What is an historic designed landscape?

We often use the term ‘historic designed landscape’ but what does it include?

From private gardens to public parks, cemeteries and playgrounds, designed landscapes are all around us.

Conservation

All Styles

All Periods

Worldwide

All Periods

Designed landscapes are all around us

Designed landscapes are those which have been created and modified for aesthetic appeal and every generation adds to the canon of landscape design reflecting changes in taste and fashion.

There are a vast range of these designed landscapes from motorways to pocket parks on street corners and they span every sector from private homes to housing schemes, shopping centres and business parks, schools and universities, and visitor attractions.

Designed landscapes can be elaborate or naturalistic. Whether places for recreation, settings for buildings or the masterplans for developments and towns, they are all designed for their sensual appeal and to be enjoyed. Older designed landscapes have matured to become valued wildlife habitats and today designs will include nature features.

This wonderful eclectic mix reflects the artistry and talents of professional designers, horticulturalists, artists, and individual owners.

Oxhey Park, Watford. Courtesy of Paul Rabbitts

Tulip Beds. Courtesy of Paul Rabbitts

Thenford-Gardens

Sheffield Botanical Gardens - Jill Sinclair pavillion

The Palladian Bridge at Stowe, Buckinghamshire. ©National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

War Memorial in Victoria Park, Denton, Manchester. Courtesy of Paul Rabbitts

Central Hill Estate, London.

When does a designed landscape become historic?

All designs over 30 years old may be considered as historic. This 30-year-old rule is used across government for the transfer of documents to archives and in the listing of buildings.

In the case of landscapes, it allows time to test the significance of the design and its role in garden history. Generally, for designed landscapes, it will take more than 30 years for trees to mature and the designer’s intent to be fully revealed.