In the mid 18th century in England, a Renaissance of landscape architecture occurred. Those who extolled the virtues of Palladianism, led by Lord Burlington and his followers, heralded the perfection of Nature and Reason. Democracy and freedom were tenons of the Enlightenment, and these ideals were carried over into landscape design. English gardeners threw off the shackles of the autocratic (read “French”) garden aesthetic where every shrubbery and leaf was tortured into obedience. The English wanted their gardens to be free and wild. To a certain extent.
But, before one enters the garden, one must interact with an architectural element that is so easy to overlook…the garden gate.
A carved, stone gate attributed to Inigo Jones.
A carved, stone gate attributed to Inigo Jones.
Riordan Mansion Garden Gate, Flagstaff, AZ
Garden Gate at Evelynton Plantation, Charles City, VA
The garden gate is an architectural element that gives a hint. This first glimpse into any garden, should not only entice, but inform the visitor of what lies ahead..even in a secret garden.
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