1)TERRACE GARDEN IN URBAN AREAThe term “terrace garden” can refer to two different types of gardens. In one sense, a terrace garden is a garden which is established on a terrace, roof, or patio, usually in a house where there is limited gardening space. These types of terrace gardens are especially popular in urban areas, and they are sometimes used in restaurants and other establishments as well. A terrace garden can also be a garden which is built in a series of raised or “terraced” beds against a hillside. Terrace agriculture is often the only way to utilize steep land, and some very ancient examples of terrace gardens can be found in South America and Asia.Terrace gardens in the sense of patio or rooftop gardens can be ornamental or functional, and they are usually designed with container plants to make the terrace easier to manage. Gardeners can also build raised beds on their terraces for gardening. Sun exposure and access to water are two important things to consider when establishing a terrace garden, as is the goal of the garden.Some people like to grow fresh herbs and vegetables on their terraces, while others want to create a green retreat. Occasionally, gardeners create a mixture of the two. Plants can be trellised around a terrace for privacy or shade, or used to create a pleasant recreation area for residents and guests of the home. It pays to plan ahead when developing this type of terrace garden, because of space considerations.In the other sense, a terrace garden can be used as an ornamental  landscaping feature, a way to make a landscape functional for gardening, or a source of crops. Terrace gardens are constructed by leveling areas of a hillside and building retaining walls to prevent erosion. Gardeners can also backfill an area bounded by a retaining wall to create a raised terrace. Drainage is critical with this type of terrace garden.In areas where hills are not a part of the landscape, it is still possible to build a terrace garden. Some people like terrace garden landscaping because it makes the landscape more dynamic and interesting. In order to create terraces, gravel for drainage and soil for growing will need to be trucked in and built into a series of terraces which are retained with wood, brick, or concrete walls. Once established, a terrace garden can be developed in a variety of ways, and it often attracts a great deal of attention from guests.

2) ROLE OF TREES IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTIn this day and age it is essentially common knowledge that trees provide a number of benefits to cities and towns by adding beauty, contributing to cleaner air and raising property values, but how is this so?Some estimates put urban tree cover at 30%, significantly higher than the average tree cover of a respective community in the countryside. These urban groves provide a myriad of benefits to the city dweller.Benefits of urban tree coverage are both private and public. The private benefits of trees in an urban center include higher real estate values, climate modification (assistance in heating and cooling of dwellings), and wood value. The benefits to the public can include noise reduction, aesthetic value, increased or enhanced biodiversity, and a reduction in air pollution. In a nutshell, trees in an urban setting improve the overall quality of life for its inhabitants, human or otherwise.An urban forest can affect both the ambient and surface temperature through various means, specifically evapotranspiration, shading, and wind reduction. In the summer season trees help us by providing shade from the direct sun. The process of evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation andplant transpiration  from the earth's land surface to atmosphere ) further aids in the cooling of our urban environments. Conversely, in the winter season trees slow down the cooling process by reducing wind speeds. By modifying outdoor temperatures with trees we are better able to reduce the energy required to heat or cool our urban structures.Prior to the Industrial Revolution very small amounts of gasses were released into the atmosphere by human beings, now however, because of fossil fuel consumption, population density, anddeforestation human beings are producing and releasing more gasses into the atmosphere.Certain gasses such as methane, ozone, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide are naturally produced and released.A number of human activities can and do add to these naturally occurring levels.An area of much concern is the increased levels of carbon dioxide (C02) in our atmosphere and its resulting "greenhouse" effects. Thankfully, via the photosynthesis process, urban forests can take millions of tonnes of C02 out of the air and transform it into carbon. This process helps to reduce the total amounts of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that are believed to be the cause of global warming. Global warming is expected to impact the planet in many ways including raising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, altering eco- systems, and affecting animal populations.In recent years air quality has become a much more discussed topic. The human health effects of these pollutants have become a catalyst for increased research. It seems every day we hear about a new study

linking higher pollutant counts in our air with negative human health impacts. In more immediately recent years there has been a focus on the ultra- fine particles in these pollutants because of the concern that they may be inhaled deeper into the lungs. In the urban setting the sources of these particles is a long and varied list, consisting of both naturally occurring and man made contributors. Not surprisingly, the most significant source of urban particulate matter in the air is vehicle exhaust.Trees are of great value as they are capable of capturing pollutants and in so doing, reduce the total concentrations in the air.City forests can serve as a pollutant filter by trapping such substances as sulfates of nitrogen, and sulfur. In the case of airborne particulate matter, the tree in the urban forest can, on its leaves collect unwanted particulates which later get washed off by precipitation and deposit on the soil underneath.Different tree varieties clean particulate matter from the air at different rates depending on the species and its specific characteristics. Trees that are more aerodynamically shaped, and have a rough surface tend to perform better as air cleaners. The age of a tree also determines the rate of purification, with younger specimens cleaning better than older ones due to the increased density of foliage.In regard to enhancing the real estate values of an area, urban trees certainly achieve this. Some estimates indicate that urban trees and planted vegetation in the United States adds $1.5 Billion annually to property values.The vast benefits that trees provide for us are so numerous that they are difficult to quantify. Many benefits are plain and simple while others are more intricate, scientific, and less obvious. Either way that one looks at it though, the increasing urban population and its associated air pollution is going to force cities to have a serious look at the role trees play as pollution filters.

3) SITE ANALYSIS IN THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS

Through the process of site inventory and analysis, you can determine elements and conditions that will impact the ultimate use and design of your landscape. Design, when based on thoughtful inventory and analysis, can improve the environment, by creating new features based on the users' needs and keeping those features which are deemed useful and desirable.Where Do We Begin?Identify and locate all site elements on your property by size, material, and condition. Find out the history of the site, how it once was used, and if such use is still relevant today. Who will use the area and what aesthetics and activities are to be incorporated into the ultimate landscape design?Locate Important ElementsWalk your land with a scale-drawn property survey and roughly locate important built elements such as walks, driveways, utilities, and fences, as well as natural features like existing trees and shrubs, rock outcroppings, and on and off-site views.Understand Ecological SystemsAs it is best to treat natural systems with regard, discern how natural areas can be maintained and where they are most vulnerable.Inventory Factors that Affect ClimateIt is essential to inventory the prevailing wind directions, patterns of sun and shade, existing topography, andsoil type on a site in order to identify the different "microclimates" that exist.Follow the Sun's PathOne of the best ways to improve certain site conditions is to understand the sun's path across the entire area. For example, a house with southern exposure will benefit from the strategic placement of deciduous shadetrees along the southwest corner; to lower the amount of heat and glare received on summer afternoons.Climate/MicroclimateIn southeastern New York and the surrounding area, weather systems most often approach from the west. In summer, prevailing southwestern winds bring cool breezes, often moderating afternoon temperatures. The severe northwestern winds in winter make the areas that face north and northwest very cold. For many years, precipitation had been moderately distributed more or less evenly throughout the year with

about three inches of rain falling each month. During the hot summer months, when the evapotranspiration rate is higher than the amount of rainfall received, near drought conditions often occur.

The aberrant weather of the last decade however, has skewed the ''norms,'' with severe storms and winds, higher rainfall, and lengthy droughts. These extreme weather patterns continue to seriously threaten landscape plantings, agriculture, and the environment.Soil Composition and ClassificationSoil is the result of decomposition of parent rock material. Soils are classified by physical and chemical properties, which include grain size and distribution as well as organic content. Soils are also categorized by their ability to support construction. Solid rock and boulders are the most suitable base for construction, with fine sand, silt, clay, and peat being the least suitable.

For most horticultural purposes, we try to achieve a good balance of particles so that water will enter the soil and be held until the particles release it to the plant roots. Generally, coarse, sandy soils are more permeable than fine-grained clay soils, but tend to lose water and nutrients too rapidly for plant roots to take up. Organic matter in soil improves nutrient content and prevents leaching, even after heavy rains.Soil pHIn addition to available moisture and adequate drainage, the most important property of a soil for horticultural applications is its pH level or soil reaction. The range of a soil's acidity or alkalinity is expressed in pH values. A reading of 7 is considered neutral. Since all plants have specific tolerances for pH, a soil test is advisable to indicate the pH level. With this knowledge you can determine if a soil must be modified in order to grow desired species. Please note that most important nutrients become available for plant growth in a slightly acid soil with a pH of about 6.5. If a soil is quite acidic (below 5.5) then nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium become virtually unavailable to plant roots while other nutrients such as iron, manganese, and boron become readily available. Only acid-loving plants such as Rhododendron and Azalea can tolerate and thrive in this type of soil. Many plants are also intolerant of alkaline soils and this can be more of limiting factor to growth than soil acidity.VegetationTrees and shrubs in the landscape are classified as coniferous, deciduous, and broadleaf evergreen. Conifers include needle leaf evergreens like spruce, fir, and pines along with ancient species like ginkgo and cycads. Deciduous trees like oak, maple, and beech compose much of our northeastern forests. Rhododendron and holly are examples of broadleaf evergreens.

For inventory purposes, it is important to note all trees over 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) and observe the size of their branching canopy.

Next, locate all shrubs and inventory visual characteristics such as form, branching habit, twig character, bark coloration, foliage shape, texture, and color, flower color and fragrance, fruit, and distinguishing uses such as wildlife and human value. Lastly, identify plants in the understory layer including herbaceous perennials, biennials, and annuals, ferns, fern allies, vines, and/or seedlings of trees and shrubs. Noting the overall condition of the vegetation along with a thorough inventory will help you to decide what you want to keep and what needs to be weeded out.Analyze the DataAfter you have carefully inventoried the natural and built features, you can begin to analyze what you wish to keep, what you will remove, what needs to be modified, and what will be added.Interpret a Site's Limitations/PotentialsFurther emphasizing a beautiful, existing view is a great way to begin interpreting a site's design potential. Similarly, noting an area that holds rainwater would limit its potential for development, unless you want to plant a wetland garden.Blueprint for SuccessThe process of site inventory and analysis identifies and evaluates existing site conditions to determine what can be worked with and what must be overcome in order to accomplish the design proposal. The key is careful review of existing space and material so that a beautiful, functional, and manageable landscape can evolve.

3) National parksA national park is a park in use for conservation purposes. Often it is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently, there is a common idea: the conservation of wild nature for posterity and as a symbol of national pride.[1] Furthermore, an international organization, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its World Commission on Protected Areas, has defined "National Park" as its Category II type of protected areas. While ideas for this type of national park had been suggested previously, the United States established the first such one, Yellowstone National Park, in 1872. The largest national park in the world meeting the IUCN definition is the Northeast Greenland National Park, which was established in 1974. According to the IUCN, there were 6,555 national parks worldwide in 2006 that meet its criteria. IUCN is still discussing the parameters of defining a national park. [2]

National parks are almost always open to visitors. Most national parks provide outdoor recreation and camping opportunities as well as classes designed to educate the public on the importance of conservation and the natural wonders of the land in which the national park is located.

In 1969 the IUCN declared a national park to be a relatively large area with the following defining characteristics:[4]

One or several ecosystems not materially altered by human exploitation and occupation, where plant and animal species, geomorphological sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational, and recreational interest or which contain a natural landscape of great beauty;

Highest competent authority of the country has taken steps to prevent or eliminate exploitation or occupation as soon as possible in the whole area and to effectively enforce the respect of ecological, geomorphological, or aesthetic features which have led to its establishment; and

Visitors are allowed to enter, under special conditions, for inspirational, educative, cultural, and recreative purposes.

In 1971 these criteria were further expanded upon leading to more clear and defined benchmarks to evaluate a national park. These include:

Minimum size of 1,000 hectares within zones in which protection of nature takes precedence Statutory legal protection

Budget and staff sufficient to provide sufficient effective protection

Prohibition of exploitation of natural resources (including the development of dams) qualified by such activities as sport, fishing, the need for management, facilities, etc.

While national parks are generally understood to be administered by national governments (hence the name), in Australia national parks are run by state governments and predate the Federation of Australia; similarly, national parks in the Netherlands are administered by the provinces.[5] In many countries, including Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, national parks do not adhere to the IUCN definition, while some areas which adhere to the IUCN definition are not designated as national parks. [5]

History[edit] Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada

In 1835, the English poet William Wordsworth described the Lake District as a[6]

sort of national property, in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy.

The painter George Catlin, in his travels through the American West, wrote during the 1830s that the Native Americans in the United States might be preserved[7]

(by some great protecting policy of government) ...in a magnificent park ...A nation's Park, containing man and beast, in all the wild and freshness of their nature's beauty!

The first effort by any government[citation needed] to set aside such protected lands was in the United States, on April 20, 1832, when President Andrew Jackson signed legislation that the 22nd United States

Congress had enacted to set aside four sections of land around what is now Hot Springs, Arkansas, to protect the natural, thermal springs and adjoining mountainsides for the future disposal of the U.S. government.[original research?][8][not in citation given][9][not in citation given] It was known as Hot Springs Reservation. However no legal authority was established and federal control of the area was not clearly established until 1877.[8]

The next effort by any government[citation needed] to set aside such protected lands was, again, in the United States, when President Abraham Lincoln signed an Act of Congress on June 30, 1864, ceding the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove ofGiant Sequoias (later becoming Yosemite National Park) to the state of California:[original research?][10][not in citation given]

.... the said State shall accept this grant upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation; shall be inalienable for all time; .... — 38th United States Congress, Session 1, 1864

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the United States' first national park.,[11] being also the world's first national park. In some European countries, however, national protection and nature reserves already existed at that time, such asDrachenfels (Germany, 1822) and a part of Forest of Fontainebleau (France, 1861).[12]

When news of the natural wonders of the Yellowstone were first promulgated, the land was part of a federally governed territory. Unlike Yosemite, there was no state government that could assume stewardship of the land, so the federal government took on direct responsibility for the park, the official first national park of the United States. It took the combined effort and interest of conservationists, politicians and especially businesses—namely, the Northern Pacific Railroad, whose route through Montana would greatly benefit by the creation of this new tourist attraction—to ensure the passage of that landmark enabling legislation by the United States Congress to create Yellowstone National Park. Theodore Roosevelt, already an active campaigner and so influential as good stump speakers were highly necessary in the pre-telecommunications era, was highly influential in convincing fellow Republicans and big business to back the bill.

The United States in 1872. When Yellowstone was established, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho were territories, not states. For this reason, the federal government had to assume responsibility for the land, hence the creation of the national park.

American Pulitzer Prize-winning author Wallace Stegner wrote:[13]

National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.

In his book Dispossessing the Wilderness: Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks, Mark David Spence made the point that in order to create these uninhabited spaces, the United States first had to disposess the Indians who were living in them.[14]

Even with the creation of Yellowstone, Yosemite, and nearly 37 other national parks and monuments, another 44 years passed before an agency was created in the United States to administer these units in a comprehensive way — the U.S.National Park Service (NPS). Businessman Stephen Mather and his journalist partner Robert Sterling Yard pushed hardest for the creation of the NPS, writing then-Secretary of the Interior Franklin Knight Lane about such a need and spearheading a large publicity campaign for their movement. Lane invited Mather to come to Washington, DC to work with him to draft and see passage of the National Park Service Organic Act, which the 64th United States Congress enacted and whichPresident Woodrow Wilson signed into law on August 25, 1916. Of the 401 sites managed by the National Park Service of the United States, only 59 carry the designation of National Park.

Following the idea established in Yellowstone there soon followed parks in other nations. In Australia, the Royal National Park was established just south of Sydney in 1879, becoming the world's second official national park. Rocky Mountain National Parkbecame Canada's first national park in 1885. New Zealand established Tongariro National Park in 1887. In Europe the first national parks were a set of nine parks in Sweden in 1909; Europe has some 359 national parks as of 2010.[citation needed] Africa's first national park was established in 1925 when Albert I of Belgium designated an area of what is now Democratic Republic of Congo centred around theVirunga Mountains as the Albert National Park (since renamed Virunga National Park). In 1973, Mount Kilimanjaro was classified as a National Park and was

opened to public access in 1977.[15] In 1926, the government of South Africa designated Kruger National Park as the nation's first national park, although it was an expansion of the earlier Sabie Game Reserve established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger of the old South African Republic, after whom the park was named. After World War II, national parks were founded all over the world. The Vanoise National Park in the Alps was the first French national park, created in 1963 after public mobilization against a touristic project.

The world's first national park service was established May 19, 1911, in Canada. [16] The Dominion Forest Reserves and Parks Act placed the dominion parks under the administration of Dominion Park Branch (now Parks Canada). The branch was established to "protect sites of natural wonder" to provide a recreational experience, centred around the idea of the natural world providing rest and spiritual renewal from the urban setting.[17] Canada now has the most protected area in the world with 377,000 km^2 of national park space.[18] In 1989, the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve (QNNP) was created to protect 3.381 million hectares on the north slope of Mount Everest in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This national park is the first major global park to have no separate warden and protection staff—all of its management being done through existing local authorities, allowing a lower cost basis and a larger geographical coverage (in 1989 when created, it was the largest protected area in Asia). It includes four of the six highest mountains Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. The QNNP is contiguous to four Nepali national parks, creating a transborder conservation area equal in size to Switzerland

4) Principles of Japanese gardenDesign Principles in Japanese GardeningHarmony with Nature

Central to the design of Japanese gardens is appreciation and respect for nature.  Therefore, all that is done in the Japanese garden is to be in harmony with its natural surroundings. Within the garden itself, much effort is given to bringing all the opposing elements of the garden together into an artistic unity: dark and light; space and form; smooth and fine; hidden and obvious.  The other underlying principle,  already discussed,  is the theme of natural scenery whether it is a minimized version of nature, a copy of a particular natural scene, or a representative scene using symbolic materials. Asymetry and Odd Numbers

You will find the Japanese garden reflects a preference for asymetry and odd numbered components, usually threes and fives,  with a dominant element and two subordinate ones.  This comes from Taoist and Zen influences on Eastern thinking.  There is an appreciation for the process of attaining perfection rather than on the state of perfection itself which symmetry more accurately reflects.  To the eastern mind, there is beauty in what is absent as well as in what is present.  Also, odd numbered components better represent the randomness found in nature.

Triangles Create a Sense of Balance

The elements of the garden and the plantings follow the lines of a scalene triangle in their relationship to one another.  This is more satisfying to the Japanese gardener than a symetrical balance.  There may be single objects at the apex or odd groupings or even at time empty space.  This pattern is repeated throughout the garden -- a series of interlocking scalene triangles.  The designer tries to portray this balance from the various viewing points in the garden.Using Perspective to Alter Depth, Distance, and Size

The Japanese are masters at altering the sense of depth, distance and size of the garden from the viewers perspective. The various elements of the garden can be manipulated to bring about the desired perspective and sense: placing larger trees, shrubs or objects in the foreground, smaller objects in the background; more commanding textures and colors in the foreground, more subtle textures and colors in the background; narrowing a path as it recedes in the yard.  In your small gardening space, these principles can be applied to accomplish a greater sense of size.Pruning and Shaping

Severe and calculated pruning, manipulating and contorting trees and shrubs help to bring about that prized sense of age in the Japanese garden.  Pruning is discussed in more depth on the Pruning and Shapingpage of this site.

5) Japanese landscapeJapanese gardens (日本庭園 nihon teien?) are traditional gardens that create miniature idealized landscapes, often in a highly abstract and stylized way.[1] The gardens of the Emperors and nobles were designed for recreation and aesthetic pleasure, while the gardens of Buddhist temples were designed for contemplation and meditation.

Japanese garden styles include karesansui, Japanese rock gardens or zen gardens, which are meditation gardens where white sand replaces water; roji, simple, rustic gardens with teahouses where the Japanese tea ceremony is conducted; kaiyū-shiki-teien, promenade or stroll gardens, where the visitor follows a path around the garden to see carefully composed landscapes; and tsubo-niwa, small courtyard gardens.

Japanese gardens were developed under the influences of the Chinese gardens,[2] but gradually Japanese garden designers began to develop their own aesthetics, based on Japanese materials and Japanese culture. By the Edo period, the Japanese garden had its own distinct appearance.[3] Since the end of the 19th century, Japanese gardens have also been adapted to Western settings.

2 Garden elements2.1 Water2.2 Rocks and sand2.3 Garden architecture2.4 Garden bridges2.5 Stone lanterns and water basins2.6 Garden fences, gates, and devices2.7 Trees and flowers2.8 Fish

6) French renaissance garden and influence of andre le norte on its development The Gardens of the French Renaissance is a garden style, initially inspired by the Italian Renaissance garden, which evolved later into the grander and more formal Garden à la française during the reign of Louis XIV, by the middle of the 17th century.

In 1495, King Charles VIII and his nobles brought the Renaissance style back to France after their war campaign in Italy.[1] They reached their peak in the gardens of the royal Château de Fontainebleau, the Château de Blois, the Château d'Amboise, and theChâteau de Chenonceau.

French Renaissance gardens were characterized by symmetrical and geometric planting beds or parterres; plants in pots; paths of gravel and sand; terraces; stairways and ramps; moving water in the form of canals, cascades and monumental fountains, and extensive use of artificial grottoes, labyrinths and statues of mythological figures. They became an extension of the chateaux that they surrounded, and were designed to illustrate the Renaissance ideals of measure and proportion, and to remind viewers of the virtues of Ancient Rome.[2]

7) Mughal gardenMughal gardens are a group of gardens built by the Mughals in the Persian style of architecture. This style was heavily influenced by thePersian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure.[1] Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.

Mughal gardens design derives primarily from the medieval Islamic garden, although there are nomadic influences that come from the Mughals’ Turkish-Mongolian ancestry. Julie Scott Meisami describes the medieval Islamic garden as “a hortus conclusus, walled off and protected from the outside world; within, its design was rigidly formal, and its inner space was filled with those elements that man finds most pleasing in nature. Its essential features included running water (perhaps the most important element) and a pool to reflect the beauties of sky and garden; trees of various sorts, some to provide shade merely, and others to produce fruits; flowers, colorful and sweet-smelling; grass, usually growing wild under the trees; birds to fill the garden with song; the whole cooled by a pleasant breeze. The garden might include a raised hillock at

the center, reminiscent of the mountain at the center of the universe in cosmological descriptions, and often surmounted by a pavilion or palace.”[12] The Turkish-Mongolian elements of the Mughal garden are primarily related to the inclusion of tents, carpets and canopies reflecting nomadic roots. Tents indicated status in these societies, so wealth and power were displayed through the richness of the fabrics as well as by size and number.[13]

The Mughals were obsessed with symbol and incorporated it into their gardens in many ways. The standard Quranic references to paradise were in the architecture, layout, and in the choice of plant life; but more secular references, including numerological and zodiacal significances connected to family history or other cultural significance, were often juxtaposed. The numbers eight and nine were considered auspicious by the Mughals and can be found in the number of terraces or in garden architecture such as octagonal pools.[14]

8) Taj mahal gardenGarden

The

complex is set around a large 300-metre (980 ft) square charbagh or Mughal garden. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. A raised marble water tank at the center of the garden, halfway between the tomb and gateway with a reflecting pool on a north-south axis, reflects the image of the mausoleum. The raised marble water tank is called al Hawd al-Kawthar, in reference to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad.[25]

Elsewhere, the garden is laid out with avenues of trees and fountains.[26] The charbagh garden, a design inspired by Persian gardens, was introduced to India by the first Mughal emperor, Babur. It symbolises the four flowing rivers of Jannah (Paradise) and reflects theParadise garden derived from the Persian paridaeza, meaning 'walled garden'. In mystic Islamic texts of Mughal period, Paradise is described as an ideal garden of abundance with four rivers flowing from a central spring or mountain, separating the garden into north, west, south and east.

Most Mughal charbaghs are rectangular with a tomb or pavilion in the center. The Taj Mahal garden is unusual in that the main element, the tomb, is located at the end of the garden. With the discovery of Mahtab Bagh or "Moonlight Garden" on the other side of the Yamuna, the interpretation of the Archaeological Survey of India is that the Yamuna river itself was incorporated into the garden's design and was meant to be seen as one of the rivers of Paradise.[27] The similarity in layout of the garden and its architectural features with the Shalimar Gardens suggest that they may have been designed by the same architect, Ali Mardan.[28] Early accounts of the garden describe its profusion of vegetation, including abundant roses, daffodils, and fruit trees.[29] As the Mughal Empire declined, the tending of the garden also declined, and when the British took over the management of Taj Mahal during the time of the British Empire, they changed the landscaping to resemble that of lawns of London.[30

OrThe garden that starts from the end of the main gateway and ends near the squared base of the mausoleum is an integral part of the Taj Mahal structure and is, undeniably, one of the major highlights of the visit for many. The garden that beautifies Taj comes from the Persian Timurid style of gardens, and is based on the concept of ‘paradise garden' and was brought in by Babur. This garden, filled with flowers, fruits, birds, leaves, symmetry, and delicacy, served many functions along with portraying strong symbolic or abstract meanings about paradise. A paradise which, according to Islamic beliefs, consists of four

rivers: one of water, one of milk, one of honey, and one of wine. And it is from this concept that Char Bagh of Taj Mahal originated. Also, the symbolism of the garden and its division are noted in the Islamic texts that describe paradise as a garden filled with abundant trees, flowers, and plants.

Out of the total area of 580 meter by 300 meter of the Taj complex, these gardens alone cover an area of 300 meter by 300 meter distance and are based on geometric arrangements of nature. No attempt was made to give them a "natural" look. Another architectural attribute that has been followed in the case of the entire monument, especially the gardens of the Taj Mahal of Agra, is the usage of number four and its multiples. Since four is considered the holiest number in Islam, all the arrangements of Charbagh Garden of Taj Mahal are based on four or its multiples. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center. In each quarter portion, there are 16 flowerbeds that have been divided by stone-paved raised pathways. It is said that even each of the flowerbed was planted with 400 plants.

The trees of the Taj garden are either that of Cyprus (signifying death) or of the fruit bearing type (signifying life) and even they are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Taj Mahal occupies the north-end corner of the garden, instead of being in the center. In fact, at the center of the garden, between the Taj and its gateway, is a raised marble lotus-tank with a cusped border, which reflects the Taj in its waters. The four walkways that are although identical are differentiated through their context. In fact, the symmetry with which the whole garden has been organized and laid out, can be clearly observed and experienced as one can get an unhindered view of the mausoleum from any spot. These aesthetically maintained gardens not only bring a natural sense to the proceedings, but also make for some great snap taking spots.OrMughal garden design derives primarily from the medieval Islamic Garden, although there are nomadic influences that come from the Mughals’ Turkish-Mongolian ancestry. Its essential features included running water (perhaps the most important element) and a pool to reflect the beauties of sky and garden; trees of various sorts, some to provide shade merely, and others to produce fruits; flowers, colorful and sweet-smelling; grass, usually growing wild under the trees; birds to fill the garden with song; the whole cooled by a pleasant breeze. The garden might include a raised hillock at the center, reminiscent of the mountain at the center of the universe in cosmological descriptions, and often surmounted by a pavilion or palace”. The Turkish-Mongolian elements of the Mughal garden are primarily related to the inclusion of tents, carpets and canopies reflecting nomadic roots. Tents indicated status in these societies, so wealth and power were displayed through the richness of the fabrics as well as by size and number.Mughal gardens and their architecture possess a splendid and fragrant proud history. Indeed, some the gardenia instances of the Mughals inKashmir or Delhi, do possess much popularity and respect owing to their stretch of being virtually unlimited in the length and breadth of flora and fauna. Gardens in Mughal architecture redefine the advent of overspreading gardens, slender streams flowing by all through the middle of the garden, the rare arrival of flora from the Persian landscape, the rainbow-tinted flowering of exceptional flowers dispersing their scent and fragrance in the nearby lands, the pastures of exotic-ness, the conception of being amidst Eden suddenly upon earth, or the umpteen other unique aspects that one can imagine. Mughal gardens and its architecture deserves thundering applaud from every quarter of the universe, with the emperors practically thinking in heavenly proportions to make out-of-this-world constituents a reality to human beings inIndia.

9) Role of children play area in cities arents attach importance to their children’s access to natural environments and outdoor play

opportunities. However, urban areas have become increasingly unwelcoming to children.

Design Criteria

Author Identified: 

Design outdoor spaces for children in cities that contain areas for play, have little traffic and natural elements such as trees and other greenery.

Consider designing roofs, terraces, and gardens for children to play so that their parents can go-

about daily tasks while children play outdoors.

Be aware that street-level planning (as opposed to larger-scale planning) may be used to better support children’s play needs.

Key Concepts

Parents in the Netherlands viewed outdoor play as an integral part of the health and development of their children (SCP, 2005). However, recent trends have diminished children’s outdoor play opportunities. These trends included children’s play spaces moving from outdoors to indoors, less autonomy for children outdoors, and children being taken by car across longer distances to reach isolated play spaces rather than walking a smaller network of linked play spaces.

Outdoor play areas are important for children because they provide a place to meet and interact with their peers. Outdoor play can lead to a network of social and emotional support for parents, because as children get to know one another, so do their parents. Immigrant parents saw outdoor play as an opportunity for their children to acculturate.

Urban communities created play spaces at the street level in a variety of ways (e.g. converted a street to a large grassy strip, created pathways within gardens that allowed children to safely move from one garden to another, blocked off streets from car traffic).

Or

Effects on child development[edit]Professionals recognize that the social skills that children develop on the playground often become lifelong skill sets that are carried forward into their adulthood. Independent research concludes that playgrounds are among the most important environments for children outside the home. Most forms of play are essential for healthy development, but free, spontaneous play—the kind that occurs on playgrounds—is the most beneficial type of play.

Exciting, engaging and challenging playground equipment is important to keep children happy while still developing their learning abilities. These should be developed in order to suit different groups of children for different stages of learning, such as specialist playground equipment for nursery & pre-school children teaching them basic numeracy & vocabulary, to building a child's creativity and imagination with role play panels or puzzles.

There is a general consensus that physical activity reduces the risk of psychological problems in children and fosters their self-esteem.[citation needed] The American Chief Medical Officer’s report (Department of Health, 2004), stated that a review of available research suggests that the health benefits of physical activity in children are predominantly seen in the amelioration of risk factors for disease, avoidance of weight gain, achieving a peak bone mass and mental well-being.

Evidence suggests that children who participate in physical activity improve their self-esteem. [citation

needed] Ekeland, Heian and Hagan (2005) and Gruber[8] found that exercise programmes had a significant positive effect on children's self-esteem.

Commentators argue that the quality of a child’s exercise experience can affect their self-esteem. Ajzen TPB (1991) promotes the notion that children’s self-esteem is enhanced through the encouragement of physical mastery and self-development. It can be seen that playgrounds provide an ideal opportunity for children to master physical skills, such as learning to swing, balance and climb. Personal development may be gained through the enhancement of skills, such as playing, communicating and cooperating with other children and adults in the playground.

It can also be seen that public and private playgrounds act as a preventative health measure amongst young people because they promote physical activity at a stage in children’s lives when they are active and not yet at risk from opting out of physical activity.[citation needed]

Seesaw with a crowd of children playing

Rope bridge for improving balance

Children have devised many playground games and pastimes. But because playgrounds are usually subject to adult supervision and oversight, young children's street culture often struggles to fully thrive there. Research by Robin Moore[9] concluded shown that playgrounds need to be balanced with marginal areas that (to adults) appear to be derelict or wasteground but to children they are area's that they can claim for themselves, ideally a wooded area or field.

For many children, it is their favorite time of day when they get to be on the playground for free time or recess. It acts as a release for them from the pressures of learning during the day. They know that time on the playground is their own time.[citation needed]

A type of playground called a playscape can provide children with the necessary feeling of ownership that Moore describes above. Playscapes can also provide parents with the assurance of their child's safety and wellbeing, which may not be prevalent in an open field or wooded area.

Types[edit]

Playgrounds can be

Built by collaborative support of corporate and community resources to achieve an immediate and visible "win" for their neighborhood.

Public, free of charge, like at most rural elementary schools

Connected to a business, for customers only, e.g., at McDonald's, IKEA, and Chuck E. Cheese's.

For-Profit  business with an entrance fee, like those at the (now defunct) Discovery Zone, Zoom Zoom's Indoor Playground in Ancaster, Ontario, Jungle Jam Indoor Playground, and Kidtastic Indoor Playground.

Non-Profit  organizations for edutainment as Children's Museums and Science Centers, some charge admission, some are free.

Inclusive playgrounds[edit]Universally designed playgrounds are created to be accessible to all children. There are three primary components to a higher level of inclusive play:

physical accessibility; age and developmental appropriateness; and

sensory-stimulating activity.

Some children with disabilities or developmental differences do not interact with playgrounds in the same way as typical children. A playground designed without considering these children's needs may not be accessible or interesting to them.

Most efforts at inclusive playgrounds have been aimed at accommodating wheelchair users. For example, rubber paths and ramps replace sand pits and steps, and some features are placed at ground level. Efforts

to accommodate children on the autism spectrum, who may find playgrounds overstimulating or who may have difficulty interacting with other children, have been less common. [26]

Natural playgrounds[edit]Main article: Playscape"Natural playgrounds" are play environments that blend natural materials, features, and indigenous vegetation with creative landforms to create purposely complex interplays of natural, environmental objects in ways that challenge and fascinate children and teach them about the wonders and intricacies of the natural world while they play within it.

Play components may include earth shapes (sculptures), environmental art, indigenous vegetation (trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, lichens, mosses), boulders or other rock structures, dirt and sand, natural fences (stone, willow, wooden), textured pathways, and natural water features.Playgrounds for adults[edit]Further information: Outdoor gym and Fitness trailChina and some countries in Europe have playgrounds designed for adults.[27] These are outdoor spaces that feature fitness equipment designed for use primarily by adults, such as chin-up bars.Metaphorical uses[edit]

Playground is also be used as a metaphor to describe a place for some types of play. For example, a laboratory may also be referred to as playground for a scientist.

10) lawnA lawn is an area of land planted with grasses or (rarely) other durable plants, which are maintained at a short height and used for aesthetic and recreational purposes. Common characteristics of a lawn are that it is composed only of grass species, it is subject to weed and pest control, it is subject to practices aimed at maintaining its green color, and it is regularly mowed to ensure an acceptable length, [1]although these characteristics are not binding as a definition. In recreational contexts, the specialised names turf, pitch, field or greenmay be used, depending on the sport and the continent.

The term lawn, referring to a managed grass space, dates to no earlier than the 16th century. Tied to suburban expansion and the creation of the household aesthetic, the lawn is an important aspect of the interaction between the natural environment and the constructed urban and suburban space. [2]

Uses[edit]Lawns are a common feature of private gardens, public landscapes and parks in many parts of the world. They are created for aesthetic pleasure, as well as for sports or other outdoor recreational use. Lawns are useful as a playing surface both because they mitigate erosion and dust generated by intensive foot traffic and because they provide a cushion for players in sports such as rugby, football, soccer,cricket, baseball, golf, tennis, hockey and lawn bocce.

Lawn care and maintenance[edit]Seasonal lawn establishment and care varies depending on the climate zone and type of lawn grown

Environmental concerns[edit]Greater amounts of chemical fertilizer and pesticides are used per acre of lawn than on an equivalent acre of cultivated farmland,[38] and the continued use of these products has been associated with environmental pollution, disturbance in the lawn ecosystem, and increased health risks to the local human population.[39]

Other concerns, criticisms, and ordinances regarding lawns come from the environmental consequences:

Some lawns are composed of a monoculture (single species) of plants, which reduces biodiversity, especially when the lawn covers a large area. They usually are composed ofintroduced species not

native to the area, which can further decrease a locale's biodiversity and vital habitats supporting an ecosystem.

Lawn maintenance may use inorganic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, which can harm the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has estimated[when?] nearly 70,000,000 pounds (32,000,000 kg) of active pesticide ingredients are used on suburban lawns each year in the United States.[40] It has also been estimated that more herbicides are applied per acre of lawn than are used by most farmers to grow crops. [20]

For example, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Kuwait, and Belize have placed restrictions on the use of the herbicide 2,4-D.

However, lawns with high maintenance (mowing, irrigation, and leaf blowing) and high fertilization rates have a net emission of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide that have large global warming potential. [41]

With the use of ecological techniques including organic lawn management, the impact of lawns can be reduced. Such methods include the use of native grasses, sedges, and low herbs; higher mowing techniques; low volume irrigation, 'grasscycling' grass clippings in place; an integrated pest management program; exclusive organic fertilizer and compost use; and including a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and other plants surrounding the lawn. A positive benefit of a healthy lawn is it filters contaminants and prevents runoff and erosion of bare soil.

In addition to the environmental criticisms, some gardeners question the aesthetic value of lawns, especially in climates and cultures different from the lawn's homeland in England.6   Types of lawn plants

o 6.1   Grasses 6.1.1   History of the grasses used in lawns

6.1.2   Cool season grasses

6.1.3   Warm season grasses

11) Medival gardneningMedieval gardening, or gardening during the medieval period, was the chief method of providing food for households, but also encompassed orchards, cemeteries and pleasure gardens. For the purposes of this article, the European medieval era will be considered to span from 400 to 1400 CE, though appropriate references may be made to earlier and later times. Gardening is the deliberate cultivation of plants herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables. The gardening article discusses the differences and similarities between gardens and farms in greater detail.

Types of Garden[edit]

Hortus conclusus -Enclosed garden Vegetable or cottage -primarily for food production

herber -primarily for herbs, culinary medicinal and craft

pleasure -nobleman's garden

orchard  -fruit trees

nuthey -an orchard of nut trees

Garden Features[edit]

Fencing Seating

Fountains

Fishponds

Beds

Gates

Grass

12) Moorish garden

The nature of the Moorish garden - is the simplicity of planning and the uniqueness of the solution. Water is the primary motif of the garden. In the regular planning style a courtyard - patio is always present. Specific points are arranged and arcades take shape. The plants are exotic and correspond to the climatic conditions: mandarins, cypresses, oranges and oleanders. They are planted freely and trimming, for the most part, did not adapt. Lawns were not used because of the hot climate and the territory took shape through decorative paving - this is one of the key elements of Moorish garden. Cultural bloom at this time was observed, many cities from India to Spain were proud of their gardens. In order to give the gardens a certain charm irrigation systems built by Romans were used. But, in spite of all of the aqueous splendour vertical fountains were nevertheless built in the style of delicate modesty, as in the court ofchannels in the mixed gardens of Granada, for example.

It is not so complicated to understand why the nomads valued water so highly. This cultural basis brings together the creations of the Arab masters of landscape with the Chinese and Japanese, where the garden was created as place for the meditation and "personal luxury", but not as public property, which was characteristic of the Greeks and Romans.

In the Moorish gardens and fountains it is possible to isolate two main features. First of all the fountainsnever contained the imprint of the human essence, the artists ideas were never combined with man or his humanly form since the Koran forbids the depiction of the exposed body. Furthermore, designers were more restrained in the estimation of a quantity of utilized water (if we do not consider some Turkish gardens), although this restraint was always found in balance with a feeling of aesthetical "completeness", self-sufficiency of a garden.

They connected channels (originally used for irrigation), pools and fountains which created freshness mixed with the finest aromas. The small drinking fountains, where the water jet hardly rises above the surface, represents the best example of this fantastic use of subtlety.  The pools of fountains were designed to always be full to the brim with water. This allowed them to develop a complex system of channels for the water to flow into. Ponds were usually decorated with patterns in the form of a lotus, which visually enlarged their volume. Fountains in the Islamic gardens were almost always located low on the ground, sometimes even hardly rising above the level of the surrounding view. They had to cool the atmosphere around themselves with the aid of the evaporated moisture, and this sufficiently ordinary feature combined wonderfully with its religious purpose.

The adepts of Moorish style also actively used water in other elements of the garden, for example, accurately directing invigorating moisture along the channels purely for irrigating purposes, when its decoration potential was exhausted. This characteristic and stylistic feature was unfortunately absent inItaly's epoch of Revival and somewhat later, where the water which flows to the feet of hills was used wastefully.

13) ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREthe 5 elements of Landscape Design include:• Color – It is important to use a complementing color scheme                                                                      throughout the yard. Sometimes  Contrast can create some interest and excitement.• Direction or Line – Linear patterns are used to direct physical movement and to draw attention to areas in your garden.• Form – Form can be expressed through built objects or trees and shrubs of various shapes and sizes which create natural patterns.• Texture – Paving and building materials along with plants with varying textures can add to the atmosphere of your outdoor area.

• Scale – Your outdoor design should balance the size of the buildings or established plants it surrounds, while maintaining a comfortable human environment for the individuals who will use the area.Or

Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including:

1. living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly known to as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.

2. natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water;

3. human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans; and

4. abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.

Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of nature and construction and blends them accordingly.

14)HedgesA "hedge" is a wall composed of plants. Some are purely decorative, while others serve primarily a practical function. Hedge plants used decoratively are often trimmed to precise sizes and shapes and include evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Such shrubs may also serve the practical function of affording a property some security. Here are some resources to get you started if you are interested in creating a "living wall":

Almost any row of densely growing hedge plants will enhance security to some degree. If you need a higher level of security, but still wish to stick to hedge plants rather than fences, select shrubs or small trees that have thorns (e.g., hawthorns), or at least prickly leaves (e.g., holly; see below).But security is not the only practical function that hedges can serve. Hedges may also be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks, in which cases small trees are often employed (either exclusively or mixed with shrubs). The plants in such privacy screens or windbreaks are commonly allowed to grow naturally, rather than trimmed to a particular size and shape, unless the grower wishes to combine decorative and practical functions.

Below I discuss examples of hedge plants, with links to more detailed information about each. I'll begin with hedge shrubs. Note that not all hedge shrubs should be meticulously trimmed so as to form sculpted, even surfaces with straight lines. Only three of the shrubs discussed below are typically trimmed in this fashion (forming the "classic" hedge, if you will):

Boxwood Privet Yew15) ShrubberyShrubbery is a major landscaping element in most yards. My information in the articles below will help you in plant selection and maintenance. This information on shrubbery and other topics was published in September-November, 2007. Among the plants covered are false cypress and euonymus. Consult my index of landscaping articles to ascertain what other topics I've written about that may interest you.Or

A shrubbery is a wide border to a garden where shrubs are thickly planted, or a similar larger area with a path winding through it. A singular shrub is also known as a bush. [1]

Characteristics[edit]A shrubbery was a feature of 19th-century gardens in the English manner, with its origins in the gardenesque style[2] of the early part of the century. A shrubbery[3] was a collection of hardy shrubs, quite distinct from a flower garden, which was a cutting garden to supply flowers in the house. The shrubbery was arranged as a walk, ideally a winding one, that made a circuit that brought the walker back to the terrace of the house. Its paths were gravel, so that they dried quickly after a rain. A walk in the shrubbery

offered a chance for a private conversation, and a winding walk among shrubs surrounding even quite a small lawn was a feature of the garden behind a well-furnishedRegency suburban villa.

16) Role of trees in landscapeFunctional Uses of Plants in the Landscape

Considering the functional use of plants is a new approach to solving landscape problems. Traditionally, plants have been used for beautification due to their aesthetic qualities. The expression "functional use of plants" helps to explain that plants can perform other functions in the landscape and still beautify.

Plants have horticultural characteristics such as height and spread, branching habit, flowers, fruit, and foliage; they have design qualities such as form, color, texture, and mass; and they have cultural requirements for growth in the landscape. More recently, the functional characteristics of plants have been recognized.

Figure 1. Groups of plants may be used architecturally to form walls, canopies or floors.

Plants can be used functionally to solve some of the environmental problems the homeowner may have on the property. This may include the need for privacy, protection from glare or direct sunlight into windows, or shade on a patio. A thick row of high shrubs bordering a road can reduce noise and prevent litter from entering a yard, or perhaps screen an unpleasant view such as a shopping center or row of buildings.

The contemporary approach to planning a residential landscape incorporates a design process. In the process, the needs and goals of the owner and conditions of the building site are identified. An analysis of these goals and conditions reveals needs and suggests a program for enhancement of the landscape. It must be realized that not all landscape problems can be solved with plant materials alone; pavements and structures are equally important. Fences and walls are as functional and provide as much privacy as woody plants--and they may require less maintenance.

Figure 2. Plants can be used to screen the hot summer sun while allowing sunlight through bare branches in winter for a type of climate control.

Architectural Uses of Plants

Plants can be used to form walls, canopies, or floors by taking advantage of their different growth habits and foliage characteristics. A stand of trees or shrubs can create walls to filter or block views, or a canopy of tree branches can provide a sense of shelter. Ground cover planting with uniform foliage and textural characteristics can present the feeling of an architectural floor. Plants can also define a boundary (Fig. 1).

Engineering Uses of Plants

Trees can stop or diffuse light before it reaches the ground. Engineering functions of plants include using them to screen or soften the sun's glare on the water or smooth shiny surfaces (Fig. 2), or to block car lights or street lights (Fig. 3).

An edging of ground cover plants along an entranceway or at corners of a walk helps direct attention and movement of people. Traffic movement along walks and drives can be controlled with shrubs or trees (Fig. 4).

Figure 3. This engineering with plant design reduces light glare.

Plants can add, absorb and deflect sound by the presence and movement of their foliage and branches. Plants are particularly useful in noise control when joined with landforms. Plants can remove and trap pollutants from the air as well as introduce fragrance or odors from flowers or foliage, such as the spicy scented leaves of the bayberry.

Figure. 4. This design, employing plants and pavements, emphasizes a functional and important entry approach by directing traffic to the main entry.

Climate Control Uses of Plants

For climate control, deciduous shade trees might be used to screen the hot summer sun or in winter permit the solar radiation to penetrate to the ground, or to the walls and windows of a building. Large shrubs can serve as windbreaks to reduce wind velocities. Changes in solar radiation or light levels are also possible with shading.

Aesthetic Uses of Plants

The aesthetic functions of plants are the easiest to understand. Plants traditionally have been used for beautification; unfortunately, most people think this is the only reason to landscape with plants.

Aesthetically, plants can become a piece of living sculpture. When placed against a plain wall or fence, they create an interesting shadow pattern of branches and leaves. Plants can be used as background for other plantings, or arranged to provide visual coherence to unrelated objects or structures. They provide suitable environments for birds and other wildlife, too (Fig. 5).

Plants may be used for diverse purposes in the modern landscape. Rarely should plants be simply ornamental; rather, they should serve multiple roles, making the modern landscape both attractive and functional.

Figure 5. Plants can form a living sculpture on their own, or help soften surrounding architecture.

17) Atrium gardenSmall home atriums often end up as eyesores: designing a small atrium garden for these homes can be difficult. Problems with light and drainage seem simple compared to deciding what to do with the space. The key to creating a pleasant atrium garden space is to keep in mind which rooms face the atrium and to work with the home's architecture and the homeowner's decorating style.Most homes with an atrium are of a modern style; however, Asian or classically styled homes can also have atriums. Atriums in two-story homes are harder to design because less light penetrates into the space. When designing the space, investigate the light and drainage conditions in the atrium. Drainage problems in an atrium can adversely effect a home's foundation, so any problems must be fixed before any designing or gardening begins.Small atrium gardens can actually be designed with few or no plant materials. A gravel-filled space with favorite sculptures and a small bench provides good drainage, an interesting view from the home's interior, and a protected spot to sit on fair days. Atriums can be paved to create a courtyard, as long as drainage is provided.With a little light, plants can thrive in an atrium garden. Choosing shade-loving plants is required for an atrium garden, but there is a huge variety to choose from. If you want greenery and sculptures, consider installing topiary frames and training shade-loving vines over them. A single large "structural" shade plant such as a small understory tree can provide four seasons of interest. Consider a deciduous tree holly (Possumhaw) or a dogwood for an atrium garden. Interesting shade-loving shrubs such as Oakleaf Hydrangea, American Beautyberry, or azaleas can be planted around a small bench. A single sculpture or seating area in an atrium surrounded by a groundcover such as a shade-loving vine is simple an effective: try a deciduous vine like Boston ivy or Virginia creeper. Mondo grass makes a nice groundcover for an atrium garden, as do annuals such as coleus.A small home atrium can be used for recreation. An atrium gardener can design a garden railroad that can be viewed and run from inside the house. Hobbies such as Japanese bonsai can make great use of a small home atrium's space. Any hobby that requires a little fresh air can be done in an atrium, and the atrium can be designed to beautifully accommodate the activity.Small atrium gardens can function as another room for the house. A gazebo dining area with vines can be created and used by the homeowner on pleasant days for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the open air. Atrium gardens can be used as hobby room, as suggested above, or as a sitting room. Providing an atrium garden with a comfortable chase lounge and a small table creates a reading nook. A small shade or umbrella provides shelter from a hot sun or light rain in an atrium, while a portable fan or space heater can make the temperature in the atrium more comfortable.Growing herbs and vegetables in an atrium garden requires careful plant selection. Most edibles require full sun, but a kitchen garden can be designed for an atrium. Vegetables that will grow in part shade include peppers, greens and spinach (in hot climates), and some root vegetables like beets, radishes, and turnips. Any atrium garden can easily include a few containers of herbs such as basil, chives, oregano, and parsley. Some fruit can be grown in an atrium garden also: alpine strawberries, pawpaw trees, and many other types of lesser-known fruits would do well in an atrium garden.The sound of moving water is a desirable addition to many homes. Water features can be included in a small atrium garden, providing soothing sounds and views as long as drainage is carefully planned. A burbling fountain or a small waterfall easily fit in the small space provided. Other garden atrium designs might want to include a tiny koi pond. Add small bench for fish watching and the atrium is an inviting and peaceful spot for the homeowner to enjoy.An atrium garden can be designed with wildlife in mind. Beyond the koi pond, other wild visitors can be enticed to visit an atrium garden. Bird watching is a popular pastime, and a bird visiting an atrium can be viewed from all sides. Include bird feeders in the atrium garden, and the birds will soon find the atrium. If you do not often go you're your atrium, try including a birdhouse. Undisturbed, birds may make their nest in the atrium garden, and the homeowners will enjoy viewing the baby birds grow up in the middle of their

house. Certain flowers can attract hummingbirds and butterflies: resist the plants that need full shade and search out ones that can tolerate shade. Cross vine, a relative of the red trumpet vine, would do well in an atrium garden, and would be irresistible to hummingbirds. Lantana can be grown in the shade, and butterflies love it. Night-blooming flowers will attract beautiful moths to the atrium garden at night.If the homeowner is usually absent during the day, design an atrium garden that can be enjoyed at night. Accent lights create beautiful nighttime views from the home's interior. Up-light a sculpture or small tree, or use submersible lights in a water feature. Take care in ensuring that the lights are not too bright and that they can be easily turned off from inside the home. Night-blooming plants and plants with white flowers should be used in an atrium garden which will be viewed primarily at night.Sometimes a homeowner will not wish to see through to the rooms on the other side of the atrium garden. Rather than covering the view with drapery or blinds, screen the view with tall plants or use mirror film on the windows. Mirror film will prevent visitors seeing through to more private areas of the house, and will also prevent birds from seeing the people in the house when they visit the atrium garden. Tropical-looking plants such as dwarf palmetto (sabal minor), pawpaw, and cannas will thrive in the atrium garden's partial shade, and will effectively screen the view of the other rooms in the house.Whatever is desired, remember that an atrium garden should be designed to be viewed from inside the home. The style of the atrium garden should complement the interior of the rooms looking out into it. Rather than being an eyesore, the atrium should function as a focal point for the home: providing pleasing views and a sheltered outdoor space to be enjoyed.

18) Landscaping Ideas Around a Concrete Slab

Creating a container garden brings life to your concrete slab.Concrete slabs can look cold and unnatural as part of your backyard oasis. You can change the look of the slab using acid washing or etching techniques that make it look more like stone. In addition, you can update the grounds and plantings around the slab to bring a living element and a cohesive look to your patio area.Edging and IslandsSurround your concrete slab with flower beds that follow the shape of the slab or extend as freeform islands. Use evergreen bushes such as boxwood or azalea, and surround them with lower plants such as decorative grasses or long-lasting annuals such as pansies. Narrow flower beds bring a touch of life without requiring much labor, while the larger islands of plants create more of an oasis feel.Water FeatureAdding a fountain or small koi pond beside your patio brings a peaceful and relaxing element to your concrete slab. Even simple fountains, such as those made of stacked stone, help drown out noise from the street or your neighbors while you sit outside. The pond provides an opportunity to plant water lilies and tropical plants such as birds of paradise to give your patio an exotic ambience.No Matches Found. Please try your search again.PrivacyTo create privacy around your concrete slab, place tall fences, wood trellises or metal arbors along the sides. Plant climbing vines such as clematis or grape vines to cover the structures and help hide your patio from curious eyes. You can add shade as well as privacy by training vines up and over a wooden pergola that covers your concrete slab area.ContainersPlacing plants in containers softens the transition from the harsh lines of your concrete slab to the plants in the yard. Use groupings of large and small containers, placing the taller containers in the back with the smaller ones closer to the yard, bringing your eye down toward the ground plants. Containers can often hold several plants each, and some are large enough to hold dwarf trees for a dramatic look.

19) English garden

The English landscape garden, also called English landscape park or simply the English garden (French: Jardin anglais,Italian: Giardino all'inglese, German: Englischer Landschaftsgarten, Portuguese: Jardim inglês, Spanish: Jardín inglés), is a style of "landscape" garden which emerged in England in the early 18th century, and spread across Europe, replacing the more formal,

symmetrical jardin à la française of the 17th century as the principal gardening style of Europe.[1] The English garden presented an idealized view of nature. It drew inspiration from paintings of landscapes by Claude Lorraine and Nicolas Poussin, and, in the Anglo-Chinese garden, from the classic Chinese gardens of the East,[2] which had recently been described by European travellers.[2] The English garden usually included a lake, sweeps of gently rolling lawns set against groves of trees, and recreations of classical temples, Gothic ruins, bridges, and other picturesque architecture, designed to recreate an idyllic pastoral landscape. The work ofLancelot "Capability" Brown was particularly influential. By the end of the 18th century the English garden was being imitated by theFrench landscape garden, and as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia, in Pavlovsk, the gardens of the future Emperor Paul. It also had a major influence on the form of the public parks and gardens which appeared around the world in the 19th century. [3]

Capability Brown[edit]

Blenheim Palace Park, by Capability Brown

Garden of Chatsworth House, by Capability Brown

The most influential figure in the later development of the English landscape garden was Lancelot "Capability" Brown (1716–1783) who began his career in 1740 as a gardener at Stowe under Charles Bridgeman, then succeeded William Kent in 1748.

Brown's contribution was to simplify the garden by eliminating geometric structures, alleys, and parterres near the house and replacing them with rolling lawns and extensive views out to isolated groups of trees, making the landscape seem even larger. "He sought to create an ideal landscape out of the English countryside."[11] He created artificial lakes and used dams and canals to transform streams or springs into the illusion that a river flowed through the garden.

He compared his own role as a garden designer to that of a poet or composer. "Here I put a comma, there, when it's necessary to cut the view, I put a parenthesis; there I end it with a period and start on another theme."[12]

Brown designed 170 gardens. The most important were:

Petworth  (West Sussex) in 1752; Chatsworth  (Derbyshire) in 1761;

Bowood  (Wiltshire) in 1763;

Blenheim Palace  (Oxfordshire) in 1764.