This module aims to give the student an understanding of four aspects of parks and gardens namely: Parks and Gardens of Historic significance; Plant Hunters and Garden Conservation theorists; Restoration and Conservation methods, techniques and approaches and the Development and Management of Parks and Gardens. Students will be introduced to important examples of restored Historic Parks and Gardens in Ireland and abroad, and important contemporary examples. There will be an emphasis on the heritage value and importance of Parks and Gardens, and the role of horticulturists in their conservation and restoration. These are important landscapes, which are representative of one or several periods in history, or display the work of well-known garden designers, landscape architects or have associations with famous owners or visitors. Students will study plant hunters who introduced species from other continents in past centuries, many of these species form significant collections in parks and gardens in Ireland. The review will include threats to the existence of historical landscapes that makes conservation and restoration necessary and will focus on legal protection, financial aid and sources of assistance. It will equip the student to identify the skills required to research, schedule and design historic garden restoration with particular emphasis on conservation throughout the process and its development phases. The student will see how these historical trends are reflected in modern landscapes and gardens. The public usage of parks and gardens will be discussed including their value for tourism. There will be an outline of the skills necessary for the management and development of parks and gardens as important elements of green infrastructure as well as facilities for public education and enjoyment.
Parks and Gardens of Historic significance
Historical gardens and landscapes, including medieval gardens and monastic crop growing, Islamic and Moorish gardens, the Italian Renaissance, French formal gardens, eighteenth century English landscape styles and the development of North American gardens in the colonial period. This will include gardens that are still extant, as well as historical records of gardens that no longer exist. The student will gain an appreciation of the design features and techniques used through those periods in particular countries,
Plant Hunters and Garden Conservation theorists
The major designers and gardeners, and their particular styles or influences through history including Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton. The significant European plant hunters and collectors including Augustine Henry, David Douglas, and Joseph Banks and the plants of significance they introduced to historic gardens and how this influenced gardens during those times. The role of botanical gardens and garden conservation theorists and their work.
Restoration and Conservation methods, techniques and approaches
Sources of evidence in a restoration project. Decision making processes in restorative work and audits of particular extant landscapes types. The limitations of historical knowledge. Decision making in conjunction with other professionals working on garden restoration projects, such as engineers, archaeologists and historians. The importance of conservation and how to achieve it at all stages of the restoration process. Examples of significant garden archaeology projects, and the techniques employed on these projects.
The Development and Management of Parks and Gardens
Processes and techniques of developing parks and gardens with an emphasis on green infrastructure and sustainable management practices. Access and use of government funding and EU initiatives. Discussion on management models, open space strategies, customer surveys and benchmarking. Developing historic gardens attractions as education resources and other functions. Hosting garden events and shows and their impact on the restored landscape. Ideas on income generation to assist management budgets.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |