Colonial Revival garden

Colonial Revival garden is a style of garden design that became popular in the United States during the late 19th century and reached its zenith in the early to mid-20th century. This garden style is part of the broader Colonial Revival architecture movement, which sought to revive elements of architectural and garden design from the American colonial period, roughly defined as the early 17th century through the late 18th century. The Colonial Revival garden is characterized by its emphasis on symmetry, order, and a formal aesthetic that draws heavily from the gardens of colonial America, as well as from European garden traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Design Elements

Colonial Revival gardens are known for their structured design, incorporating geometric layouts and often symmetrical patterns. Key elements of these gardens include:

• Boxwood Hedges: Often used to define spaces, create borders, and add structure to the garden.
• Parterres: Formal garden beds arranged in symmetrical patterns, typically filled with low-growing plants, and sometimes edged with boxwood or other hedging plants.
• Pergolas and Arbors: Wooden structures that provide focal points and support for climbing plants.
• Brick or Gravel Pathways: These materials are commonly used for paths, reflecting the materials available during the colonial period.
• Herb Gardens: Small, functional gardens for growing herbs used in cooking, medicine, and household tasks, echoing the practical aspects of colonial gardens.
• Sundials and Statuary: Decorative elements that add a sense of history and elegance.

Historical Context

The Colonial Revival garden movement emerged in the late 19th century, a time when the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. There was a growing nostalgia for the perceived simplicity and order of the colonial era, which was reflected in the arts, architecture, and garden design. This movement was also influenced by the Centennial Exposition of 1876 in Philadelphia, which celebrated 100 years of American independence and sparked interest in America's colonial past.

Influences

The design of Colonial Revival gardens was influenced by several factors:

• European Garden Traditions: The formal gardens of Europe, particularly those of France and England, influenced the structured and symmetrical layouts of Colonial Revival gardens.
• American Colonial Gardens: These gardens themselves were influenced by European gardening traditions brought to the New World by settlers. Colonial Revival gardens sought to emulate and idealize these early American gardens.
• Arts and Crafts Movement: This movement emphasized handcraftsmanship and natural materials, which influenced the use of rustic elements like pergolas and arbors in Colonial Revival gardens.

Preservation and Legacy

Many Colonial Revival gardens have been preserved and are open to the public, often as part of historic homes and estates. These gardens serve as living history, offering insights into both the Colonial Revival movement and the gardening practices of the colonial period. They continue to influence garden design and remain a popular style for private gardens, reflecting a timeless appeal for order, symmetry, and historical connection.