Frugal Garden Ideas from Italian Renaissance Gardens

Frugal Garden Ideas from Italian Renaissance Gardens

Recently I’ve been sharing with you some of the garden designs that I would like to learn more about. This week, I want to talk a bit about Italian Renaissance Gardens. I’ve researched a little bit of their history and their design style. Additionally, I have thought about ways to incorporate elements of that design style into any garden on a frugal budget.

History of Italian Renaissance Gardens

During the Italian Renaissance, gardens underwent a profound transformation influenced by humanist ideals and a revived interest in the classical world. This period, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked a significant shift in garden design and landscaping principles.

Humanism and Garden Philosophy

Humanism, a cultural movement that celebrated human potential and knowledge, greatly influenced the design ethos of Renaissance gardens. Gardens became extensions of the household, reflecting the owner’s status, wealth, and appreciation for aesthetics.

Evolution from Medieval Gardens

Italian Renaissance gardens departed from the enclosed, utilitarian spaces of medieval times. They embraced open spaces, symmetry, and a sense of unity between architecture, nature, and art.

Influences from Antiquity

The revival of classical antiquity played a pivotal role in shaping these gardens. Artists and architects drew inspiration from Roman and Greek texts, sculptures, and architecture, incorporating elements like statues, columns, and axial designs.

3 Key Garden Types in Italian Renaissance Gardens

Italian Renaissance gardens encompassed various types, each serving distinct purposes and reflecting different aspects of life and culture during that time. Three common types were:

1. Villa Gardens

Affluent families, nobles, or patrons of the arts owned these types of gardens. As a result, the garden design complemented the elegance and leisure associated with these estates. They served as spaces for entertainment, relaxation, and the display of wealth.

Often expansive, villa gardens featured intricate layouts with geometric designs, water features like fountains or pools, statuary, shaded walkways, and areas for outdoor gatherings and performances. Symmetry and axial planning were prevalent, with meticulously planned vistas leading the eye to focal points such as statues or architectural elements.

2. Sacred or Monastic Gardens

Within the confines of monasteries or religious institutions, sacred gardens were cultivated for practical and spiritual purposes. These gardens combined horticulture with symbolism and were often used for medicinal herbs and contemplation.

Sacred gardens were spaces for monks or nuns to cultivate medicinal plants, reflecting a connection between spirituality and nature. They served as places for quiet contemplation and prayer. These gardens were known for their diverse array of plants, often emphasizing medicinal herbs and plants mentioned in ancient texts.

3. Urban or Courtyard Gardens

Smaller in scale, urban gardens were found within city dwellings or smaller residences. Despite their size, they encapsulated the Renaissance spirit in miniature, showcasing artistic elements and providing a retreat within bustling urban settings.

Urban gardens featured fountains, sculptures, ornamental plantings, and sometimes small arbors or trellises. They aimed to create a serene and beautiful space within limited confines. Often used for leisure, contemplation, or as extensions of the household, these gardens were places of respite within the cityscape.

Common Italian Renaissance Garden Design Features

Although there were different styles of Italian Renaissance Gardens, they shared many design features including:

Symmetry and Axial Layouts

Italian Renaissance Gardens were often laid out in symmetrical patterns, creating a sense of balance and harmony. Symmetry was achieved through carefully aligned pathways, planting beds, and architectural elements. Gardens were often structured along a central axis, providing a clear view from one end to the other. This axial arrangement drew the eye toward focal points like statues, fountains, or architectural features.

Water Features

Water played a symbolic and practical role. Elaborate fountains, reflecting pools, and water channels were integral. Water symbolized purity and life, and its presence added visual appeal and a soothing ambiance.

Sculptures and Architectural Ornaments:

Marble statues and sculptural elements, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, adorned the gardens. These sculptures often depicted mythological figures or renowned personalities. Gardens incorporated architectural features such as columns, pavilions, or arches, adding a sense of grandeur and creating focal points within the landscape.

Diverse Greenery

Renaissance gardens showcased a rich variety of plants. They have fragrant herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme for both their aromatic qualities and medicinal uses. They also have fruit-bearing trees such as citrus, figs, and pomegranates to add color and provide fresh produce. Vibrant flowers like roses, lilies, irises, and tulips were arranged in geometric beds, contributing to the gardens’ visual splendor and symbolizing beauty and refinement.

Terracing and Perspective:

In some instances, these gardens incorporate terraces and multiple levels. These terraces enhanced views and incorporated the surrounding scenery into the garden’s design, providing perspectives from various levels.

Tips for Frugal Ideas for Incorporating Features of Italian Renaissance Gardens

Want to recreate some of the opulence of Italian Renaissance Gardens on a smaller budget? Here are some ideas:

  • Symmetry and Axial Layouts: Use ropes, stakes, or string to plan and create symmetrical pathways or planting beds without expensive materials or tools.
  • DIY Water Features: Repurpose containers or use affordable pre-formed liners to create small-scale water features like birdbaths or miniature fountains.
  • Sculptures and Ornaments: Utilize thrift stores, DIY techniques, or recycled materials to craft sculptures or ornaments resembling classical statues for an artistic touch.
  • Greenery and Plantings: Choose budget-friendly yet visually appealing plants like perennial flowers, herbs, or fast-growing shrubs from local nurseries or seed swaps.
  • Terracing Illusion: Create the illusion of terraces with strategic plantings or raised beds, giving a multi-level appearance without actual construction.
  • Reflective Surfaces on a Budget: Install inexpensive mirrors or mirrored tiles strategically to mimic the reflective surfaces found in Renaissance gardens.
  • Architectural Elegance with Budget Materials: Use affordable materials such as bamboo, wood, or PVC pipes to create arches, pergolas, or trellises.
  • Classical-inspired Elements: Repurpose old columns, pillars, or architectural salvages as focal points or decorative elements in the garden design.
  • Simple Geometric Plantings: Arrange low-cost annual flowers or inexpensive perennials in geometric patterns or beds to evoke the geometric planting style of Renaissance gardens.
  • Fruit Trees and Fragrant Herbs: Incorporate budget-friendly fruit trees or aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender in your garden for both visual appeal and functionality.

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Frugal Inspiration from Mughal Gardens

Frugal Inspiration from Mughal Gardens

Recently I shared with you that there are many different garden designs I want to learn more about. One of these designs is from Mughal gardens. These historic Indian gardens are known for their symmetrical design, use of geometric patterns, water features like pools and fountains, and lush greenery. So, I decided to do a little bit more research into these gardens. I learned a little bit about their history and their design. Moreover, I learned how to derive some frugal inspiration for adding features of this style to any garden. Today, I want to share with you what I learned.

History of Mughal Gardens

We can trace the roots of Mughal gardens back to Central Asia and Persia. There we find the concept of paradise gardens. Paradise gardens refer to enclosed, lush spaces with meticulously planned layouts. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, introduced these garden traditions to the Indian subcontinent when he established his rule in the early 16th century.

However, it was during the reign of Babur’s grandson, Emperor Akbar, that Mughal gardens flourished and evolved into distinct forms. Akbar, known for his appreciation of art, culture, and architecture, commissioned several gardens, including the famous Garden of the Fateful, which blended Persian and Indian design elements. These gardens were aesthetically pleasing. More than that, though, they served as venues for imperial gatherings, relaxation, and contemplation.

Emperor Jahangir, Akbar’s son and successor, further developed the Mughal garden style. He had a profound love for nature and commissioned several gardens that incorporated a diverse array of flora, water features, and pavilions. The Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar and the Nishat Bagh in Kashmir are notable examples of his reign.

The zenith of Mughal garden design is often associated with Emperor Shah Jahan, who is renowned for constructing the Taj Mahal. The gardens surrounding the Taj Mahal itself reflect the pinnacle of Mughal garden architecture, featuring a symmetrical layout, reflecting pools, fountains, and meticulously planned green spaces.

Design Features of Mughal Gardens

Mughal gardens stand as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic vision of an empire that sought to create earthly paradises. Their symmetrical layouts, water features, lush greenery, and architectural elements continue to awe and inspire, serving as a timeless testament to a glorious era of architectural and horticultural splendor. Here’s a closer look at these design features:

Symmetry and Geometric Precision

At the heart of Mughal garden design lies a profound emphasis on symmetry and geometric precision. These gardens are meticulously laid out in perfect symmetrical patterns. They are often divided into quadrants or sections using pathways, water channels, or rows of trees. The precise alignment of pathways, water features, and planting beds reflects a deliberate pursuit of balance and harmony.

Charbagh Layout

The hallmark layout of Mughal gardens is the Charbagh, which translates to “four gardens.” This is a quadrilateral design which is divided into four parts. These four parts symbolize the four rivers of paradise in Islamic tradition. Each section is further subdivided into smaller squares or rectangles, creating a series of interconnected gardens within the larger scheme.

Water Features and Aqueducts

Water plays a central role in Mughal gardens. It symbolizes life, purity, and paradise. These gardens incorporate elaborate water features such as cascading fountains, reflecting pools, channels, and canals. These features not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also serve practical purposes of irrigation and cooling the surroundings. The presence of flowing water and reflective pools amplifies the serene ambiance of these spaces.

Pavilions and Architectural Elements

Strategically placed pavilions, known as ‘baradaris’ or ‘chhatris,’ dot the landscape of Mughal gardens. These pavilions serve as vantage points for enjoying the garden’s beauty and as retreats from the sun, providing shade and a place for leisure and contemplation. The architecture of these pavilions often exhibits intricate details, including ornate carvings and elaborate domes, showcasing the empire’s skilled craftsmanship.

Tilework: Mosaic Patterns

Mughal tilework often involves the creation of mosaic patterns using tiles made from glazed ceramic. These typically feature vibrant hues of blue, green, yellow, and turquoise. These mosaics were meticulously arranged to form intricate designs that captivated the eye and added a sense of grandeur to the garden architecture.

Flora and Landscaping

The lush greenery within Mughal gardens encompasses a meticulously curated selection of plants, including fragrant flowers, fruit-bearing trees, cypress, jasmine, and roses, among others. Designers plant the flora meticulously to create a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and scents, enhancing the sensory experience of visitors.

Integration with Surrounding Landscape

Mughal gardens do not exist as isolated entities; rather, they integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape. The gardens often make use of natural slopes and terrain, creating terraced levels that add depth and visual interest. The garden design often incorporates the surrounding vistas, whether mountains, rivers, or forests.

Terraces

Terracing is a significant feature in Mughal gardens, particularly in landscapes with varying elevations. These gardens often existed on sloping terrain. As a result, designers constructed terraces to create flat, leveled platforms for planting beds, pathways, and water channels.

Tips for Adding Elements of Mughal Design Frugally to Any Garden

  • Symmetry Matters: Opt for simple, straight-edged pathways. You might even use strings and stakes to plan symmetrical planting layouts without expensive tools or materials.
  • Water Features on a Budget: Repurpose containers or use affordable pre-formed liners to create small-scale water features like birdbaths or miniature fountains.
  • Tile Accents: Utilize broken tiles or inexpensive mosaic kits to adorn small areas like garden pots or stepping stones with colorful mosaic patterns.
  • Pavilion or Seating Area: Repurpose old furniture or use inexpensive materials like pallets to build a simple pergola or seating structure.
  • Use of Plants: Choose budget-friendly, fast-growing plants like seeds or young saplings for jasmine, roses, or fruit trees. Look for plant sales or nurseries offering discounts.
  • Geometric Planting Beds: Use cost-effective materials like wooden planks or recycled materials to create raised beds or planters in geometric shapes.
  • Reflective Surfaces: Repurpose old mirrors or purchase affordable mirrored tiles to create reflective surfaces strategically placed in the garden.
  • Low-Cost Lighting: Shop for budget-friendly string lights or solar-powered lanterns, or repurpose existing outdoor lighting to create an ambient atmosphere without overspending.
  • Inexpensive Architectural Touches: Use PVC pipes, wooden frames, or affordable materials to construct arches, trellises, or decorative elements for an architectural touch.
  • Creative Pruning: Invest time in learning basic pruning techniques and use simple, inexpensive tools like hand pruners to shape plants into geometric or artistic forms.

What do you think; could you incorporate elements of Mughal gardens into your garden on a budget?

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Sometimes It’s Nice to Visit Someone Else’s Garden

Sometimes It's Nice to Visit Someone Else's Garden

This past week, my partner and I stayed at an Airbnb with a beautiful backyard garden. We chose it because it was dog friendly and our dogs were the entire reason that we were going there. But, of course, the garden itself was a nice added bonus. And I realized while I was there that sometimes it’s really nice to enjoy someone else’s garden rather than sitting in your own.

Why We Took Our Airbnb Garden Trip

My pup just had CCL surgery, which means that she is on sedatives and not supposed to walk around. Her full recovery time is about ten weeks. However, those first days are, of course the toughest ones. We live in an apartment up two flights of stairs, and neither one of us wanted to deal with the headache and hassle of taking her up those stairs immediately after surgery. Instead, we wanted a place to stay where she could easily walk out the door into a yard and do her business and go right back in, no stars necessary. That’s why we got an Airbnb for a few days.

We chose the Airbnb because it was a home that didn’t just say “dogs allowed” but actually really welcomed dogs. There’s a difference. Especially when you have two dogs and the smaller one is 80 pounds. The one who had surgery is 108 pounds. If you were wondering why we weren’t ready to carry her upstairs, that probably explains it. We communicated with the homeowners in advance and throughout the stay. They were generous with their space and great about our dogs. It was a wonderful experience.

We stayed in a small studio guesthouse without a real kitchen which ended up just perfect because there wasn’t a lot of space for the dog to try to move around while she was supposed to be resting. There was a regular door as well as a double sliding door. That was perfect. With the cone of shame on her head, she could still walk easily through the door, off onto the porch, get some fresh air and do her business.

Dogs in the garden, photo by Kathryn Vercillo

Dogs in the garden, photo by Kathryn Vercillo

The Garden at the Airbnb

What was perfect about this garden was that it was lush and beautiful … but it wasn’t perfectly manicured. In other words, if my dogs trampled it a little bit, which my dogs do, nobody was going to complain. That’s exactly the kind of garden that we needed.

The backyard consisted of a ground level and then a small set of stairs up to a slight upper level. On the upper level sat a wooden swing. The garden included plants throughout both levels. From the upper level, a perimeter of plants extended around much of the yard against the fence.

There were a variety of different plants and trees in this garden. I honestly didn’t look closely enough at most of them to identify them. I was in a state of wanting to just receive the overall impress and indulge in that beauty and sensation. In other words, I didn’t want to think about it too much. And it was a beautiful, peaceful garden, so I didn’t need to.

There were also a lot of extra decor items in the garden. Wind chimes hung in trees and off of the patio. I adore wind chimes so that was particularly delightful. Statues, fountains, trellis, potted plants, and other decor added to the space. It was all perfect.

The Pleasures of Another Person’s Garden

What was particularly great about enjoying this garden is it’s the kind of space that I like but I probably wouldn’t create myself. We all have different styles and sometimes we just don’t think about doing things the way that someone else might do them. When we spend time in those other spaces, we get inspiration. Sometimes we use that inspiration to make changes in our own space. Sometimes we just delight in the differences while we’re in the other space. Either way, it’s a beautiful experience.

Indulging, Enjoying, Without Working

The best part of enjoying someone else’s garden for just a short period of time is that there’s no work to be done there. Yes, working in the garden can be meditative and enjoyable. But sometimes you just want to rest and indulge in what the garden has to offer without having to do any work. At least, I do. Do you?

If I’m in my own space, I always see the flaws, the imperfections, the little things that still need to be taken care of. Even if I’m just relaxing in the space and overall not feeling the need to “work” in it, it’s still a little nagging thing in the back of my mind. This could be watered, that could be swept up, this needs to be planted … It’s hard to look at your own space without thinking of what there is to be done. At least, it is hard for me. Is it hard for you?

However, I don’t have any of those judgments in another person’s space. I simply enjoy what is there to be enjoyed. I’m more in the moment. The birds were chirping, the squirrels were scurrying, the leaves were fluttering … and I didn’t feel any particular need to do anything, fix anything, water anything, trim anything. I could simply mindfully take in all of the details of the space without any obligation or desire to do anything more than exactly that.

Other Pleasures of Another’s Garden

Some of the other things that are great about spending time enjoying someone’s garden other than your own might include:

  • Bonding with the person whose garden it is, celebrating their space with them
  • Enjoying seeing and even learning about plants that differ from those in your own space, especially if you’ve traveled far from home to someone else’s garden
  • Likewise, enjoying plants that you would never plant yourself – flowers if you’re a vegetable gardener, for example, or vice versa
  • And finally, returning home to your own garden with a completely different perspective and appreciation for it

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4 Best TV Shows for Gardeners

One of my favorite ways to get inspiration for creative endeavors is to watch reality TV competitions and other similar shows. For example, I’m a huge fan of shows like Project Runway that get me thinking about fashion design options. There are some great garden-related TV shows out there as well. Of course, if you are streaming your favorite TV show you will need a reliable internet connection. For this reason, it could be worth keeping up to date with your satellite dish maintenance to ensure that leaves, dirt, and general debris on your dish don’t affect the quality of your internet signal. With that said, here are some of the best TV shows for gardeners.

Clipped

Obviously, HGTV is the go-to channel for shows about homes and gardens. Therefore, it’s no surprise that one of the best TV shows for gardeners is a reality show on HGTV. It’s also probably no surprise to anyone that Martha Stewart is one of the shows hosts. After all, just check out her magazine for tons of great tips on Gardening.

Clipped is a topiary competition show. So, you get the chance to watch the competitors participate in different challenges related to topiary. It’s all about making different plants and the settings that they’re in look stunningly gorgeous through shearing and other techniques. I’ll never make a plant look like any of these but I enjoy watching the process of the art form!

The Big Flower Fight

British reality TV shows are always a little bit hit or miss for me. They’re usually a little bit more serious, a little bit less of the silly drama you see on American TV shows. That can be a positive or a negative for me personally. In this case, I love it. No drama, just serious competition about how to use flowers to make a space beautiful.

AARP describes the show cheekily as “The Rose Parade meets Edward Scissorhands.” It’s really beautiful, though, to see how they use and shape flowers to create such original works of art. Every year here in San Francisco there’s a floral art display at the de Young Museum for about one week. I’ve never gone but I’ve always intended to and watching this show makes me want to prioritize doing so.

The Instant Gardener

This is more like the classic “home makeover” show that you might watch on TV. However, it’s for garden makeovers. A team of three people shows up, takes a look at a sad garden, and spends a day fixing it up. It’s one of those shows that is satisfying to watch because there’s a problem and it’s solved with the span of one episodes. So, when I’m looking for a quick fix to cheer me up, this is a good one.

Bonus: BBC’s Gardener’s World

I named this a “bonus” because I haven’t actually watched this show, yet, myself. I didn’t want to include shows I haven’t seen. However, in every blog post I saw about which shows are the best TV shows for gardeners, this one made the list. Apparently it’s a long-running British show featuring tips and tricks of all kinds for gardening. Have you ever seen it? What are your thoughts?

Do you have any other favorite gardening TV shows that I missed?

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