Gardens in architecture

It is interesting to read about the role of gardens in architecture and how the designs developed over the centuries.  In the case with the French, the palace at Versailles is grand, but closed to the opulent gardens.  The gardens seem to be unfriendly, structured, “do not touch”.  There is no transparency as would be in a Japanese style garden.  “Kings hiding away from the masses”.  Did the French kings and their families enjoy their gardens as much as Monet did his?  Yes they may have had riches and large gardens, but how much could one enjoy those gardens other than them being an oversized symbol of their power. 

In contrast, Monet lived in poverty for the majority of his life ,he was an artist with a personal relationship with nature (not money and power), endeavouring to paint the French countryside.  The Japanese style gardens were designed as a place of meditation and contemplation.  Monet’s gardens at Giverny in France were a joy to him, spending hours there painting.  

Interestingly, the bridge in Japanese style gardens symbolises the path to paradise and immortality.   If the French kings had taken note, maybe they would not have ordered for more bridges to adorn the gardens of Versailles! 

The Palace at Versailles

The bridge in Monet's garden at Giverny