Royal Gardens of Europe

About this book

Versailles Nymphenburg Hampton Court Schonbrunn Het Loo -- some of the most famous gardens in history were created by European royalty during the last three hundred years. This rich showcase of Europes most prestigious estates presents the history design and culture of the landscapes created for aristocracy from the seventeenth through twentieth centuries. A lavishly illustrated volume including thirty gardens from England to Russia Royal Gardens of Europe combines historical anecdotes personal histories and a wealth of horticultural information with beautiful color photographs archival paintings engravings and plans. These large-scale gardens designed as both intimate retreats and stately representations of power show how plans topography water sculpture and architecture can be combined to create elegant and impressive landscapes. Leading garden historian George Plumptre focuses on the evolution of trends in design on the influences between gardens and gardeners and on the renewed interest in garden history that has led to the restoration of important gardens in Holland Belgium and Russia. Whether created for ostentatious display private leisure or for the showcase of horticultural collections the gardens in this book all share a spirit of creativity extravagance and the beauty of the natural world.