If you’re searching for ways to bring some nature into your home, natural gardens are an ideal option. These landscapes tend not to use fertilizers or pesticides and require very low upkeep – perfect if you’re on a tight budget!
In the late nineteenth century, many European landscape architects became interested in natural gardens. They were often concerned with the detrimental effects that industrialization had had on nature’s resources.
1. Orientalism
Orientalism, also known as orientalisme, is an academic field of study that examines the culture and societies of Asian countries. It began in the 18th century when European centres of learning began exploring East Asian cultures, languages, literatures, religions, and laws for themselves.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many scholars studied the East in great depth and produced a wealth of texts and ideas about it. This work helped shape an extensive body of literature and culture which is still influential today in Western countries.
Many of these scholars viewed East Asian cultures as inferior and backward, in need of Western intervention. Orientalism was also often used to justify discriminatory practices against people from Eastern cultures in the West as well as justify colonialism in Asia.
Though not inherently racist, this mindset could lead to deviant behavior and acts of racism when someone was unaware of such beliefs or lacked the willpower to combat them. This mindset can be influenced by various factors such as cultural conditioning or prejudice.
Individuals who are deeply embedded with this mentality may exhibit tendencies to objectify other people for power. They may fetishize elements of Asian cultures, such as dragon-inspired decorations, bonsai trees, ninja costumes with scimitars and snake charmers; hijabs with sparkling jewels; plush furniture from Japan; Japanese theatrical techniques like origami or tea ceremonies; all with the aim of gaining control.
Though not necessarily racist, this approach to the East can be misconstrued as a form of hegemonic power that has been misused. This discourse serves to justify Western oppression and dominance over the East for material gain.
2. Water
Water is an integral element to life on Earth and plays a prominent role in many natural landscapes. From lakes to ponds, waterfalls to fountains – they all add stunning visuals to your garden and bring peace and serenity to those around you.
Water is essential to the water cycle, which is the process by which all living things obtain their water from oceans and rivers. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in maintaining ecosystems – groups of plants and animals living together in one area – by keeping them healthy and preventing them from dying out.
Water, the principal compound found in living organisms, consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It exists as a liquid and can either be solid as ice or gaseous as water vapour (known as steam under certain conditions).
Chinese culture views water as an emblematic representation of virtue, spirituality and personality. Its polarized form, H+ OH-, is commonly referred to as hydron hyroxide.
Water comes in many varieties, each with its own characteristics. There’s freshwater, saltwater and marine water as well as ice.
Water has exceptional reflective properties, making it ideal for reflecting trees or buildings. Furthermore, the soft glow from water adds an air of serenity and tranquility to your surroundings.
Water features can range in size and complexity, from a small feature to an intricate pool or pond. No matter what you choose, they add an enchanting atmosphere to any backyard space.
China’s garden design is heavily influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism – all of which have had an immense impact on Chinese culture. These ideals can be seen in the landscape of gardens which are valued for their ability to emote viewers with beautiful scenery and give meanings to objects.
3. Grass
Grass is a widely-used plant in natural gardens, and can be used to create an inviting outdoor living area. It also serves as habitat for various wildlife species by providing shelter in areas without trees or other plants.
Grasses are low, green nonwoody plants belonging to the Poaceae family. These include agricultural grains like wheat and maize (corn), grasslands, forage crops like bamboo and ornamental lawn or garden turf varieties.
They feature narrow blade-shaped leaves at the base of their stems that grow from below ground. Furthermore, these plants possess roots beneath the surface.
The term “grass” is generally applied to all nonwoody members of the Poaceae family. Other plant families that resemble grasses include sedges (Cyperaceae) and rushes (Juncaceae).
Only about 10,000 species in the Poaceae family can be classified as true grasses, although some botanists refer to other flowering plants that bear this name, such as cannabis, seagrass and papyrus.
Grass is the most prevalent plant in natural gardens and can serve as a great starting point when designing one. It can serve as the backdrop for other flowers, ferns, shrubs and other landscape features.
It can also serve as a walkway in the yard, creating an organized path between outdoor living spaces. Not only is this type of pathway useful for guiding guests around, but it provides an attractive visual connection with the rest of your garden.
Grasses are not only beautiful, but hardy and resilient – making them an ideal landscape element in natural gardens. Not only can they provide erosion control, ground cover, soil arthropod/microbial habitats, rainwater capture, topsoil remediation – they even serve as food and energy for wildlife!
4. Trees
Trees are an integral part of our landscape, helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and reduce global warming by locking up carbon dioxide. Not only that, but trees produce oxygen as well. Furthermore, trees offer shelter and food for wildlife like birds and insects alike.
Trees come in many varieties, each with its own distinct features, yet they all share some fundamental similarities. All trees possess aerial parts such as stems, leaves and flowers; underground parts known as roots; plus they possess branches which can extend out wide to support the trunk and distribute weight evenly throughout the tree.
When it comes to classifying trees, some organizations use a straightforward definition: trees are plants with one main trunk that grow to heights greater or equal to 5m when mature. On the other hand, in other regions the definition may be more nuanced.
Trees typically possess one or more self-supporting trunks with woody tissues for strength and vascular tissue to transport materials from their crown to their roots. These trunks may be encased in bark, while in some instances they produce secondary branches.
Trees typically reproduce through flowers, fruits or seeds. Some plants, like palms and bamboos, produce spores instead of seeds for reproduction.
A natural garden should evoke a forest or meadow atmosphere, with plenty of ferns, shrubs and woodland flowers. For an inviting shady spot, anchor the area with some evergreen shrubs and let some perennials spill out onto pathways.
When creating a natural garden with east Asian aesthetics, it is essential to take into account the symbolism of each element. Trees have long been symbolic of connection; in Mesoamerican mythology they extend their roots into the underworld while Norse cosmology depicts them cradling both earth and heaven.
5. Flowers
Flowering plants can be found in all sorts of places, from botanical gardens to forests, mountains and natural areas. They make their own food through photosynthesis – a process which converts carbon dioxide and water into sugars. Furthermore, these blooming beauties provide plentiful nectar for pollination.
A flower is composed of four key components: sepals, petals, stamens and pistils. When all four elements are present in a single bloom, it is known as a complete flower; an incomplete arrangement lacks any one element.
Vegetative parts of a flower are those which promote and protect its growth. This includes the calyx, consisting of five sepals that surround and protect the flower bud before opening. As one of the first parts to sprout, this part serves to shield it from insects and fungus.
They also contain pollen grains, which are microscopic fragments of male gametes transferred from the anther to the stigma by wind and insects. Not only do these provide nourishment for bees and other pollinators, but they’re a means for dispersing seeds as well.
Flowers come in an array of colors and scents. Popular choices include roses, lilies, peonies and orchids – each unique in its own special way!
Flowers not only provide essential nutrition to humans, but they are also an important element of ecosystems and have the power to lift people’s spirits. Not only do they release oxygen into the air, but they also create a serene and attractive environment for people.
Create a natural garden in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Native plants, which tend to be more resilient against invasive species and other issues, are best for this type of garden; choose low water-requiring varieties like daffodils, coreopsis or coneflowers for best results.
