The Art of the Islamic Garden by Emma Clark
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
The Art of the Islamic Garden by Emma Clark
This book came out in 2011, so it's an oldie but goodie. (It's already ten years old.)
Imagine a garden where water flows like liquid silver, where fragrant blossoms dance in the breeze, and where geometric patterns intertwine with nature's artistry.
This is the world of the Islamic garden, a place where the beauty of the natural world is elevated to a divine art form.
Emma Clark's The Art of the Islamic Garden invites us into this enchanting realm, offering a delightful exploration of its history, design, and symbolism. From the ancient gardens of Persia to the modern-day masterpieces of the Middle East, Clark guides us through a journey of discovery, revealing the secrets behind the gardens' enduring appeal.
And here's what Emma wrote at the beginning of this book:
Even a glimmer of understanding of traditional Islamic art and architecture clearly reveals that its beauty is not simply surface decoration, but is a reflection of a deep knowledge and understanding of the natural order and of the divine unity that penetrates all of our lives. Studying Islamic art and architecture and completing a master's thesis on Islamic gardens and garden carpet at the Royal college of art opened my eyes to the meaning of art.
Understanding something of the religion of Islam in general and Islamic art in particular, it became clear that all art to a greater or lesser degree should be a vehicle of hope.
It should remind us what it means to be human of our place in the universe and our role as is said in Islam as God's vice-regent on earth.
...In the increasingly difficult times in which we live, it is good to be reminded that gardens and nature, transcend nationality, race, religion, color, and ideology. The Islamic garden is not only for Muslims, it's beauty is apparent to everyone.
With her lyrical prose and keen eye for detail, Clark brings these gardens to life, painting vivid pictures of their lush landscapes, fragrant blooms, and intricate water features. She delves into the rich symbolism of Islamic garden design, explaining how each element, from the flowing water to the geometric patterns, reflects Islamic civilization's spiritual and cultural values.
In her book, Emma introduces the design, the symbolism, and the planting of the traditional Islamic garden. Emma also gives some practical tips for creating an Islamic garden for yourself.
Emma points out that we all have different starting points for our gardens. We have different garden sizes and situations (urban garden or country garden), obviously different climates and soils, etc. So, she spends a couple of chapters offering up ideas for plants, trees, and shrubs that you might want to consider incorporating into an Islamic-inspired garden.
Now, there is a pattern for Islamic gardens. They're often constructed around a central pool or fountain with four streams flowing symbolically to the earth's four corners.
My favorite part of this book is exploring the symbolism behind Islamic art and gardens. One of the highlights of the book is Clark's account of the Prince of Wales' Carpet Garden at Highgrove. This stunning garden showcases the enduring influence of Islamic garden design on Western horticulture, demonstrating how the principles of harmony, balance, and symmetry can be applied to contemporary landscapes.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply a lover of beautiful things, The Art of the Islamic Garden is a must-read. It will inspire you to create your own verdant oasis, a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find solace in the beauty of nature.
Now this book is out of print, I predict that copies of this book will only get harder to get as time goes on. So if you have any interest, you should make sure to get a copy if you really want it.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.
