Blog > What is Landscaping?
What is Landscaping?
The concept of a landscaping business is fairly recent, yet the craft itself is far from a novel concept. Despite appearing as a contemporary creation, the practice of landscaping in both public and private spaces has a history spanning centuries, embraced by various cultures. Landscaping held unique meanings and consisted of diverse components for each of these cultures.
Basic Elements of Landscaping
Before diving into the extensive history of landscape design, let's first examine the components that have been integral to lawns and gardens over time. These components fall into two main categories: softscaping and hardscaping. Softscaping refers to the living aspects of a landscape, encompassing trees, flowers, plants, shrubs, and similar elements. On the other hand, hardscaping includes inanimate features such as water fixtures, walkways, statues, terraces, and more. Both softscape and hardscape elements play crucial roles in landscape architecture, each contributing uniquely to the overall atmosphere and working in harmony to achieve the desired effect.
European Gardens
Many hold the view that the art of landscaping gained prominence during the era of ancient Rome. At that time, gardens were sanctuaries of tranquility, offering respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. These spaces typically incorporated designs that were steeped in religious and symbolic meanings, featuring a blend of softscape and hardscape components. The gardening styles of the Romans drew heavily from Greek, Egyptian, and Persian influences.
The practice of landscaping experienced a decline during the medieval period, only to resurface in popularity during the Renaissance. In this era, Italian landscaping evolved from simple gardens to include grand outdoor squares and opulent villas. Its popularity continued to rise, with designs becoming increasingly intricate and decorative. The 17th century in France saw the emergence of exemplary high-end landscaping, as evidenced by the gardens of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, crafted by Andre le Notre.
These particular designs sparked a wave of inspiration among 18th-century English landscapers, notably William Kent and Lancelot Capability Brown. These figures were responsible for creating numerous expansive parks, reimagining the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and skillfully blending architecture with the natural environment to achieve a harmonious effect.
Islamic Gardens
The gardens of Islam in the Middle East were areas designed for relaxation, contemplation, and to act as symbols of paradise. The concept of paradise was centered on elements like water, fruit-bearing trees, blossoms, and cool shade. In contrast to numerous European gardens designed for strolling, these Islamic gardens were intended for serene meditation and seated repose. Additionally, these gardens were typically surrounded by walls to isolate them from the harshness of the nearby terrain. Artificial structures such as pavilions provided shelter from the sun. Moreover, Islamic gardens displayed intricate architectural designs, often featuring fractal patterns and domed structures.
Asian Gardens
The meticulous documentation and preservation of Asian gardens and landscapes over time is notable. In Japan, the influence of dominant religions such as Shintoism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism shaped the landscape design. Japanese gardens, including the serene rock and zen gardens, were crafted as tranquil spaces for contemplation or meditation. These gardens aimed to mirror the calmness of nature and offered a serene environment for introspective reflection. Common features in these gardens included elements like water bodies, cascades, rocks, bridges, foliage, and flora.
In China, the gardens, known as Chinese Scholar’s Gardens, were designed as places for both solitary and communal engagement with nature. These gardens were envisioned as spiritual havens, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature, find harmony with their inner selves, and revive traditional values. A true Chinese garden required adherence to 17 essential design elements. Symbolism was key in the choice of plants, with bamboo being a ubiquitous presence, symbolizing strength and moral integrity.
The Neo Nusantara gardens in Malaysia, reflecting traditional Malaysian designs and cultural influences, emphasize outdoor living spaces. These gardens are designed to be tranquil retreats for relaxation and sensory rejuvenation. The Neo Nusantara style, with its unique approach to landscaping, has gained popularity globally.
North American Landscapes
Most landscapes across North America were shaped by the influence of Sir Humphry Repton, known for designing both Birkenhead Park and Victoria Park in Liverpool. These two parks had a significant impact on the field of landscape architecture in both Canada and the United States.
Yet, it was Frederick Law Olmsted who earned the title of “Father of American Landscape Architecture.” Initially hesitant to accept this designation, his design philosophies eventually permeated American architectural styles, including those of the U.S. Capitol Grounds and New York's Central Park. Olmsted was renowned for his approach to creating functional, well-planned parks with abundant green spaces amidst urban structures. In 1899, he established the American Society of Landscape Architects in New York, which came to represent the majority of the profession in the United States. Following in his father's path, Frederick Law Olmsted’s son enrolled in the first landscape architecture course at Harvard University in 1900.
His pioneering efforts began to shape urban architecture in the 20th century, leading to the adoption of the L’Enfant Plan in 1901. Subsequently, cities like Cleveland and Chicago started employing landscape architects for the development of urban parks and residential areas. By 1902, urban planning emerged as a distinct academic discipline from landscape architecture. Nonetheless, landscape architecture continues to play a vital role in urban design and planning even today.
These particular designs sparked a wave of inspiration among 18th-century English landscapers, notably William Kent and Lancelot Capability Brown. These figures were responsible for creating numerous expansive parks, reimagining the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and skillfully blending architecture with the natural environment to achieve a harmonious effect.
The history of landscaping is extensive and diverse. Outdoor spaces have held various meanings for people around the globe, with many appreciating the calming influence of nature. From ancient Asia to modern America, high-end landscaping remains prevalent, with a current emphasis on residential projects. Regardless of the time or place, landscaping has consistently held a significant place in human history.
Contact Us
Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8am- 5pm
Sat-Sun Closed except for appointments
Blog > What is Landscaping?
What is Landscaping?
The concept of a landscaping business is fairly recent, yet the craft itself is far from a novel concept. Despite appearing as a contemporary creation, the practice of landscaping in both public and private spaces has a history spanning centuries, embraced by various cultures. Landscaping held unique meanings and consisted of diverse components for each of these cultures.
Basic Elements of Landscaping
Before diving into the extensive history of landscape design, let's first examine the components that have been integral to lawns and gardens over time. These components fall into two main categories: softscaping and hardscaping. Softscaping refers to the living aspects of a landscape, encompassing trees, flowers, plants, shrubs, and similar elements. On the other hand, hardscaping includes inanimate features such as water fixtures, walkways, statues, terraces, and more. Both softscape and hardscape elements play crucial roles in landscape architecture, each contributing uniquely to the overall atmosphere and working in harmony to achieve the desired effect.
European Gardens
Many hold the view that the art of landscaping gained prominence during the era of ancient Rome. At that time, gardens were sanctuaries of tranquility, offering respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. These spaces typically incorporated designs that were steeped in religious and symbolic meanings, featuring a blend of softscape and hardscape components. The gardening styles of the Romans drew heavily from Greek, Egyptian, and Persian influences.
The practice of landscaping experienced a decline during the medieval period, only to resurface in popularity during the Renaissance. In this era, Italian landscaping evolved from simple gardens to include grand outdoor squares and opulent villas. Its popularity continued to rise, with designs becoming increasingly intricate and decorative. The 17th century in France saw the emergence of exemplary high-end landscaping, as evidenced by the gardens of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, crafted by Andre le Notre.
These particular designs sparked a wave of inspiration among 18th-century English landscapers, notably William Kent and Lancelot Capability Brown. These figures were responsible for creating numerous expansive parks, reimagining the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and skillfully blending architecture with the natural environment to achieve a harmonious effect.
Islamic Gardens
The gardens of Islam in the Middle East were areas designed for relaxation, contemplation, and to act as symbols of paradise. The concept of paradise was centered on elements like water, fruit-bearing trees, blossoms, and cool shade. In contrast to numerous European gardens designed for strolling, these Islamic gardens were intended for serene meditation and seated repose. Additionally, these gardens were typically surrounded by walls to isolate them from the harshness of the nearby terrain. Artificial structures such as pavilions provided shelter from the sun. Moreover, Islamic gardens displayed intricate architectural designs, often featuring fractal patterns and domed structures.
Asian Gardens
The meticulous documentation and preservation of Asian gardens and landscapes over time is notable. In Japan, the influence of dominant religions such as Shintoism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism shaped the landscape design. Japanese gardens, including the serene rock and zen gardens, were crafted as tranquil spaces for contemplation or meditation. These gardens aimed to mirror the calmness of nature and offered a serene environment for introspective reflection. Common features in these gardens included elements like water bodies, cascades, rocks, bridges, foliage, and flora.
In China, the gardens, known as Chinese Scholar’s Gardens, were designed as places for both solitary and communal engagement with nature. These gardens were envisioned as spiritual havens, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature, find harmony with their inner selves, and revive traditional values. A true Chinese garden required adherence to 17 essential design elements. Symbolism was key in the choice of plants, with bamboo being a ubiquitous presence, symbolizing strength and moral integrity.
The Neo Nusantara gardens in Malaysia, reflecting traditional Malaysian designs and cultural influences, emphasize outdoor living spaces. These gardens are designed to be tranquil retreats for relaxation and sensory rejuvenation. The Neo Nusantara style, with its unique approach to landscaping, has gained popularity globally.
North American Landscapes
Most landscapes across North America were shaped by the influence of Sir Humphry Repton, known for designing both Birkenhead Park and Victoria Park in Liverpool. These two parks had a significant impact on the field of landscape architecture in both Canada and the United States.
Yet, it was Frederick Law Olmsted who earned the title of “Father of American Landscape Architecture.” Initially hesitant to accept this designation, his design philosophies eventually permeated American architectural styles, including those of the U.S. Capitol Grounds and New York's Central Park. Olmsted was renowned for his approach to creating functional, well-planned parks with abundant green spaces amidst urban structures. In 1899, he established the American Society of Landscape Architects in New York, which came to represent the majority of the profession in the United States. Following in his father's path, Frederick Law Olmsted’s son enrolled in the first landscape architecture course at Harvard University in 1900.
His pioneering efforts began to shape urban architecture in the 20th century, leading to the adoption of the L’Enfant Plan in 1901. Subsequently, cities like Cleveland and Chicago started employing landscape architects for the development of urban parks and residential areas. By 1902, urban planning emerged as a distinct academic discipline from landscape architecture. Nonetheless, landscape architecture continues to play a vital role in urban design and planning even today.
These particular designs sparked a wave of inspiration among 18th-century English landscapers, notably William Kent and Lancelot Capability Brown. These figures were responsible for creating numerous expansive parks, reimagining the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and skillfully blending architecture with the natural environment to achieve a harmonious effect.
The history of landscaping is extensive and diverse. Outdoor spaces have held various meanings for people around the globe, with many appreciating the calming influence of nature. From ancient Asia to modern America, high-end landscaping remains prevalent, with a current emphasis on residential projects. Regardless of the time or place, landscaping has consistently held a significant place in human history.
Contact Us
1 330-590-5634
4526 Mark Trail
Copley, OH
Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8am- 5pm
Sat-Sun Closed except for appointments
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