History of Gardening

Gardening has been an integral part of civilization for as long as civilization has existed. Without the cultivation of plants for food mankind would never have enough food to support permanent settlements; humanity would never progress past a nomadic, hunter/gatherer lifestyle. The modern gardener may be surprised to learn how many of the gardening tools and techniques we use to this day were perfected in ancient times. In fact, the ancient world boasted a slew of magnificent gardens. The earliest records of ornamental gardens are found in Egyptian Paintings from 1500 B.C. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were so impressive they were considered a wonder of the world. Ptolemy's gardens at Alexandria brought the art of gardening to Rome and the wealthiest citizens built grandiose and lavish gardens, some of which can still be seen today. Meanwhile the East was evolving its own style of gardens with rock gardens, koi ponds and miniature bonsai trees. The Renaissance brought an explosion in the development of landscaping and garden design. By the 19th century cottage gardens like this one painted by Curtius Duassat were en vogue. Even today, with all our modern technology, gardening remains one of the most if not the most popular hobby in the world.