History of Gardens – Public Parks

Public parks emerged in England in the 1800s, enabling access to common land for all. In 1835 John Claudius Loudon (1783 - 1845) published "Remarks on Laying out Public Gardens and Promenades" in his publication, The Gardener's Magazine. In the article, Loudon defined a public garden as "a garden into which the public are admitted, either gratuitously, or on the payment of a small fee." He observed that Britain had few public gardens, but that they were becoming more frequently available in Europe, especially in Germany, France, and Spain. He offered that these public gardens were taking the place of ramparts and fortifications, and seemed to be a pledge for the general peace of Europe and release from the ancient and tedious quarrels of the past.

Map of Birkenhead Park and adjoining Villa Sites (Wikimedia Commons, public domain)
The map appears in Parks, by Frederick Law Olmsted in American Cyclopaedia, v. 13, p. 103)

In the article, Loudon remarked on public promenades, parks, scientific gardens, landscape gardens, recreational gardens, and gardens for burial. Scientific gardens included zoological, botanical, horticultural, agricultural, arboretums, herbacetums, plantariums, British flora, local flora, exotic, geographical, and geological. He recommended garden plans, soil and drainage, site preparation, and design principles. His comments showed a practical knowledge of landscaping, as well as an aesthetic and historical sense. He recommended the public funding of gardens for the benefit of all, not just for rulers and the wealthy.

The first publicly funded garden in England was designed by Joseph Paxton (1803 - 1865) at Birkenhead Park, Liverpool in 1843. Funding was provided through parliament, and through the sale of residential parcels surrounding the park. Park grounds were dedicated to the free use by its residents for recreation, nature, and health. Birkenhead paved the way for the public park movement in Britain and beyond. Frederick Law Olmsted was influenced by the writings of Loudon and the implementation of Birkenhead by Paxton. In 1858, he submitted his design for New York's Central Park in America, with architect Calvert Vaux. Public parks continue to be an important component of society.

Learn More:

• The History of Gardens, by Christopher Thacker
• The Story of Gardening, by Penelope Hobhouse
• The Gardener’s magazine and register of rural and domestic improvement, by J.C. Loudon