Italian-style Design at the Hamilton Botanical Gardens

Credit: fuzzyslowmo

The Italian Renaissance Garden balcony

A Visit to The Hamilton Botanical Gardens to explore a reproduction of an Italian Renaissance Garden

Come take a tour of a beautiful reproduction of an Italian Renaissance garden, with Senga Lindsay – landscape architect and the author of Edible Landscaping: Urban Food Gardens That Look Great – at the Hamilton Botanical Gardens in New Zealand. 

And explore all the key elements for incorporating this style into your own backyard – no matter how big or small your space.

This garden style emerged in the late 15th century at villas in Rome and Florence. During this time, gardens became larger, grander and more formal with the symmetry of elements inspired by classical ideals of order and beauty. Gardens were often filled with fountains, statues, grottoes and water organs that were designed to delight, amuse and impress the visitor.

This style was imitated throughout Europe and was a great influence on the French Renaissance as well as English gardens. Derivatives of this style can be seen today in even the tiniest courtyards – complementing many of the modern classic buildings being built today.