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A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation and enjoyment of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. In its most common form, known as a residential garden, it is found adjacent to or near to a residence, and it functions as an outdoor "room". It may, however, also be located in less traditional areas such as on the roof, in an atrium, on the balcony, in windowboxes or on the patio.
The garden is designed at "human scale", as it is most often for private use. However, the garden of a castle or of a large estate may be larger than a public park in a village, and may well produce foodstuff.
Gardening is the activity of growing and maintaining the garden. This work may be done by a professional gardener. A gardener might work in a non-garden setting, such as a park, a roadside embankment, or another public space.
 Part of a garden in Bristol, England |
 A flower bed in the gardens of Bristol Zoo, England. |
Relating to the garden
A garden can have many purposes— aesthetic, functional and recreative. People develop a relationship with the space. That relationship can take many forms; among these are:
- Cooperation with nature
- Observance of nature
- Relaxation
- Family dinners on the terrace
- Children playing in the yard
- Reading in the hammock
- Maintaining the flowerbeds
- Pottering in the shed
- Basking in warm sunshine
Other similar spaces
Other outdoor spaces that are similar to gardens include:
- A landscape is an outdoor natural space of a larger scale, often considered from a distance.
- A park is a planned outdoor space, usually of a larger size, often for public use.
- An arboretum is a planned outdoor space, usually large, for the display and study of trees.
- A farm or orchard is for the production of food stuff.
- A botanical garden is a type of garden where a wide variety of plants are grown both for scientific purposes and for the enjoyment and education of visitors.
- A zoological garden, or zoo for short, is a place where wild animals are cared for and exhibited to the public.
Garden planning and design
Garden planning and garden design may be undertaken by a professional. A landscape architect is a trained, certified and registered professional who can plan and realise outdoor spaces. A garden designer is usually trained to plan and realise residential gardens.
The planner must give consideration to many factors:
- Purpose
- Existing conditions
- Financial constraints
- Maintenance implications
Elements of a garden
The elements of a garden consist of natural conditions and materials, as well as man-made elements:
Natural conditions and materials:
Man-made elements:
Types of gardens
Gardens may feature a particular plant or plant type:
Gardens may feature a particular style or aesthetic:
Gardens may function in a particular manner:
History of gardens
See history of gardens page.
Gardens in literature
See also
da:Have de:Garten eo:gxardeno fr:Jardin ja:庭園 nl:Tuin sv:Trädgård
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