Landscape Design History

Landscape Design- The Romantic Period and the Eternal Charm of Nature

Throughout history water features have been an important focal point in landscape design.

San Diego Ponds draws inspiration from many different time periods often fusing elements of different time periods together in our Landscape Designs.  One historical movement in Landscape Design  has paved the way for  the Nature Inspired Style that San Diego Ponds is known for. The Romantic Period of the 18th century is that movement.

Let’s back up a bit and see why the Romantic Period was such a revolution in the world of Landscape Design. In the centuries before the Romantic Period Landscape Design was ruled by Roman influence. Over sized fountains, concrete structures and neatly trimmed symmetrical gardens were made the norm during the Renaissance Period of the 17th century in Western Europe. The Villa d’Este in Tivioli is a perfect example of this Landscape Design.

As the 17th century and Renaissance Period ended a new style and way of thinking was breaking through. Western Europeans were tired of the structure that came with the rule of Monarchy. An air of change was on the horizon. With Europeans breaking free from their home land and traveling to the Americas to start an independent life  there came a feeling of freedom and independence.

The beginning of the 18th century brought the beginning of the Romantic /Picturesque Period. One of the leaders of this movement was William Gilpin (1724 – 1804). William Gilpin was an accomplished artist who preferred untamed nature over structured gardens. He felt that Landscape Designers of the Roman influence were imposing stereotypical design solutions onto the landscape, instead of responding to the natural topography. In 1791 he wrote a book titled Remarks on Forest Scenery where he described the picturesque appeal of twisted trees, exposed roots and irregular land forms. He commented on the quality of  wild and rough texture.

By the 18th century the English shed excess made popular by Italian influence. They infused their garden style with Asian influence. By doing so the garden’s essence was brought back to emulating untamed nature. This movement was catagorized as the Romantic/Picturesque period.

The geometric symmetry found in the structured gardens were replaced with informal. Mass planting, flowing meandering streams and irregularly shaped ponds became the goal of this style. Families used these man-made ponds as a place to gather and celebrate as well as a place to reflect and relax. Water Features of this period emphasized on the mirroring of the natural landscape. There was a respect for nature rather than an effort to harness and control it.

This Romantic Picturesque period of Landscape Design influenced not only the garden but art as a whole. You will find a perfect example of art impersonating life as well as life impersonating art. Artist like Claude Lorrain, Gaspar Poussin and Salvator Rosa depicted natural landscapes in their masterpieces and in turn Landscape Designers copied many of their works of art in their design.

As you can see in ourdesign galley, San Diego Ponds draws from the simple purity of nature. We work with nature to create a timeless work of art in every Water Feature and Landscape Design.

Contact San Diego Ponds today for your free Design Consultation!

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