Victorian Gardens: A Look at Historic Planting in the Victorian Era

In the mid to late 1800s, a new era of gardening was born, largely influenced by architectural advancements such as cast-iron glasshouses and the invention of the Wardian case. We often refer to this revolutionary era filled with ornate gardens as the Victorian era. The Victorian garden holds both historical relevance and timeless elements of design, allowing it to continue to be utilized and replicated in modern-day gardening.

During Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, a certain flair and elegance was introduced to garden design and layout, leading to the establishment of Victorian gardens. With the rise of the middle class and improvements in transportation technology, exotic plants could be imported more easily from overseas, giving birth to another dimension of diversity in Victorian gardens.

The botanic elements of a Victorian garden were just as extravagant as the architecture and statues that decorated them. Beds were often filled with vibrant layers of color from plants such as dahlias, pelargoniums, gladioli, and phlox. The vibrant colors of these plants are believed to be a reflection of the flamboyant fashion of the times. Carpet bedding became increasingly popular in the late Victorian era, where low-growing plants were used to create intricate patterns and designs on the ground.

In addition to the dazzling visual array, trees that were previously unseen in Europe were introduced to Victorian gardens. Monkey Puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana) originally from Chile, and the Giant Redwood trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum) from America, began to emerge in Victorian gardens, showcasing the new world’s plant collections.

One invention that truly revolutionized the Victorian garden was the Wardian Case, a predecessor to the modern terrarium. This glazed glass case was designed to transport delicate plants over long distances whilst maintaining a stable environment. The invention allowed garden enthusiasts to keep tropical ferns and orchids within their homes for the first time, contributing significantly to the Victorian love affair with these exotic plants.

The social commentary of Victorian garden design cannot be ignored. In a time where colonialism was rampant, and status was everything, possession of an expansive garden with exotic plants was a testament to wealth and societal position. The garden was a physical representation of the control British society extended over nature and the world.

Today, vibrant colors and structured designs from the Victorian era continue to inspire many gardens. Furthermore, the desire for personal green spaces, whether they be in small backyards or community allotments, still echoes the Victorian era's societal values that assigned such a high value to garden ownership.

Understanding and researching Victorian gardening principals not only give garden enthusiasts a glimpse into the past but also presents fresh inspiration for future design. By preserving historical gardening methods, we ensure the survival of age-old practices and a continual source of inspiration, building a bridge between the past, present, and future of horticulture.