Historic Gardens Research Articles

Valuable Characteristics of Historical Gardens in Tomsk

The article defines valuable characteristics of historical gardens and parks in Tomsk, formed in the late 18 and early 20th centuries as recreational areas and urban planning elements in is planning structure.Purpose: To identify valuable characteristics of further development of protective measures for historical territories.Methodology: Comprehensive historical and architectural analyses and generalization of archival materials, field data. This analysis of existing methods for determining valuable characteristics of cultural heritage objects and their application, taking into account garden and park territories in Tomsk. The analysis is based on the methods used in various regions of the Russian Federation.Research findings: An attempt is made to develop a scientifically based method for assessing valuable characteristics of landscape architecture and art of the city of Tomsk, which allow for physical preservation and targeted functional use of gardens and parks and continuous development of the urban and natural environment of the city.Practical implications: The results can be used in the preparation of protective documents regulating the preservation procedure, development and further use of historical gardens and parks as objects of cultural and natural heritage.Originality: Valuable characteristics of historical gardens and parks in Tomsk are determined for the first time and a methodology is developed for establishing the historical and cultural value of the Tomsk gardens and parks, including a set of criteria and assessment tools with calculated indicators of historical and cultural objects.

Checklist of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Succulents of Apulia (Southern Italy).

In this study we focused on the need to fill a knowledge gap among Italian botanical studies namely that of ornamental species census. In particular, we addressed one of the regions in southern Italy with less knowledge in the field of such studies and with an obvious presence of non-native species. A widespread census of the Apulian territory was carried out between 2021 and 2024 in both urban and suburban areas including street trees, parks, and private and historic gardens. The inventory of ornamental trees, shrubs, and succulents of Apulia (southern Italy) was carried out in six provinces, i.e., Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto. The checklist comprises 287 taxa (including 265 species, 6 varieties, 5 subspecies, and 11 forms) included in 179 genera belonging to 78 families. We evaluated the number of taxa per families and genera, the presence of each taxa in the provinces of Apulia, the number of taxa per occurrence status, growth forms, geographical origin, and the number of native and alien taxa and also the artificial hybrids. Remarks of the most significant taxa and evaluation of geographical distribution in Italy were also taken into consideration. A large number of surveyed taxa (51.74%) are comprised in the list reported in the recent study on allochthonous vascular flora in Italy with a marked prevalence of Neophyte Casual Alien and Neophyte Naturalized Alien species.

Methodical testing of tactile cartographic signs in isolation and in context

ABSTRACT To date, the ways of testing tactile signs lack systematization. Hence, the aim of our research was to methodically evaluate the legibility of the proposed set of tactile signs. Our solution is based on the sign theory, in which signs have relations with reality, other signs, and users. We employed a two-step procedure by first assessing signs in isolation to verify the ease of decoding and differentiation of signs within the same geometry type, and then evaluating their correct interpretation in context – on a map with signs in different geometries. We validated our approach using signs designed for historic garden maps that formed our case study. We tested these signs across three matrices (for point, line and area signs). Most of the signs were correctly recognized by the study participants in the first attempt. Any illegible signs were redesigned and reevaluated in context using seven pseudomaps. At this stage, minor issues related to single signs arouse, primarily due to inappropriate pseudomap design rules rather than sign geometries themselves. Based on participants’ feedback, we refined the signs again, and finally obtained a standardized set of 52 legible signs, intended for 3D-printed tactile maps using the DLP technique. Our analysis confirms that the proposed signs are legible, regardless of the user’s skills and characteristics.

A novel framework of smart monitoring to face the challenges of tree management in historic gardens

Historic gardens are green spaces characterised by tree stands with several veteran specimens of high artistic and cultural value. Such valuable plant components have to cope with biotic and abiotic stress factors as well as ongoing senescence processes. Maintaining tree health is therefore crucial to preserve their ecosystem services, but also to protect the monument and visitor health. In this context, finding smart, fast and cost-effective management solutions to monitor health and detect critical conditions for both stands and individual veteran trees can promote garden conservation. For this reason, we developed a novel framework based on Sentinel2 imagery, LiDAR sources and automatic cameras to identify risk spots regarding trees in historic gardens. The pilot study area consists of two closed Italian gardens from the 16th century, which were analysed as a unique Historic Garden System (HGS). The tree health status at stand level was assessed using a criterion based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index weighed on tree volume (NDVIt) and validated by a visual crown defoliation assessment. At the tree level, the health status of four veteran trees defined by the NDVIt was also evaluated using green chromatic coordinates (GCC) obtained from digital images acquired by cameras at daily intervals during one growing season. The 33% of the tree population was classified as being in poor health, i.e. “at risk”. Veteran trees classified as “at risk” showed an anticipation of phenological phases and a lower GCC compared to reference trees. Despite variability determined by Sentinel medium resolution, the proposed framework showed good accuracy (0.74) for monitoring historical gardens. The semi-automatic risk point mapping system tested here proved to be effective in facilitating the management of historic gardens, which in turn could be applied in the wider context of urban greening.

Reality and Virtuality: Exploration of Contemporary Reconstruction of Jiangnan Historic Gardens

Reality and Virtuality: Exploration of Contemporary Reconstruction of Jiangnan Historic Gardens

Identifying the Authenticity of Plantscapes through Classics: A Case Study of Beijing Suburbs in the Qing Dynasty

The plantscapes surrounding historical gardens hold significant value, reflecting the natural pristine state as well as demonstrating the cultural attributes of the landscape. This study aims to develop a method for identifying the characteristics of historic plantscapes and to recognize the authenticity of historic landscapes from the perspective of plant elements. Our method combines textual and geospatial data analysis to examine the plant species, their relationships and combinations, and spatial distribution. The case study focuses on the Beijing suburbs during the Qing Dynasty, as documented in A Collection of Past Events in Beijing. We identified 658 plants recorded, encompassing 44 families and 58 genera. These plants were categorized into 7 groups based on the growth type and morphological characteristics, leading to 54 plant relationship outcomes, 107 plant combination scenarios, 5 plant combination categories, and 7 representative plant combinations. Additionally, we mapped the spatial distribution of plants, forming 16 plantscape groups and depicting the spatial kernel density distribution of important plants. We also determined the characteristics of plantscapes in different directions in the suburb. Our findings advocate for respecting the historical development of the plantscape and understanding its evolution, particularly emphasizing the use of high-quality native plants and plant combinations.

Measuring attitudes towards historic gardens: development and validation of the Garden Heritage Scale

Historic gardens and parks are special parts of cultural heritage. On the one hand, such areas can be seen as historic monuments. On the other hand, they can play a crucial role for environmental protection. However, previous environmental education research did not pay much attention to historic greenery. One reason may be the lack of suitable measurement tools. The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate the Garden Heritage Scale (GHS). This novel psychometric instrument may be used for measuring attitudes towards historic gardens. It shows sufficient internal validity, confirmed by two factor analyses with different samples (n = 233;183). Convergent and discriminant validity proved to be adequate as well as retest-reliability and internal consistency. Since the scale showed sufficient quality, it can be recommended for further research.

Revisiting history and nature: comparative preservation for Chinese historic gardens

Liu Dunzhen, Chen Congzhou, and Tong Jun are three of the most prominent scholars of historic garden preservation in China. Drawing on the historical context of gardens, these scholars present distinct approaches that reflect varying priorities for preserving cultural gems. Liu concentrates on re-establishing authentic fabric in successive phases, whereas Chen aims to reconstruct the garden’s heyday fabric through cross-sectioning of significant artistic values. While Liu and Chen seek to revive original condition, Tong values the garden’s existing condition. In addition to attitudes towards preserving history, these scholars’ nuanced understandings of nature’s enduring essence also make contributions. Liu interprets nature in gardens through intertwining painting techniques with natural landscapes. Chen explains the spiritual essence of nature as genuine feelings for an envisioned setting. By contrast, Tong delves into a mindful contemplation of ‘not with distinction’, fostering a human-nature connection via empathic taste deriving from Daoist context. In conclusion, these three scholars’ efforts, rooted in Chinese culture, aim to benefit the poetical dwelling of human beings, from visual pleasure to sensory invocations, to philosophical allusions. This comparative study not only critically reassesses their practices and theories, but also showcases a promising outlook for garden heritage study in the future.

Debating the Heart of Christianity

In Forsaking the Fall, Daniel Spencer argues that a Christianity which takes the Bible as authoritative for faith and which holds continuity with the deep tradition of the Church can still dispense with Original Sin and the lapsarian reading of Genesis and Romans 5. While not explicit in the introduction, the motivation for this move to reject the Fall and Original Sin seems to be a desire to account for humanity’s evolutionary origin. Without a historical Garden of Eden or Adam and Eve, can a fully satisfying account of soteriology, Christology, and faithfulness to the biblical text still be held?

Revitalization of regular landscape compositions of the park-monument of landscape art «Sharivskyi»

Introduction. The perception of the landscape as a space for living has led to the formation and development of a special group of anthropogenic landscapes, namely garden and park landscapes, which are characterized by a wide range of functions from utilitarian to aesthetic and spiritual. Currently, approximately 30% of cultural heritage sites are in disrepair, and 80% require serious restoration work. Therefore, the revitalization of the landscape structure of historical garden and park landscapes is an urgent scientific problem and meets two sustainable development goals (goal 11 Sustainable cities and communities and goal 15 - Life on land). The purpose of article. To substantiate the concept of revitalization of regular landscape compositions of the park-monument of landscape gardening art of national importance "Sharivskyi" and to provide a graphic 3D model of architectural, planning and volumetric-spatial solutions of the proposed concept of revitalization of regular compositions of the studied landscape. Research methods. Method of historical analysis: with a focus on the period of the highest embodiment of the artistic compositional intent of the restored space, when the estate belonged to the successful sugar producer Leopold Koenig. The graphic presentation of architectural, planning, and three-dimensional solutions of the proposed revitalization concepts for the studied landscapes was achieved through the use of QGIS 3.28.3-Firenze 2022-08-31, Sketchup, and Realtime Landscaping Architect software tools. Main findings. In order to preserve the original idea and characteristics of the landscape compositions, the concept of revitalization of the White Garden was proposed, which was suggested by the "Genius loci" of the historical landscape of Sharivsky Park. Using the QGIS geographic information system, OSM standard map and Google Satellite Hybrid map, the 3D authentic relief of regular landscape compositions of the Sharivsky Palace and Park Complex was modeled. Using the Sketchup 2020 software tool, a graphical representation of the architectural, planning, and three-dimensional solutions of the studied historical landscape was made. The Sketchup 2020 software tool was also used for the graphic 3D reconstruction of numerous architectural details that adorn the palace, including balustrades, windows, doors, and towers decorated with ornaments. The dendrological plan was developed using species and cultivars of ornamental plants with identified historical and aesthetic value to ensure the continuity of new and preserved plant elements of landscape compositions. Scientific novelty and practical value. The proposed vision of preserving the sustainable features of the place, the selection of plants with identified historical and substantiated aesthetic value can be used in the complex reconstruction of regular garden and park landscapes of the Sharivskyi Park, a monument of landscape gardening art of national importance.

A proposal to renovate the priority historical garden Applying to the gardens returns to the period of Khedives Ismail and Tawfik.

A proposal to renovate the priority historical garden Applying to the gardens returns to the period of Khedives Ismail and Tawfik.

Axenic Culture and DNA Barcode Identification of Wood Decay Fungi from the Maltese Islands

Wood-decaying fungi are important study subjects for their ecological role as well as for their biotechnological applications. They break down lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses using enzymes that modify the chemical structure of these complex macromolecules. Due to their ability to degrade wood, these fungi can create structural damage to wooden structures and to trees, especially those with very low level of fitness. Previous studies on wood decay fungi in the Maltese Islands are limited to records and checklists described by a handful of authors. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of wood decay fungal diversity in the Maltese Islands including an updated checklist based on DNA barcoding, as well as to establish the first wood-decay fungal culture collection at the Biology Department Seed Bank of the University of Malta. Several surveys were carried out during the rainy season along wooded areas of the Maltese Islands as well as in historical gardens. Isolates were identified using macro- and micro-morphological features, dichotomous keys, as well as molecular data. Basidiomes were recorded growing on 14 different host plant species, 11 axenic cultures have been made and 9 species of wood decay fungi have been conclusively identified by DNA barcoding. The collection of the axenic isolates includes one of Aurificaria cf. euphoria, three of Ganoderma resinaceum sl., two of Laetiporus sulphureus, one of Inonotus sp., one of Inonotus rickii anamorph, one of Inocutis tamaricis, one of Stereum hirsutum, and one of Pleurotus eryngii. However, the mycelium of Coriolopsis gallica, though collected and identified, could not be isolated.

Derby’s square, the picturesque garden of Recife

A Praça do Derby é um relevante espaço público do Recife, reconhecido como jardim histórico e patrimônio cultural brasileiro devido à intervenção de Burle Marx nos anos 1930. No entanto, sua construção remonta à década de 1920, período de modernização da cidade, pouco tendo se discutido, até o momento, sobre sua concepção inicial. Neste artigo busca-se contribuir para o processo historiográfico da Praça do Derby, com foco principalmente nas décadas de 1920 e 1930, que abrangem desde sua construção até a remodelação de Burle Marx. Para isso, foi adotada a técnica de documentação indireta, utilizando fontes primárias escritas e visuais ainda não discutidas ou publicadas, o que permite investigar, registrar, analisar e interpretar os acontecimentos, além de formular uma nova narrativa. Por meio desta pesquisa, entende-se que a Praça do Derby pode ser interpretada como um palimpsesto, no qual os elementos dos diferentes períodos que compõem sua história também são responsáveis por evidenciar esse jardim como patrimônio cultural.

Prendersi Cura: Taking care of nature in Perugia, Italy

Cities need more green spaces to adapt to climate change and facilitate community resilience. However, successfully managing green spaces is challenging. City governments consistently employ top-down management practices that limit the benefits, usage, and perception of such spaces as Nature. Further, current management practices overlook socio-cultural factors important to residents. Using the existing categories of urban green spaces (UGS) and informal green spaces (IGS), this article situates the cultural practice prendersi cura as a way to conceptualize successful, bottom-up green space management. The term prendersi cura, meaning “to take care of” in Italian, emerged through interviews in Perugia, Italy, and reflects the socio-ecological value of IGS and the disconnect between residents and city-managed UGS. This study employed mixed methods, combining 10 weeks of participant observation, 13 interviews, and GIS analysis to understand the relationship between Perugians and their green spaces. Results indicate that interviewees did not describe city-supported UGS (i.e. top-down green spaces like parks or historic gardens) as Nature, even if they were areas of dense vegetation and recognized by the City of Perugia in GIS analyses. In contrast, interviewees described IGS (i.e. community gardens, vacant lots, or potted plants) that were unrecognized in city GIS visualizations as Nature, indicating a stronger attachment to green spaces when interviewees had active roles in their management or witnessed community-based management practices. This paper demonstrates the importance of managing green spaces through a socio-ecological framework that considers user perceptions and cultural values. To allow greening initiatives to reach their full potential, it is critical to embrace local values and participation in management practices.

Assessment of the Historical Gardens and Buildings Lighting Interaction through Virtual Reality: The Case of Casita de Arriba de El Escorial

Green areas and parks are places where people’s quality of life improves, places of recreation and relaxation, in which to carry out various social activities. Among these, the historic gardens represent the union between green areas and historic architecture. Light is considered one of the main factors influencing the perception of such spaces at night; therefore, lighting solutions should be properly balanced. Immersive virtual reality is a tool that allows for lighting design management from different viewpoints. This study investigates how the lighting of a monumental garden affects people’s perception of its architecture at night. With this aim, a detailed 3D model of the western part of Escorial’s monumental complex in Spain was built in DIALux evo 11 and Unreal Engine 4.27 and used to propose six different lighting scenarios. Participants viewed the scenarios through a head-mounted display and provided subjective feedback on the perceived light strength of the environment and architecture. Results highlight that illuminating surrounding areas affects the environment and building perception, as well as the order in which elements capture observer attention. In particular, lit elements between the observer and the façade can reduce façade importance.

Exploring climate-adaptive green-space designs for hot and humid climates: Lessons from Japanese dry gardens

The number of studies on green spaces’ cooling effects has significantly increased in recent years, driven by the rising occurrence and severity of heat waves. Nevertheless, our current understanding of optimal green space designs for mitigating heat stress remains limited. This study delves into the historic Japanese dry gardens to examine the design strategies employed by ancient Japanese people in addressing hot and humid climates while crafting a thermally comfortable environment for garden visitors. We selectively investigated the thermal condition and spatial design of four compact dry gardens (<1500 m2) in Kyoto, Japan as we aimed to propose design strategies for small urban green spaces which are the major urban green spaces in Japan. The results indicated that the thermal condition in all the resting areas of the gardens was dramatically ameliorated to a “warm” condition when nearby open areas were “extremely hot.” This enhancement was achieved through the provision of extensive shade, primarily in the form of roofs, covering approximately 80% and 70% of the areas within 5 and 10 m radii around the resting areas, respectively. Nonetheless, we observed spatial heterogeneity in thermal conditions among the resting areas, which were influenced by the varying degrees of greenery cover within a 20 m radius. This study demonstrates that Japanese dry gardens were designed climate accordingly and can effectively reduce summer heat stress. It highlights the value of historic gardens as urban green spaces providing regulating ecosystem services and as a strategic design reference for guiding climate-adaptive green space designs.

Grasses of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Howrah, India

Grasses being the members of the family Poaceae deserves special attention as it has an integral role in the lives of both human beings and animals. From ecological point of view their role is immense but at the same time grasses are neglected since time immemorial due to difficulties to work out scientifically. Realizing the very fact, the present study aimed at listing out the grasses growing in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), an old and historic garden as well as, an excellent centre for ex-situ conservation of plant wealth from across the globe. This communication deals with enumeration of the grasses (32 species) dwelled in the garden premises along with correct nomenclature and synonyms available if any. Concurrently, flowering and fruiting time, and notes are also provided wherever essential including utilitarian values.

Understanding the Lost: Reconstruction of the Garden Design of Villa Peretti Montalto (Rome, Italy) for Urban Valorization.

Urbanization and urban regeneration can significantly impact cultural heritage, but a greater knowledge of the past natural and historical features is needed to value the past and understand the present. The lost Villa Peretti Montalto in Rome, once located in the area that corresponds to the current front side of Termini station, deserves great attention due to its cultural value. This work aimed to provide a floristic and functional reconstruction of the gardens of the villa during the XVI and XVII Centuries. From several bibliographic and iconographic sources, a critical analysis and interpretation of plant names was conducted. A list of 87 species and their location in the different garden sectors, during different periods with their specific uses, is provided. The arboreal design was made by classical species in the Roman context, like Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus pinea, Quercus ilex, and Ulmus glabra. In addition, ancient lost varieties of fruit trees (mainly Pyrus communis and Ficus carica) and several species of conservation interest were found. The knowledge of the ancient flora in historical gardens could be a key tool in urban greenery planning and touristic and cultural valorization.

OXALIS DEBILIS, AN INDOOR ORNAMENTAL PLANT NEW NATURALIZED IN ROMANIA

The aim of the paper is to report the success of the naturalization of Oxalis debilis Kunth, an exotic plant from Botanic Garden “D. Brandza” greenhouses collection.The species has been cultivated as a potted plant for over 30 years and in the last 15 years it has spread in greenhouses becoming a weed. Since 2013, individuals of the species have been observed outside of the greenhouses. Currently, several hundred individuals survive in the Historical Garden, where they bloom year after year. The plant does not produce seeds.

A historical garden and a student centre: two memorial landscapes to reposition Hong Kong, 1959–1968

ABSTRACT Space is not only a concrete object but also a symbol. The symbolic meaning of space is particularly clear in a memorial landscape—a special spatial arrangement to evoke or enforce a collective memory. In this article, we will examine two memorial landscapes of Cold War Hong Kong: the Sung Wong Toi Garden in Kowloon Bay and the Benjamin Franklin Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in the New Territories. Opened in 1958 and 1969, respectively, these two memorial landscapes were part of the British government’s attempt to re-position Hong Kong in the bipolar global system. By highlighting Hong Kong’s roots in Chinese history (as shown in the Sung Wong Toi Garden), the British government took the city out of “Red China” (which rejected Chinese tradition) and inserted it into “Cultural China” (which supported Chinese tradition). By highlighting Hong Kong’s commitment to higher education (as shown in the Benjamin Franklin Centre), the British government included the city into the “Free World” of market economy and industrial modernization. Together, these two memorial landscapes signified a fundamental shift in Hong Kong’s position in the world. Instead of being an entrepot serving British corporations in the China trade, Hong Kong became a strategic node in the global competition between communism and capitalism, authoritarianism and democracy, the planned economy and the market economy. In these two memorial landscapes, we see how space can be configurated to win hearts and minds.