Victorian Villa Garden

Gardening became the most popular in the 19th century due to the new technologies, rise of the middle class, and more diverse plants. More people were gardening and having gardens. This was also when the Victorian society and gardens were introduced. The Victorian society was very uptight. Britain was the worlds first superpower and expressed taste, education, wealth, fashion and possessions. All levels of Britain society were a grand status symbol. Art and nature was one inspiration for the Victorian gardens. 2 Victorian gardens, Biddulph Grange and Chatsworth, showed art and nature combined. The garden designers were investigating how to square the circle and make nature a work of art. Biddulph Grange was contrast between art and nature, while Chatsworth was a coexistence of art and nature. Plant collecting was big in the 19th century which led to these Victorian gardens. They no longer wanted an imitation of nature but rather to show that garden is created by man, it is a work of art.

Chatsworth

Biddulph Grange

Victorian gardens could be both formal and informal depending on what was in the garden and how it was created. They do however look like they have been put there by man. They have plants from all over the world. The plant hunters and exotic plants were the inspirations for these gardens as the plants were formal and artistic. This was the most important part of the Victorian gardens. Depending on wealth of the owner, the gardens would be mixed and matched with different kinds of plants. The more variety the better. They used these plants for display on conservatory, household decorations, industrialization, increased distribution of wealth, urbanization and suburbanization. The Victorian villas were desired as they were big houses and big grounds. Suburban living was popular so having these villas on the outskirts of town was a big deal.

Example of plants in Waddesdon Manor Gardens, UK

Victorian gardens were enclosed by cast iron fencing. This was very popular during this time to show the ornate design. Besides plants, the Victorian gardens had many ornaments such as arboretums to show trees, brightly colored flower beds that were loud and brash, parterres, glass houses, and rockeries. The gardens also had urns, statues and sculptures, bird baths, and seating.

Example of a glasshouse in London, Crystal Palace

Victorian society and gardens really changed gardening today as gardening became very popular and different plants were introduced. I have included some links below with more information and if you want to start gardening yourself there are some links on how to try a Victorian garden for yourself :)



Sources:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/victoriangarden#b
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356400599248/
http://www.victoriana.com/gardening/

Photos:
http://uktripper.com/images/b/biddulph-elevation.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Chatsworth_House.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Crystal_Palace_General_view_from_Water_Temple.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8515/8475895600_29da7fa3c5_b.jpg