Shakespeare garden

A Shakespeare garden is a themed garden that cultivates plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. These gardens are often designed to evoke the Elizabethan era and may include quotes from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets that reference specific plants.

History

The concept of a Shakespeare garden originated in the early 20th century, inspired by the Shakespearean revival and the growing interest in horticulture. The first known Shakespeare garden was established in Central Park, New York City in 1916 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Design

Shakespeare gardens are typically designed to reflect the style of gardens from the Elizabethan era. They often feature a variety of plants that are mentioned in Shakespeare's works, such as roses, violets, pansies, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. The layout may include formal elements such as boxwood hedges, topiary, and knot gardens.

Plants

Some of the plants commonly found in a Shakespeare garden include:

• Roses - Frequently mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, such as in Romeo and Juliet.
• Violets - Referenced in Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
• Pansies - Mentioned in Hamlet.
• Herbs - Such as rosemary (Hamlet) and thyme (The Winter's Tale).

Notable Shakespeare Gardens

• Central Park Shakespeare Garden - Located in New York City, this garden was established in 1916.
• Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Garden - Situated in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
• San Francisco Shakespeare Garden - Located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

Cultural Significance

Shakespeare gardens serve as a tribute to the literary genius of William Shakespeare and provide a living connection to the plants and flowers that inspired his work. They are popular destinations for tourists, literature enthusiasts, and gardeners alike.

See Also

• William Shakespeare
• Elizabethan era
• Horticulture
• Central Park
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Golden Gate Park