Manito Park – Highlights of Duncan Garden

The Duncan Garden at Manito Park in Spokane has many of the traditional features you expect in a Renaissance garden. We have already noted one of the most significant features – the garden is laid out on a main axis, with a smaller intersecting axis. The horizon line provides a distant focal point, in this case using the gazebo. The garden design is symmetrical and geometrical.

Water elements are important in the Renaissance Garden, here the fountain provides a focal point for the intersecting axes. The flower beds are designed as parterres, using color and geometric shapes, and are best viewed from above. The trees along the side avenues are pruned into geometric shapes, and placed symmetrically.

 Gazebo provides a focal point, and a destination	 Elevated fountain provides the sound of running water
 Flower beds are planted in geometric shapes	 An avenue of trees that are pruned into geometrical shapes

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A tunnel of trees on the intersecting axis provides a shady path, an invitation to explore, and a different view of the garden. Here, you can see the fountain, which is placed where the axes meet.

An allée of trees provides tunnel on the intersecting axis

 The trees are trained over wrought iron arches

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The Duncan Garden implements some of the main design features of the Renaissance garden, without being overly formal. This is a great example of a Renaissance-inspired garden that has been adapted to the local climate and culture.