Related articles
Edit |
Discuss Article
Garden
Garden
A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, and usually of a somewhat limited size, which is typically set aside for the display, cultivation and enjoyment of nature. The garden allows a person or persons to develop slowly and personally a relationship with the space. That relationship is of a personal nature and may take many forms. Among these:
- Cooperation with nature
- Observance of nature
- Relaxation
- Family dinners on the terrace
- Children playing in the yard
- Reading in the hammock
- Puttering in the flowerbeds
- Pottering in the shed
- Basking in warm sunshine
The garden generally incorporates natural, as well as man-made materials. In its most common form, known as a residential garden, it is found adjacent to or near to a residence, and it functions as an outdoor "room". In the same manner as an indoor space can function in many different ways, depending on a variety of factors, so too can a garden have many purposes; among these are aesthetic, functional and recreative purposes. The purpose of a garden will greatly affect its usage and design.
These general characteristics of the garden can be compared to other spaces as follows:
- A landscape is an outdoor natural space of a larger scale often considered from a distance.
- A park is a planned outdoor space, usually of a larger size, intended for public or semi-public use.
- An arboretum is a planned outdoor space, usually of a larger size, intended for the display and study of trees.
- A farm or orchard is intended for the production of food stuff.
The garden is designed at "human scale", as it is most often intended for private, semiprivate or limited use. These characteristics are not hard and fast. For example, the garden of a castle or of a large estate may be larger than a public park in a village, and may well produce foodstuff. A publicly accessible garden will be open to the public, and may be highly trafficked.
Gardening is the activity of growing and maintaining the garden's vegetation. This work may be done by a professional gardener. A gardener might work in a non-garden setting, such as a park, a roadside embankment, or another public space, and might also perform other activities, unrelated to the garden's vegetation.
Garden planning and design
Garden planning and design may be undertaken by a professional. A landscape architect is a trained, certified and registered professional who can plan and actualize a wide variety of outdoor spaces. A garden designer is usually trained to plan and actualize residential gardens.
Regardless if planned and designed by a professional or a non-professional, including the owner of the property, consideration must be given to many factors. Among these are:
- Intended purpose
- Existing conditions
- Financial constraints
- Maintenance implications
Elements of a garden
Natural conditions:
Man-made elements:
Types of gardens
Gardens are often categorized by a particular style, function or their extensive use of particular plants. Because gardens are a personal expression, they often cross the bounds of these categories by mixing elements of the various types. Below are some common garden types:
Gardens may feature a particular plant or plant type:
- Cactus garden
- Rose garden
- Wildflower garden
Gardens may feature a particular style or aesthetic:
Gardens may function in a particular manner:
History of gardens
See history of gardens page.
Gardens in literature
See also
Source | Copyright
|
 |
 |
 |
Webmasters: Add your website here:
Readers: Edit |
Discuss Listings
The Gardens Gift Collections of soaps, baskets, and holiday products. Each item illustrated by hand. Wholesale purchasing information available. http://www.bright.net/~tgg/
Gardenscape Tools Gardening tools for handicapped persons and senior citizens. Includes fist-grip and sure-grip models. Gift wrapping available. http://www.gardenscapetools.com/
Creative by Nature Includes hand painted bird houses, butterfly boxes, and mailboxes in nature themes. Option to join a mailing list. http://www.creativebynature.com/
Willow Pond Farm Offers handmade herbal products, including jellies, vinegars, honeys, teas, and gift baskets. Advice on the use of herbs during holidays. http://www.willowpondherbs.com/
Secret Garden Shop Offers a selection of garden accessories. Includes reviews of new products found at recent trade shows. http://www.secretgardenshop.com/sgs/
Merchants Passage Gifts Gifts for the patio, garden, and backyard. Includes bird houses, wall fountains, wind chimes, and tools. http://www.merchantspassage.com/
Blossom Farm Features perennials and herbs bred to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. http://www.blossomfarm.com/
British Eco Selection of garden related products with an ecology friendly focus. http://www.britisheco.com/
Absolutely Gourdgeous Hand painted gourds in the form of bird houses, feeders, and planters. Also includes information on growing your own gourds. http://www.absolutelygourdgeous.com/
Ikebanaware.com Sells decorative serving dishes that incorporates a small cup into its design to hold a fresh flower. Includes craft show schedule. http://www.ikebanaware.com/
Dahlia's Secret Garden Sells soaps, candles, garden statues, tools, and bird feeders. http://www.dahliassecretgarden.com/
Connecticut Coppersmiths Decorative and functional garden sculpture, torches, trellises, and wall decor. Made from copper. http://www.ctcoppersmiths.com/
Mountain Crest Garden Gifts Offers bird houses and dish arrangements created from collections of succulent plants. http://www.mc-garden-gifts.com/
Feng Shui Advice Offers lucky bamboo, feng shui cures, and related accessories. http://www.fengshuiadvice.com
Plantstuff Specializing in accessories for cold weather and winter gardening. Includes potting sheds, and frost protectors. http://www.plantstuff.com/
Mosaik Moroccan mosaic tables, hand painted furniture, henne lamps, ceramic tiles and leather accessories. Wholesale purchase information. http://www.e-mosaik.com/
Woodstock Copperworks Copper garden torches featuring an anti-spill design. Variety of sizes and finishes. Wholesale information available. http://www.woodstockcopperworks.com/
Stonewerks Customized, hand-cast stone plates, coasters and decorative accessories inscribed with cultural symbols. Gift wrapping available. http://www.stonewerksinc.com/
Kat's Stained Glass Garden stakes and fan pulls, handcrafted from stained glass. Butterfly, dragonfly, and hummingbird styles. Gift card option. http://www.katsglass.com/
Garden Gifts Publishers of My Garden Photojournal, personalized cartoons in gardening themes, and gift wrapping kits. http://www.gardengifts.com/
Hummingbird Studios Includes matted photos of butterflies, flowers, and other garden accents. Offers gift and occasion advice. http://www.hummingbird-studios.com/
English Creek Gardens Home, garden, and tea party products with English themes. Also includes instructions for creating a living wreath. http://www.englishcreekgardens.com/
Sylvan Wood Manufactures and sells bird houses, mounting hardware, brackets, and corbels in victorian themes. http://www.sylvanwood.com/
Creatures by Ken Bakeman Sells handcrafted pins in the shape of spiders, butterflies, and other bugs. Wholesale purchase information. http://www.creatures-kbc.com/
Storey Sticks Ornamental ironwork for backyards, patios, balconies, or gardens. Each piece has a story tag attached. http://www.storeysticks.com/
Stone Lantern Discoveries Sells books, equipment, tools, vases, and soils for Bonsai, Suiseki, Japanese gardens, and Ikebana. http://www.stonelantern.com/
The Jealous Gardener Offers decor, lotions and accessories with garden themes. http://www.thejealousgardener.com/
Finishing Hardware Sells garden accents, outdoor faucets, fountains, and decorative flags. Some items can be customized. http://www.finishinghardware.com/
Weather Rock Novelty rock claims to predict the weather. http://www.homestead.com/weatherock/
Rock It Creations Custom stone engravings. Memorial, occasion, and inspirational themes. Also engraves bricks or pavers for fundraising purposes. http://www.rockitcreations.com/
Down 2 Earth Retailer of garden supplies, bird feeders, and outdoor furniture. Includes recycled and environmentally friendly products. http://www.storesonline.com/site/560741
Pane in the Glass Sells stained glass accessories including stepping stones, candle holders, and sun catchers. Includes a members only "how-to" area. http://www.thespeeds.com/stainedglass/index.htm
Design Toscano Indoor and outdoor statuary, gargoyles, wall art, and other decor. Includes retail store locator. http://www.designtoscano.com/
Dedication Trees Granite stone markers for memorials, dedications, or holidays. Custom inscriptions available. http://www.dedicationtrees.com/
Country Simple Pleasures Offerings include gift baskets, candles, yard art, and potpourri arrangements. Includes newsletter archive. http://www.countrysimplepleasures.com/
Bird in Hand Device and instructions for training birds to eat from a human hand. For a variety of species, including hummingbirds. http://www.angelfire.com/nh/birdinhand/bird.html/
Casaport Gallery Handcrafted copper water fountains, decor, and wall decor. Wholesale purchasing information available. http://www.casaportgallery.com/
Garden Gazebo Offers a selection of yard, garden, and gardening gifts. http://www.gardengazebo.com/
Victorian Garden Fairies Ltd. Metal fairies fashioned from textured, heat tempered steel with hand styled copper wire hair. http://www.victoriangardenfairies.com/
Simply Slates Hand finished products. Includes bird feeders, popular holiday, and animal styles. http://www.simplyslates.com/
Wingsnwater Features hammered copper sculpture, fountains, mobiles, and wall art. http://www.wingsnwater.com/
Fresh Lavender Packets hand-tied and enclosed in decorative gift wrapping. Option to customize available. http://www.freshlavender.com/
Garden Art and Gifts Features leaf bowls, herbs, botanicals, aromatherapy supplies, and candles. Includes retail store locator. http://www.gardenartandgifts.com/
Ferns Garden Sells Wind chimes, fountains, yard art and garden accessories. Includes a section of Zen gardening products. http://www.fernsgarden.com/
Emily's Plants Offering container gardening tools, supplies, planters, and related accessories. Includes design idea center. http://www.emilysplants.com/
Mayan Art and Garden Stones Reproductions of Mayan art and antiquities, including hieroglyphic carvings. Some pieces available in shadow boxes. http://www.mayanartstones.com/
Freeman Ceramics Porcelain and stoneware products with botanical imprints. Includes bird feeders, containers, wind chimes, and accessories. http://www.freemanceramics.com/
Superior Stone Engraved Rock Engraved rock, wood, and glass. All by hand and personalized. Mediums flagstone, slate, and granite. http://www.iengraverock.com/
Stonecreek Design Hand crafted garden angels, stepping stones, and wall plaques. Some items can be personalized. http://www.stonecreekdesign.com/
Pam's Gift Gallery Selling fountains, sprinklers, weathervanes, and gardening footwear. http://www.pamsgifts.com/
Lawnfellows Full sized lawn ornaments, yard decor, and garden art sculptures. Customization available. http://www.lawnfellows.com/
Kugel House Hand blown glass ornaments, witch balls, and decorative garden accessories. Wholesale ordering information available. http://www.kugelhouse.com/
Raven's Stickicks Handmade wooden stick dolls in a variety of themes, including holidays. Designed to be enjoyed as a decorative accessory. http://hometown.aol.com/stickicks/
Engraved stones Manufacturers engraved stone designs. Can be personalized with custom designs. http://www.huntsrocksbydesign.com
Gardeners Warehouse Features gardening tools and accessories. Includes gift boxes and sets. http://www.thegardenerswarehouse.com/
Everlasting Bird houses Handcrafted bird houses, stepping stones, and pedestals. Most products manufactured with polymer cement. http://www.everlastingbirdhouses.com/
|