History of Gardening
The history of gardening can be traced back to 200 years when the gardeners of Native America first cultivated a local tobacco. It is believed that the Europeans who arrived on the coast of Pacific Northwest in the eighteenth century brought seeds with them. In fact they were the ones who planted the first vegetable gardens of the region hoping that the meager return would be enough for them to stave off the scurvy that wrecked their crews. Within a short span of time the region of British Columbia, Oregon and Washington carved a niche for itself in the art of gardening. In the next few decades the botanists from all over the European continent involved themselves in the study of flora and fauna. The subsequent generations of gardeners explored various styles, ideas, plants, fads and fancies in the art of gardening.
Islamic Gardens
The Islamic style gardens are believed to be the representation of heaven on earth. It was first developed on the Persian plain which is actually regarded as an arid desert. The Islamic gardens display some of the most beautiful landscape.
Hellenistic Gardens
Hellenistic gardens are believed to have been descended from the hunting parks of ancient Assyria. They are also conspicuously luxurious in their display.
Roman Gardens
Roman gardens were greatly inspired by Greek gardens. In some Roman gardens one might find representation of pets or hunting dogs in the form of graceful statues. Roman gardens have many classical features similar to that of contemporary gardens.
Chinese Gardens
Since times immemorial Chinese gardens have displayed a delicate balance between the forces of nature and the creation of man. The Chinese gardens also provide a spiritual heaven from worldly worries. The central component of a Chinese garden is water.
Japanese Gardens
The traditional style Japanese gardens are chiefly found at private homes, in neighborhood or city parks and at the Buddhist temples. The main elements of a Japanese garden are water, rock, an island, a bridge to the island, a lantern, a teahouse, a surrounding wall, pond gardens, sitting gardens and tea gardens and stroll gardens.