British Gardens during the Roman Years
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Gardening.
British Gardens in the Roman Era
Summary
To understand Romano-British gardens, we must look to their roots in Italy. Originally, horticulture in ancient Italy, as in other places, served practical needs.
Article
For a comprehensive look at Romano-British gardens, we must start with their Italian origins. Early Italian horticulture, like in many cultures, was primarily practical. Over time, the Latin term "hortus" evolved. What once referred to simple vegetable patches during the republic was reimagined in the emperor's era as grand pleasure gardens. The Greeks, inspired by Egypt, Persia, and Assyria, heavily influenced this evolution in Roman garden architecture.
Egypt's gardens are the earliest documented examples we have. Ancient wall paintings and inscriptions show that Egyptian homes were often built around courtyards filled with both practical and decorative plants. Initially, trees lined the inner walls of these buildings, providing shade. Over time, tree trunks were replaced with columns, and branches with rafters, leading to designs reminiscent of Greek peristyles (columned porches) and monastic cloisters.
In ancient times, gardens often had religious meanings. Tree worship was common, with specific trees symbolizing various deities: the pine for Cybele, oak for Jupiter, laurel for Apollo, myrtle for Venus, poplar for Hercules, and olive for Minerva. Cypress trees were widespread, though yew was less esteemed. Instead, juniper and rosemary were popular for topiary, while boxwood was ideal for edging and shaping.
Among flowers, roses, lilies, and violets stood out, but others like narcissus, anemone, gladiolus, iris, poppy, and crocus were also cherished. Fragrant plants such as basil, sweet marjoram, and thyme were cultivated alongside the acanthus for its striking foliage. Ivy was commonly used to adorn walls or create garlands between trees and columns.
This blend of practicality and beauty characterizes the gardens of Roman Britain, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural influences.
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