Modern methods are now available to help recreate historic gardens. Whether the garden is from Ancient Rome or post Civil War, we have tools to help us rebuild them.
All over the world historic gardens are recapturing their former glory. This is, in part because of an amalgamation of several academic disciplines with a passion for gardens. Obviously the older the garden the more science is required, but all the garden restorations use some science.
Ancient Gardens: These are the gardens that were built in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome. There are particular problems with many of these ancient gardens that make them a rare find. It was common practice in the ancient world to sack and destroy anything of splendor that the defeated nation had. Additionally, many of the gardens are in a part of the world where the ravages of time and sand have destroyed the remnants. Finding the outline of garden features though is sometimes possible with geophysical examination and aerial photography. One of the oldest garden outlines that have been excavated is that at Passargardae in Iran. The garden dates back to 550 BC and although it is not as old as some Egyptian temple gardens this one is unique in that it was probably used for royal occasions and included a site where an outdoor throne may have been placed.
Another major problem that ancient gardens have, and this is particularly the case in Rome and Greece, is of disturbance. For centuries the remnant buildings were revered and studied but the ‘blank’ land around the temples and houses was dismissed as unused. Indeed disruption of the space by digging around trying to find more brick ruins also wrecked the outlines of possible garden spaces. It is fortunate that the Romans and Egyptians enjoyed waterfalls and fountains as well as pools in their gardens as these were features that could be picked up by 18th and 19th century archeologists. Occasionally there is a garden that has not been disturbed over the ages. These rare finds can also yield pollen that will identify exactly what plants were growing in the garden. This of course is problematic as nature introduces new plants and weeds on a daily basis and these would be mixed in with the ornamental seed, but pollen, like snow flakes has very unique and identifiable structures.
Gardens of the Middle Ages and Renaissance: These gardens are slightly easier to identify, but not always. It is always the gardens of wealthy rulers that are best preserved, and there are also images of the gardens. Descriptions in books and letters make additional suggestions as to what different areas are like. This is then coupled with science to identify the location of water features or terraces. Ponds and pools, whether ornamental or otherwise, are identified by taking core samples through the subsurface of the soil. If there is a layer of clay-like soil in the core, then the base of the pool can be affirmed. Without such a base it is unlikely that the feature would retain water.
Modern Gardens: Modern gardens, those that are under 200 years old, also have to be investigated carefully. Although many homes had very little in the way or ornamental landscape, some did. This is found in letters and, in later years, by photographic images. Careful reconstruction of these ephemeral features is being done across the world. In many cases the original shrubs may still be in place, but sadly many have suffered over the decades and come close to ruin. Overtaken with weeds, and once well-defined pathways obliterated with time, these too are a challenge. Here again the science of geophysical investigation can identify wells and terraces, as well as footpaths and other features.
Most of these gardens try to make the plantings in the landscape contemporary with the specific time. This trend has been helped by a relatively new industry that can supply historic and heirloom plants and shrubs.
So next time you see an historic house, peek to the back and see what the garden is like, you may well enjoy it!
