HCS 697.02 Evolution of English Landscapes

Objectives:
To appreciate the physical and biological factors that have influenced the English landscape
To understand the social and historical factors determining the development of the constructed landscape in England
To share observations and interpretations of constructed landscapes in Britain with US audiences

Activities:
During the program we will visit a number of historic and contemporary gardens. You are asked to keep a journal of the visits and to address a set of questions as they apply to each:

1. What features belong to the classical tradition and can you detect Dutch, Italian or French influence?
2. What features belong to the English tradition and whose input or influence is present? (Brown, Repton, Jekyll etc.)
3. What modern/postmodern features do you see in the garden?
4. Are there exotic elements (Mediterranean, oriental, Indian etc.) in the garden?
5. To what extent are natural features and processes allowed to occur?
6. What is the history of the garden as it is today? Is there evidence of a long period of development (several styles and elements), or does one period predominate?
7. Is this a new garden, a restoration, a recreation or a re-interpretation?
8. If it is a restoration to what extent have the owners/curators tried to be authentic in designs, hardscape materials and plants?
9. What kinds and level of maintenance does the garden require?
10. Are there lessons to be learned about maintenance from the success (or failure) of plants and garden elements?
11. What kinds of plant materials predominate? Is there something that you will remember this garden for?
12. Is there a feature of the garden that really stands out?
13. What are the functions of the garden: display, education, entertainment, research?
14. Does the garden have an educational mission? If so how would you describe it and how is it presented?
15. Who do you think would get most out of this garden: kids, gardening enthusiasts, academics, general public?

The preferred format
for the journal is a Powerpoint presentation with 2-4 images selected from those acquired for each site, and with accompanying text in the notes section. For each visit two students will provide text and digital images (cameras will be available) to document the experience for posting on the web.

Evaluation
of this course will be based on the journal (60%) and contribution to the web site (40%).

The Schedule
of visits can be seen on the Calendar pages

Resources:
Review the visits made by earlier groups on the website

The CD has an overview of British history (mullin1.doc") and chapters on garden history "johnson1.doc" and "johnson2.doc". For another perspective read "elliot2.doc".

Syllabi