Garden Design Philosophy

Views of the interrelationships between God, man, and nature evolved through the centuries.  The following list gives examples of these relationships and the types of gardens that they represent.

Relationships	Garden Types & Styles
If gods control the natural world, they should be propitiated through ritual and sacrifice.	Religious and astronomical compounds
If it is natural for kings to become gods after death, they should be provided with temples and gardens for use in the afterlife.	Temple and pyramid compounds in the Ancient World
If the gods of nature intervene in our daily lives, sacrificial offerings should be made in a sacred place, such as an altar in a wood.	Sacred groves, classical temples, domestic garden shrines
If the natural forms have a godlike existence in a perfect world, they should be incorporated into architectural and garden design.	Greek, Roman, and Islamic sacred geometry in garden layout
If the nature of the world is revealed to mankind through religion, then gardens, as places for contemplation, should symbolize the perfection of nature.	Medieval gardens
If the best knowledge of nature comes from the ancients, then modern gardens should be made in the style of ancient gardens.	Renaissance gardens
If the natural order is revealed to man through reason, then gardens should be based on mathematical ideas and perspective.	Baroque gardens
If nature is best interpreted through empirical science, then gardens should exhibit a great range of phenomena: natural, artificial, and emotional.	Romantic gardens
If nature is best understood through scientific analysis, then gardens should be based on the principles of abstraction.	Modern and abstract gardens
If our understanding of nature depends on our conceptual framework, then concepts should have a central lace in the design of gardens.	Postmodern and conceptual gardens

Based on Tom Turner (2005), Garden History: Philosophy & Design 2000 BC-200AD.  Spoon Press.

Illustrations of Garden Design Types and Styles

For a more complete style guide with diagrams of these garden types and styles, please visit: 

http://www.gardenvisit.com/history_theory/garden_landscape_design_articles/historic_design_styles