American Gardens

nfortunately, one couldn’t tell much about the American art of gardening. The earliest reports represent conquistadors’ stories. Scientists are not unanimous on the question whether all these sources are reliable. However, there are many records describing a magnificent Mexican palace called Montezuma. But since a large number of conquistadors’ stories proved to be made up by the adventurous sailors, one couldn’t say where truth actually ends and where fiction begins. 

It was not until the end of the 18th century, that professional gardeners first came to America. One of the pioneers was the French Andre Parmantie. Another big name in American garden architecture is Frederick Law Olmsted, who planned one of the most characteristic parks in USA – the Central Park in New York. It is designed in the landscape style whereas the composition of the other remarkable garden site in the USA, the monumental assemblage of the Capitol in Washington, contains almost purely geometrical forms. 

In brief, The art of gardening in America followed the trends in Europe. However, in recent decades most attention has been given to the amusement parks and urban areas for relaxation and sports. Another pursuit is the preservation of nature in the numerous National Parks. 

Politicians in the Tuileries Gardens 
Boilly, Louis-Leopold. 
Oil on canvas. 50x60.5 cm; France. 1832 
Source of Entry: bequest of K. A. Rauchfus. 1919