Wilderness (garden history)

In garden history, a wilderness refers to a densely planted, often wooded or shrubby area within a larger garden or estate. The term evokes a sense of untamed nature, contrasting with the more formal and structured parts of the garden. However, despite the name, wildernesses were not truly wild but carefully designed and managed.

Wildernesses became particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially within the formal gardens of the Baroque and Rococo periods. They served several purposes:

• Visual contrast: They provided a visual break from the more geometric layouts of parterres and avenues, offering a sense of depth and mystery.
• Privacy and seclusion: Wildernesses offered secluded spaces for contemplation, conversation, and recreation. Winding paths, hidden alcoves, and summerhouses were often incorporated.
• Variety and interest: The diverse planting schemes, often including native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, added variety and seasonal interest to the garden.
• Symbolic representation of nature: While formally planned, wildernesses alluded to the power and beauty of the natural world, fitting into philosophical ideals of the time.

The design of a wilderness typically involved a network of paths cut through dense plantings. These paths often formed a maze-like structure, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. Careful consideration was given to the texture, color, and fragrance of the plants, creating a multi-sensory experience. The perceived naturalness of the wilderness required considerable planning and ongoing maintenance, including pruning, thinning, and replanting. The wilderness represents a stylized version of nature, crafted for aesthetic and recreational purposes within the structured environment of a formal garden. As garden styles evolved towards the more naturalistic landscape gardens of the late 18th and 19th centuries, the popularity of the formal wilderness declined.