Victorian Gardening

Gardening in the Victorian era was thought of as an art. European gardens were the envy of gardeners in America. English gardens were known for being large and colorful. The English style of gardening was known as “natural” gardening. The gardens were overgrown and packed with color. The flowers were not evenly spaced, or overly pruned. These gardens had a more natural look to them, unlike the perfectly manicured lawns of mansions or castles. Whimsical landscapes were inspired by the English countryside. English artist and landscape architect Gertrude Jekyll has said that “the first purpose of a garden is to give happiness and repose of mind.” That happiness came from being able to sit surrounded by beautiful and fragrant flowers. Typically one would see bellflowers, columbine, corabells, daisies, dame’s rocket, delphinium, and dianthus to name a few. These flowers all vary in color, size and shape. 

Dame's Rocket 

                                                                       Delphinium

It wasn't until the late 19^th century to the early 20^th century that American gardeners caught on to the art of Victorian gardening. Domestic gardens became very popular in America and grand pleasure gardens filled with a wide variety of flowers became accessible to Americans. Americans were finally able to find their “happiness” in gardening.