This blog could easily be dubbed “Writing my gardening blog in advance while enjoying the sights of Rome!” Had I not been in the enchanting city, I would have attended the inaugural RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. You surely would have appreciated the Plews perspective featuring the picturesque Derbyshire hills framing the garden displays and floral pavilion. However, the event is set for TV coverage, so you can anticipate experiencing it next year. Meanwhile, I’ll also be present at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show and RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in July, guaranteeing a wealth of insights and photographs in the upcoming month.
It’s already June, and this marks the second time we’ve focused on gardening this month. Time is indeed flying in 2017, and our gardens are keeping pace. Just turn your back for a moment (or perhaps venture on holiday), and the plants seem to grow several inches or burst into vibrant blooms from tightly-clenched buds.
Although June heralds the start of summer, midsummer actually occurs during this month. The extended daylight hours promote vigorous growth of both flowers and vegetables, resulting in a variety of tasks for us gardeners. Looking back at the inspiration Ancient Roman Gardens provide, what lessons can we glean to ensure we still have leisure time to enjoy the strawberries we’ve picked?
Ancient Roman Gardens – The Gardeners
In the era of the Roman Empire, the term ‘topiarus’ referred to a gardener—specifically, the one you would hire, in contrast to the affluent gardeners who authored some of the first texts on gardening and horticultural practices.
Pliny the Elder stands out as a key figure in our understanding of Roman gardens, including the flora accessible to gardeners and agricultural methods of the 1st century AD. His life was cut short when Pompeii erupted, yet his contributions remain pivotal. His extensive work, “Natural History,” compiled information from various sources across 37 volumes. Pliny utilized Roman or Latin equivalents for many Greek plant names, facilitating the identification of plants referenced in earlier Greek texts. He also documented the introduction of new horticultural species to Italy.
The gardening techniques Pliny advocated—pertaining to planting, irrigation, pruning, and manuring—remain relevant today. Many of these practices continue to be employed in potting sheds throughout Italy, Britain, and beyond.
Ancient Roman Gardens – Topiary
The term topiarus evolved from a job title to a defining technique in gardening—topiary—evolving into the art of shaping trees into imaginative forms, which gained immense popularity in Roman gardens. While I might be soaking in the ambiance of Rome rather than on a dedicated garden tour, I may encounter examples of Italian topiary, a style that witnessed resurgence during the Italian Renaissance. Notably, this art form was exemplified by Pliny the Younger, the nephew of Pliny the Elder, who crafted intricate shapes in the hedges of his grand Tuscan garden.
If you’re curious about topiary and its application within your own garden space, consider exploring “Topiary – Easy Maintenance Gardening.” It’s worth your attention!
Ancient Roman Gardens – Herbs and Aromatic Shrubs
Expansive gardens encircling villas had ample room for transitioning ornamental gardens into terrace formations, complete with shaded pathways nestled among cypress trees. Kitchen gardens and orchards typically resided nearby, cultivating essential food for the household.
Smaller town gardens varied in size, with many being confined to a mere courtyard space. The archaeological evidence we have from Pompeii, combined with the writings of Roman gardeners, grants us valuable insights into their garden designs. Whether it was a villa’s expansive grounds or a more modest town courtyard garden, many plants would be recognizable today.
Such gardens, just like modern counterparts, had to maximize their utility: edible plants with pleasing fragrances, evergreens for ceremonial occasions, and shaded areas were all cultivated. The following list highlights several plants that would complement a range of contemporary gardens and styles:
– Bay, Laurus nobilis
– Box, Buxus sempervirens
– Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare
– Marjoram, Oregano
– Mint, Mentha
– Myrtle
– Rosemary
– Roses
– Thyme
These plants can be cultivated in pots or sizable containers, making them ideal for courtyard and compact gardens. Rosemary and Boxwood can also be sculpted into topiary forms, though it may be best to reserve that for ornamental rather than culinary purposes. Residents in cooler regions might want to provide frost protection for Myrtle.
Ancient Roman Gardens – Fruit
When considering Roman gardens, the grapevine and olive tree (Olea europea) stand out as quintessential fruits. Additionally, peaches and various citrus fruits—which often require winter protection in the UK—can bring joy to your summer landscape. Many citrus trees will infuse your winter conservatory with a delightful fragrance, and you might even be set for a festive gin and tonic from your own lemon harvest.
If you’re eager to grow food yet find yourself pressed for time, perennial fruits might be an excellent solution. A visit to the Plews gardening blog on “Easy Maintenance Edible Gardens” will shed further light on this topic.
For those interested in experiencing recreated ancient Roman gardens, consider visiting sites like Chester, Chester Zoo, Fishbourne Roman Palace, and the National Roman Legion Museum.
As for those strawberries…I’m presently indulging in some fresh picks from my garden before diving into my packing. I can confidently declare that our strawberries surpass those enjoyed in ancient Roman times. They relied on small wild strawberries, while we now benefit from generations of breeding that have produced larger, delectably sweet fruits. Delicious!
