Meet Cultural Stewards of Stunning Landscapes and Gardens
What is culture? It's a broad and yet nuanced concept that encompasses many different manifestations. Certainly, no comprehensive definition of culture would be complete without including landscapes and gardens.
Landscapes and gardens are two different ways to encounter our natural physical surroundings. Gardens are an aesthetic arrangement of nature, whereas landscapes may or may not have reflected intervention by humans.
Gardens have been a part of the human experience since Time Immemorial. Certainly, the Garden of Eden is a part of the collective human psyche. The concept of gardens originated as enclosed spaces, mainly to keep out animals. Gardening began in West Asia and spread to Greece, then other parts of Europe. Ornamental horticulture can be seen on Egyptian tombs that date to the 16th century B.C.
Did you know the term landscape originates in the Netherlands? It comes from the Dutch word "landschap" which means paintings of the countryside. A landscape is a perfect example of something that is universal and personal; since it describes what can be viewed from one spot, every locality has one but each is unique. A landscape can be pristine and untouched by man, or it can be a cultural landscape, meaning it has been modified in some way by people.
Not surprisingly, there are many traditions linked to man’s relationship with the earth. Whether cutting peat in the Scottish Highlands, tending an Azorean garden that was created almost a quarter of a millennia ago, or practicing the ancient art of beekeeping in the Slovenian hinterlands, terrestrial traditions pay homage to our human connection to the planet. Read on for personal accounts of cultural connections to the land and the myriad ways in which people relate to their landscape.
Cranberry bogs in Massachusetts are beautiful to behold in the fall, and the zesty fruit has a fascinating history. Read on to learn more! The Dingle Peninsula has a rich culture and heritage, specifically Irish Ogham Stones. Meet Irish archaeologist Isabel Bennett to hear more. Explore the Portuguese island of Madeira, a plant lover’s paradise with 3,000 species of flowers and lush national parks. The Isle of Skye in Scotland is where geology meets literature with wonders like Kilt Rock, MacLeod’s Tables and Neist Point! In Cartagena beach of La Boquilla, ecotourism is preserving mangrove forests and the cultural heritage of its Afro Caribbean community. The Eden Project in Cornwall is an international eco attraction that connects the living world. Get a behind the scenes look from the people who run it! Irish culture is renowned for its literature and drama. In this Q and A, we explore the connection between Irish heritage and landscape. Lost Gardens of Heligan is a historic garden in Cornwall. Get a behind the scenes look from the team that tends the diverse ecosystems of its 200 acres. If you love nature, stunning scenery and immersing yourself in a historic cultural landscape, then levada walks in Madeira are an experience you must have! Explore the Terra Nostra, Azores and Carina Costa who is a second-generation steward of Terra Nostra Gardens, a cultural landmark. Monticello Plantation was Thomas Jefferson’s botanical sanctuary. Learn about the charms and history of this UNESCO site in Virginia. The meaning of Hygge is believed to be the spiritual foundation of Denmark. Meet locals who share their personal definition of hygge! Tofino, British Columbia is home to the philosophy hishuk ish ts’ awalk, ‘we are all one’. Learn the connection of its people and landscape! Thinking of a trip on gorgeous Skyline Drive in Virginia? Learn the history of this national treasure from a local ranger! World Bee Day was proposed by Slovenia, a country that founded the science of beekeeping and has many beloved bee-related cultural traditions! Hitesh Mehta is the director of HM Design, one of the world’s leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism physical planning.Cranberry Bogs Inspire a Beloved U.S. Tradition
Definitive Guide to Archaeology Sites of Dingle’s Slea Head Drive
Madeira Island is Plant Lovers Paradise
The Legendary Landscape of The Isle of Skye in Scotland
Sustainable Tourism Benefits Mangroves and Cartagena Beach Village
Eden Project in Cornwall Seeks to Inspire Green Enlightenment
Love of Irish Culture and Landscape Shared by Preservationist Micheál Mac Gearailt
Lost Gardens of Heligan Meet the Stewards
Levada Walks in Madeira Will Wow Culture Lovers
Gardener of Terra Nostra Park Azores Follows in Her Father’s Footsteps
Monticello Plantation Garden Preserves Jefferson’s Retreat
The Meaning of Hygge, Denmark’s Spiritual Foundation
Tofino British Columbia | Experience Hishuk ish ts’ awalk
Skyline Drive in Virginia, a Trip Through Scenery and Cultural Heritage
Why Slovenians Proposed Creation of World Bee Day
Kenyan Eco-Architect Hitesh Mehta and the Web of Life