English landscape garden

Stowe Park, Buckinghamshire (4664560360)

Claude Lorrain Apollo Muses

Castle Howard and garden

The Ionic Temple, Obelisk and Mirror Pond, Chiswick House-geograph-2668910-by-Stefan-Czapski

Rousham House Gardens

Error creating thumbnail:

Stowe Park Palladian bridge

English landscape garden

The English landscape garden, also known as the English landscape park or simply the English garden, is a style of landscape architecture that emerged in England in the early 18th century. It is characterized by its naturalistic design, which contrasts with the more formal, symmetrical gardens that preceded it, such as the French formal garden.

History

The English landscape garden developed during the early 18th century, influenced by the work of landscape designers such as William Kent, Capability Brown, and Humphry Repton. These designers sought to create gardens that mimicked the natural landscape, using techniques such as the creation of artificial lakes, the planting of groves of trees, and the construction of classical temples and follies.

Design Elements

The key elements of the English landscape garden include:

• Naturalistic Layout: Unlike the formal gardens of the past, the English landscape garden features a more organic, flowing layout that mimics natural landscapes.
• Lakes and Water Features: Artificial lakes and serpentine rivers are common features, often designed to appear as natural bodies of water.
• Groves and Woodlands: Clusters of trees and wooded areas are used to create a sense of depth and natural beauty.
• Classical Architecture: Structures such as temples, follies, and bridges are often included, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity.
• Ha-Ha: A recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier while preserving an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond.

Influence

The English landscape garden had a significant influence on garden design throughout Europe and beyond. It inspired the development of similar styles in countries such as France, Germany, and Russia. The principles of the English landscape garden also influenced the design of public parks and gardens in the 19th century.

Notable Examples

Some of the most famous examples of English landscape gardens include:

• Stowe House in Buckinghamshire
• Stourhead in Wiltshire
• Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire
• Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
• Rousham House in Oxfordshire

Related Pages

• Landscape architecture
• Capability Brown
• William Kent
• Humphry Repton
• French formal garden
• Garden design