Decorative Gardens and Garden Fountains of the Cistercians
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Decorative Gardens and Garden Fountains of the Cistercians
Introduction
The Cistercians played a significant role in advancing horticulture and decorative garden design across Europe and England, building on the foundations laid by the Benedictines. Unlike the stark gardens of the Benedictines, Cistercian monasteries featured lush landscapes adorned with large fountains and striking statues.
Cistercian Gardens
Cistercian gardens were strategically located in valleys abundant with water, facilitating the irrigation and operation of their grand fountains. St. Bernard, a prominent figure in Cistercian history, founded a renowned garden community in Clairvaux. The area, rich in natural beauty, was nourished by a clear stream, enhancing the garden fountains. St. Bernard, a nature enthusiast, remarked, "You will find more in woods than in books, trees and stones will teach you what you can never learn from school teachers."
The monastery housed several beautiful garden statues and expansive gardens, both within the cloisters and extending outside. These areas featured impressive water fountains, with jets reaching up to 20 feet. The garden grounds were divided by canals, with water supplied by the river Alba.
The Carthusians
The Carthusians, an order established by St. Bruno in 1084, designed their monasteries to ensure solitude and silence, with the exception of soft fountain sounds in courtyard corners. Each monk lived in a detached cottage with a small personal garden. These cottages and gardens, featuring central water fountains, surrounded the cloisters, eliminating the need for large centerpiece fountains.
The Friars
Orders like the Dominicans and Franciscans, founded in the thirteenth century by St. Dominic and St. Francis of Assisi respectively, followed different principles. They shunned luxury and maintained simple, functional fountains. With a focus on preaching and relying on nature for sustenance, these friars owned modest establishments and depended on natural streams rather than ornate fountains.
In conclusion, while the Cistercians embraced decorative gardens and fountains, other orders like the Carthusians and friars maintained a more minimalist approach, each reflecting their own unique philosophies.
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