Throughout European history, there has been a need for the display of both wealth and control. The reason the garden is so intrinsically tied to European culture is that it provides both proof of said wealth and control. As we discussed in class, gardens can be a haven; a place to provide an escape. But more than just an escape, gardens are a place that can show one’s own style and taste. Gardens are not merely a haven, but an area that can be controlled and cultivated in a specific way. It provides the owner of the garden a chance to conceive of an overall design that is executed through the organization of plants. This design says just as much about the owner of the garden as the garden itself. In this sense, the garden becomes a chance to show others the personality of the owner of the house. Although gardening may seem like something of a hobby, being able to create a space that is intricately curated gives the owner a sense of ownership and pride that they can show to others. Inviting people into one’s garden displays the personal taste and wealth of the owner and garden. On this same note, the order and structure of gardens provide a sense of safety within a fluctuating world. Specifically, the idea of a maze garden echoes the structure a garden can provide. Religiously, a maze can provide a rode to “salvation”. But more broadly, the idea of organized gardens provides a sense of control that gives one a feeling of safety within an ever changing world. This agent of power and decision-making is what has made gardens so popular throughout the history of European art and culture. I have provided some photos of symmetrical and intricately designed gardens to show the level of control and complexity that gardens can achieve. This complexity is exactly what provides the owner with a sense of accomplishment and success.
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