What is a French Garden?

A French garden is a very specific style of formal garden. Many people think of French gardens when they hear the words “formal garden,” with the gardens at Versailles being a notable example of a famous French garden. French gardens are used most classically in the landscaping for large formal structures like museums, private mansions, and so forth, although one could also install a French garden in front of a more modest structure. Although this style is termed “French,” it actually originated in Italy. French visitors to Italy were struck by the style of Italian formal gardens, and they resolved to bring the style back to France, developing their own version of the formal garden with uniquely French features. Like all formal gardens, a French garden is characterized by a very precise, formal layout. Symmetry and order are very highly valued, with all hedges, lawns, trees, plants, and shrubs being meticulously maintained. The distinguishing feature of a French garden is that it is ...  more