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Of Gardens Summary
Of Gardens by Francis Bacon is a reflective essay from 1625 that explores the aesthetics and philosophy of garden design. Bacon envisions the ideal garden as a harmonious blend of nature and human creativity, offering not only visual delight but also spiritual refreshment. He advocates for a garden that provides year-round beauty, with plants chosen to ensure continuous bloom and variety. This essay remains influential in discussions of landscape architecture and the human relationship with nature.
Of Gardens Excerpt
Short Summary: In 'Of Gardens,' Francis Bacon presents his vision of the perfect garden, emphasizing its role as the 'purest of human pleasures' and a source of spiritual refreshment. He details the design and plant selections that ensure a garden remains beautiful throughout the year, reflecting a deep understanding of horticulture and aesthetics.
'God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures. It is the greatest refreshment to the spirits of man; without which, buildings and palaces are but gross handiworks.' Bacon begins by highlighting the divine origin and inherent joy of gardens, suggesting that without them, architectural structures lack true refinement. He observes that as societies advance, they prioritize grand buildings over finely cultivated gardens, implying that the latter represents a higher form of perfection.
Bacon advocates for a garden that offers visual and olfactory delights throughout the year. He proposes a design that incorporates plants blooming in different seasons, ensuring continuous beauty. For the colder months of December and January, he recommends evergreens like holly, ivy, and bays. As the year progresses, he suggests introducing blossoms such as violets and primroses in early spring, followed by a succession of flowers and fruit-bearing plants to maintain interest and variety.
He emphasizes the importance of proportion and balance, advising that the main garden should be square, encompassing thirty acres. This space should be divided into three distinct areas: a green lawn, a main garden with diverse flora, and a heath or desert area. Such a layout provides a structured yet varied experience, catering to different aesthetic and sensory preferences.
Bacon also touches upon the sensory experiences a garden should offer. He notes that certain scents are most enjoyable in the open air, particularly emphasizing the pleasures of aromas from plants like roses and honeysuckles. He advises against overuse of artificial elements like topiary, favoring natural forms and the inherent beauty of plants.
In conclusion, Bacon's 'Of Gardens' serves as both a practical guide and a philosophical treatise on garden design. He underscores the garden's role in providing not just aesthetic pleasure but also spiritual nourishment, advocating for thoughtful planning to achieve a space that delights throughout the year.
