October 10, 2024, 10:35 am | Read time: 5 minutes
According to the Bible, the Garden of Eden is a paradisal garden. People once lived there before they were banished. Whether you believe this or not, a paradise in your own garden sounds tempting. myHOMEBOOK explains how to design and create a paradise garden.
People probably associate the word paradise with their very own oasis. In a religious context, paradise is the place where people lived before God banished them. It is a sacred place where peace, harmony, and tranquillity reign. In Judaism, paradise is also called “Gan Eden” (Garden of Eden). But you don’t have to dream of a paradise garden; you can also create such a heavenly garden on your property. The following points can help.
Where does the paradise garden come from?
The paradise garden is a garden style that originated in ancient Iran. It symbolizes life and fertility. As a rule, it is a formal, symmetrical, and enclosed area. This is partly due to the etymology, that is, the origin of the word ‘paradise.’ It is derived from the ancient Iranian word “pairi daēza,” which means “bounded or fenced area.” In a religious context, the wall around the garden symbolizes the protection of God.
In oriental Islamic garden art, it was and still is particularly prominent today. Thus, the influence of Iranian architecture and landscape design is evident. However, paradise gardens are found not only in parts of Asia but also in Europe. Inspired by antiquity and the Bible, parts of aristocratic gardens in modern times were designed as paradisiacal gardens. The connection to the three major world religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – cannot be denied in the paradise garden, making the garden style a true symbol of peace and harmony.
Creating a paradise garden – the structure
While a paradise garden requires a precise layout, its structure is fundamentally simple. The area is divided symmetrically into four equal, rectangular sections. In Islam, the garden is then referred to as “Chahār Bāgh,” which translates as “four gardens.” Gardeners familiar with various styles may recognize this division of space. A peasant or monastery garden is designed in a very similar way. Basically, a medieval monastery garden is a Christian form of the paradise garden.
Clear and symmetrical paths should be laid out between the four beds. They connect the different areas of the garden and can be made of gravel, stone, brick, or a colorful mosaic. In an oriental paradise garden, waterways can also be incorporated.
Don’t forget the boundaries of the garden area! After all, this is a paradise, i.e., a fenced-in area. If you have a large garden and decide to turn just a small area into a paradise, you should also include a fence or wall. This imparts a sense of magic and exclusivity to the area while also arousing curiosity. In the Christian garden, this enclosed garden is called a “Hortus conclusus.”
Water as a central element in the paradise garden
Speaking of water, it plays an important role in the paradise garden and is, therefore, a central element. Gardeners should choose a water feature as the focal point of the garden to symbolize life and purity. This could be a fountain or a water basin, for example. The ideal location is the center of the garden between the four beds.
Flowering and fragrant plants are ideal for the paradise garden
Life should sprout in a paradise garden. After all, the garden style symbolizes life itself. The beds should contain many flowering and fragrant perennials, shrubs, and fruit-bearing trees. Roses, lavender, jasmine, and citrus trees would be suitable. Other shade-giving trees could be cypresses, palms, olive, apple, and pomegranate trees. For added structure, such as defining borders, plants like boxwood are an excellent choice.
The planting does not stop outside the beds. Vines can also climb up the walls. Inspired by monastery gardens, gardeners can supplement a herb garden with various medicinal herbs. Ideal plants would be sage, thyme, and lavender.
Architectural elements round off the garden
In addition to numerous plants, decorative or architectural elements should, of course, not be missing. A pavilion or pergola can serve as a place of retreat. These can be decorated with artistic tiles. Seating made of stone or in the form of low walls invites you to linger.
Additional mosaics or tiles and sculptures serve as decoration. Lanterns can be used to provide atmospheric lighting in the evening.
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Pay attention to the symbolism
The paradise garden serves as an earthly oasis of relaxation. Due to the influence of different cultures and religions, the garden style is very rich in symbols and meanings. The structure, the plants, and the decorative elements each have their own relevance and meaning.
The symbolism behind the different elements varies according to religion and origin. The Koran, for example, speaks of four rivers. These are reflected by the paths between the beds and by the water elements. In the Christian paradise garden, the intersections of the paths symbolize the cross of Jesus Christ. Gardeners are encouraged to select a specific cultural influence.