Then the rapid development of landscape art in Europe slowed down until the end of the Middle Ages.

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Artificial gardening was exclusively done by monks and ministers of the church. However, during this period, the concepts laid down by Antiquity were preserved. In addition to this, the monk managed to turn wild plants into a real element of the garden plot. They abundantly planted arbors, an adjoining territory of cells, etc. Also, at monasteries for the first time of mass vegetation, they began to make out labyrinths, hedges, as well as walls and rocky hedges. Also at this time on the territory of France the foundations of the Gothic style were laid, which until the 15th century prevailed in all kinds of branches of man.Modern forms of landscape design were formed during the Renaissance. It was during this period that a huge number of various styles and traditional solutions appeared, most of which to this day have not lost their relevance. Gardens at that time were famous for all kinds of forms and an amazing combination of various types of plants and decoration details. Towards the end of the 17th century, the Baroque style, popular today, arose in France. The basis of his concept was the splendor of forms, aristocracy, as well as abundance and diversity.

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By the end of the 18th century, the traditional principle of garden design was finally formed in Great Britain. in the form of strict avenues and landscape parks, saturated with all kinds of vegetation. At the same time, the concept of combining tall and stunted vegetation within a small garden was completely built up. In the next 2 centuries, the main types of European style in landscape design were formed, and their main postulates and rules were formulated. In addition, in modern times, the concept of creating living sculptures. Parks and gardens were supplemented with trimmed trees and shrubs of various shapes and shapes.

Types of European style

The European style in landscape gardening art is represented by several traditional principles of creating a garden. This allowed us to divide the style into several groups, depending on the features of the application of a particular vegetation, as well as all kinds of decoration elements. Due to which, in a fairly concise framework, it was possible to combine rather unique approaches to landscaping.

Baroque

Baroque can be called one of the most spectacular examples of landscape art, this style combines romanticism, as well as the classical principles of building a garden. This type of gardening is considered the richest and most ceremonial. That is why the most often Baroque gardens can be found on the palace territories and estates of the time from the Late Renaissance to about the twentieth century.One of the main features of Baroque landscape design is the clear interaction between the planted vegetation, the environment and all kinds of objects on the site. That is why the center of such a project will be a house, complemented by exquisite vegetation, as well as sculptures and other decor.

Important! Baroque provides a huge number of various details of decor. At the same time, a glut of them is more acceptable than a shortage.

The main key elements of the style are:

• complexity and intricacy of forms and shapes;
• smooth oval and rounded lines, curls;
• hedges;
• forged benches, arbors, arches, etc .;
• hedges;
• garden containers with rich painting or stucco molding;
• the predominance of flowering vegetation (with a rose, as the main species);
• sophisticated lawns and flower borders.

When planning and decorating a baroque garden, you should adhere to such rules:

• mandatory division into zones, each of which has clear boundaries;
• the proximity of perennial vegetation with annuals;
• Baroque is impossible to imagine without a combination of symmetry and landscape;
• rich colors, with a predominance of gold, yellow, red and orange shades.

Renaissance

The Renaissance can be called one of the most free styles, while such a garden will be distinguished by aesthetics and unique charm. This style looks most advantageous in areas located on a hill or hillside.. All vegetation should be divided into separate terraces, which will harmoniously combine both fruit and decorative species. In such a garden there are no clear forms and borders, while the harmony of all elements is achieved.

Typical elements of sites made in this style:

• the whole territory is divided into terraces;
• each terrace necessarily has several partners with flowering plants;
• a large number of artificial ponds and fountains;
• gazebo with a viewing platform;
• portico or pergola in front of the house entrance.

The main rules for creating a garden in the revival style:

• unity between artificial structures and all kinds of vegetation;

• free layout;
• lack of attachment of one object to another;
• a small orchard in a separate area;
• water bodies, as the main decoration of the site;
• straight paths dividing the territory into zones of regular geometric shape (square, triangle, rectangle, polygon, etc.).

Video: Renaissance style garden

Classicism

The main distinguishing features of this style is the predominance of strict forms and lines, as well as symmetry. Classicism is based on the time-tested traditional methods of garden design, laid down in antiquity. That is why all kinds of decorative elements in ancient Greek stylistics best complement the plot in this style and will become one of its highlights.

Important! A classic-style garden looks best in large and open areas, while the area occupied under it should correspond to at least 15–20 acres.

Distinctive features of such a garden will be:

• strict symmetry between all objects;
• perfectly smooth lawn as a base;
• flowerbeds of regular geometric shape;
• small ponds and natural stone.

To create a truly classic garden, you should:

• observe only the correct forms of all elements;
• locate a body of water exclusively in the center of the territory or in a separate zone;
• install sculptures only in places with good visibility;
• to place arbors in zones of suppression of paths;
• Avoid vegetation with pastel colored flowers.

Gothic

The main distinguishing feature of Gothic is the combination of aristocratic pretentiousness and neglect, however, in this case, clear symmetry will always prevail in the Gothic garden. Such sites create a feeling of gloomy mystery, while they differ in bright and unique zest. In garden architecture, the style involves the use of strict and sharp corners, as well as smooth lines. All kinds of buildings are necessarily complemented by artificially aged statues or small monuments with refined and refined stucco molding.

Distinctive features of such a site will be:

• uneven terrain covered with diverse tree-like vegetation;
• thickets of wild grapes, as well as sphagnum moss;
• aged bench or gazebo;
• overgrown pond;
• flower beds with sacred gardens.

To recreate the style correctly, you will need:

• Avoid overly bright colors and combinations;
• divide the site into a cultivated area and artificial thickets;
• be sure to plant the so-called "aristocratic plants" (roses, jasmine, lilies, clematis, etc.)
• install a rotunda arbor or bench in the center, while the residential building should be in a remote area;
• provide for the presence of statues on religious subjects.

Video: Landscaping - Gothic

French garden

A truly French garden will always be sophisticated, sophisticated and cozy. Its main goal is to create the most comfortable environment for relaxing from everyday affairs and problems.. That is why it is impossible to meet a lot of bulky combinations and heavy constructions for perception here. At the same time, this style will best interact with the house in a small area, with a free area of ​​up to 4-5 acres.

The key features of the French style include:

• a small lawn of regular geometric shape;
• a combination of fruit and ornamental trees;
• paved area near a residential building and small walkways (made of brick or granite stone);
• small fountains;
• low curbs along the tracks;
• a decorative garden of greens, spices and fruit bushes.

The following rules will help to achieve a landscape in this style:

• a path to the house must pass through the lawn;
• residential buildings are located in the far part of the site;
• along the perimeter, the lawn should be decorated with blooming species or supports with climbing plants;
• vegetation should prevail with green, gray-green, violet or blue tones, brightly flowering plants are dotted.

English style

The English garden, first of all, implies a classic example of landscape avenues and sections in strict style, decorated with small garden elements. It implies a complete merger with the surrounding nature, emphasizing its naturalness, while it must be perfectly cultivated. Most often this is achieved by trimmed lawns, trees and shrubs.

The characteristic features of such a garden will be:

• winding paths;
• climbing vegetation on fences, as well as all kinds of buildings;
• the prevalence of perennial tree species on the site;
• trees with a pyramidal or weeping crown;
• use for decoration of gravel, limestone, wood bark;
• a large lawn or several small, interconnected.

In creating a garden in this style, you should adhere to such rules:

• a house or other garden buildings should be hidden behind the trees;
• all kinds of sculptures and other details of the decor are located on the most viewed place;
• the lawn should be the central object, all kinds of vegetation are planted along its perimeter;
• brightly blooming species plant exclusively near residential buildings, in the rest of the landscape, discreet shades should prevail.

Video: landscaping in the English style

Advantages and disadvantages of the European style

Like any design decision, the design of the garden in the European style has many advantages and disadvantages.

• If we talk about its positive aspects, it should be noted that such gardens:
• Look quite aesthetically pleasing. They have their own strict style, which allows you to emphasize the status of the owner;
• with daily care, they will always effectively decorate the site, regardless of the season;
• create a special atmosphere of comfort;
• Do not load, which allows you to enjoy nature for hours on flight.

However, this landscaping option has some disadvantages. Complex planting of several groups of plants at once requires a gardener a lot of time for complex, and in some cases, quite specific care. Therefore, it is unlikely for beginners to cope with such a garden without the help of a specialist. To create a full-fledged composition requires at least 10 acres of free space, so in a small area you can’t take advantage of the European garden. That is why the European garden is always associated with considerable costs.

The European style in landscape art is, first of all, a combination of all sorts of eras and their traditions. This contributes to a sufficiently extensive soil for a variety of experiments and solutions. However, before stopping your attention on this or that stylistic direction, it is necessary to take into account the area allotted for the future garden. Since in some cases the decorativeness and expediency of plantings depends on this.