Unit 1 – Horticultural Heritage

Unit aim

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to investigate the key periods of history with relation to garden design including the principle design features for each period and an awareness of the key influences on the development of gardens including politics, exploration and trade, colonialisation and development of empire, and the assimilation of gardening styles from different cultures.

Learners have opportunities to explore the value of horticultural heritage to society, including the economic benefits, the role of heritage gardens and designed landscapes in conservation, along with the models and techniques that are used to evaluate these concepts.

Learners will also be aware of the impact of horticultural heritage on the management of gardens and designed landscapes informs many of the decisions required in the care of these important spaces. This includes aspects such as statements of significance, prioritisation of works and spirit of place.

RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation, Pg. 10

Learning outcome 1 – Understand the history of horticultural space

1.1 Evaluate the key elements of historic horticultural spaces from the 14 th to 21 st Centuries history including:

1.1.1 Medieval Gardens:

• Enclosures: Wattle fences, thorn hedges.
• Structures: Trellis arbours, covered walkways (linking buildings).
• Planting: Grass as "flowery meads" with wildflowers, herbs for scent/medicine.
• Features: Turf seats, simple water features.

1.1.2 Tudor, Elizabethan and Stuart Gardens

• Layout: Strict geometry, symmetry, parterres (patterns viewed from above).
• Features: Long tree avenues, formal watercourses, statues, mounts (small hills).
• Materials: Stone, formal terraces.
• Influence: Italian/French/Dutch styles, reflecting power.

1.1.3 English landscape Gardens

• Picturesque features: Wild, naturalistic landscapes and rugged elements
• Structures: Grottoes, temples and follies
• Features: Lakes and trees (clumping and natural placing)
• Influence: the natural vista including the use of ha has and other retaining features
• Plants: Introduction of exotic species e.g. Rhododendron ponticum, specimen tree planting (e.g. Cedrus libani)

1.1.4 Victorian Gardens

• Features: Grottoes, ornate fountains (surprise elements), birdbaths, sundials.
• Containers: Ornate urns, decorative planters for exotic plants.
• Plants: Introduction of new exotic species, specialised collections e.g. Pteridomania (fern fever).
• Structure: Walled gardens for growing food/rare plants, creating distinct zones.