Historic Landscapes and Gardens

New England - Survey of Selected 19th Century Gardens

May 8, 2007 Georgene A. Bramlage

Historic and traditional garden landscapes in New England range from colonial times to modern times. Here is a survey of selected 19th century landscape styles.

Overview

Garden landscape styles change slowly, and often remain as foundations for later garden styles. American garden and rural landscapes in 19th century New England continued to rely upon styles of 17th and 18th century English-based garden traditions. However, an increase of books and pamphlets, many promoting new farm and garden ideas, slowly changed garden and rural landscapes in New England.

Change from colonialism to nationalism, plus increasing commercialization and industrialization in New England villages, characterize The Federal Period (1770-1830). As the American States developed into a new country, garden and rural landscapes began to take on an American style. The 19th century and early 20th century also witnessed the emerging profession of landscape architect from that of landscape gardener and horticulturalist. Here are three examples of landscape garden styles in 19th century New England.

Early 19th Century

Hancock Shaker Village , a living history museum, demonstrates the Shaker (The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing) agriculture-based way of life. This simple communal life style reached its peak based in the early- to mid-19th century. Shakers welcomed technology into their agricultural life. Members are known for designing a number of inventions and innovations to make their work easier. Selling farm products and other Shaker goods allowed communities like Hancock to prosper.

Hancock Shaker Village does not, nor did it ever, feature individual herb or pleasure gardens. A large labeled herb garden shows individual herbs and demonstrates on a small scale a 19th century Shaker commercial herb garden. Shaker organic gardening practices and composting are fundamental to maintaining this garden. Drying and packing culinary herbs and seeds continue in much the same way as they did 200 years ago. A National Historic Landmark. Hancock Shaker Village, Inc. Location and Headquarters • Route 20 • Pittsfield, MA 01202 • (413) 443-0188 • (800) 817-1137.

Old Sturbridge Village, also a living history museum, recreates a Federal Period village complex. Its garden styles, researched by staff members using historical sources, complement individual houses. Useful vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and some flowers strictly for pleasure grow in these gardens. An extensive display and teaching herb garden is located in the formal exhibit area. Here, nearly 400 plants – each labeled with documented 19th-century household, culinary, and/or medicinal uses - grow in terraced beds. Knowledgeable costumed staff care for the re-created gardens, answer visitors' questions and lead garden tours. Old Sturbridge Village (OSV). Location and Headquarters • 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road • Sturbridge, MA 01566 • (508) 347-3362.

Mid to Late 19th Century

Roseland Cottage, built in 1846 in Gothic Revival style, shows buildings and landscape gardens depicting the summer life of a prosperous New England family. The parterre garden, originally designed in 1850 by owner Henry Bowen, features twenty-one beds edged with boxwood. More than 4,000 annuals, planted within the beds, create oases of riotous color. Andrew Jackson Downing, prominent 19th century landscape gardener and horticulturalist, allegedly inspired the remainder of the house landscape. A National Historic Landmark.Historic New England Property. Location • Route 169 • Woodstock, Conn. 06281 • (860) 928-4074.

The copyright of the article Historic Landscapes and Gardens in Landscaping is owned by Georgene A. Bramlage. Permission to republish Historic Landscapes and Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.