Wilderness Refined begins the Garden.

Determining the precise moment when humanity first engaged in plant cultivation is complex, as the origins of gardening appear to reach back to prehistoric contexts. This process primarily revolved around agricultural production, emphasising the selection and domestication of beneficial flora while systematically removing non-productive plant species. The strategy involved clearing undesirable vegetation to optimise areas for edible plants and wholesome fruit-bearing trees.

In the rich ecosystems beneath towering arboreal giants and amid riverside flora, the process of habitat modification commenced. What was once a wild, unkempt landscape became carefully managed environments characterised by selective planting, soil cultivation, and fragrant biodiversity. Initially, these areas involved the utilisation of well-irrigated, virgin soils manually tilled by humans.

The advent of animal husbandry marked a significant transition, first through the employment of Oxen for ploughing, followed by the domestication of the Equidae family, which further facilitated agricultural expansion. This evolutionary trajectory culminated in mechanisation, revolutionising gardening and farming practices.

Formal gardens, which emerged as a realm of aesthetic pleasure, advanced during the Roman occupation of Britain. These meticulously arranged outdoor spaces serve not only as visual statements but also as retreats for relaxation and contemplation. The fascinating roots of ornamental horticulture date back to this intriguing period, when the art of cultivating beautiful plants began to flourish. Influenced by the practices established during the Ptolemaic era in Alexandria and later adopted by Roman elites, notably Lucius Licinius Lucullus. 

Lucullus' gardens, situated on the Pincian Hill and developed around 60 B.C., epitomise the opulence and grandeur of early Roman garden design. After stepping away from political life in 63 B.C., Lucullus dedicated his retirement to enhancing his palatial estate and luxuriously appointed villas at Tusculum and Naples. His gardens were characterised by an integration of a library, complemented by sculptural outdoor decor, manifesting a harmonious blend of nature and artistry.

The term 'lucullan' denotes a state of extreme opulence, reflecting the lavish lifestyle associated with Licinius Lucullus. His gardens are a quintessential representation of this opulence, showcasing exquisite design and horticultural diversity, which have led to his lasting reputation for extravagance.

This layout followed the Villa Garden format, which encompassed shaded areas, collonaded arcades, ornamental water features, and meticulously pruned shrubs and trees. Such gardens were replete with an array of decorative flora, particularly roses, which were highly favoured by affluent Roman and Egyptian families. 

In 1606, Cardinal Scipione Borghese initiated the transformation of his former vineyard into one of the most expansive landscaped gardens in Rome. Concurrently, he commissioned architect Flaminio Ponzio to design the Villa Borghese Pinciana, which now serves as the location for the Galleria Borghese. Throughout the 19th century, the gardens underwent a comprehensive redesign, adopting the principles of the naturalistic English landscaping style that emphasised harmony with nature. In 1903, these gardens were officially designated as a public park, further enhancing their accessibility and importance as a green space within the urban context.

Today, the echoes of history are experienced anew in the enchanting Villa Borghese Gardens, a lush eighty-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of Rome. Perched above the iconic Spanish Steps, this vibrant green retreat offers a serene escape from the bustling urban landscape, inviting visitors to wander through its picturesque pathways and soak up the beauty of its surroundings.

Over many years, the Art and Practice of Gardening worldwide has evolved. By the Twentieth Century, the link between Architecture, Garden and Landscape design had become integrated and the norm. Necessary then that Geraniums in Art seeks out artworks reflecting the diversity of settings in which both Hardy and Tender Geraniaceae, a family of flowering plants placed in the order Geraniales, flourish (From Robin's notebook, April 2025).

Artists produce work in a range of styles and media, and here is an example. Image courtesy of Auktionshaus Schwab, Mannheim/Germany.

What is the narrative you might create for this composition? Because storytelling in both words and pictures matters.