Garden History: Italian Renaissance Gardens - adult education class

Course overview

One of the most enjoyable experience is visiting a beautiful formal garden. But where did the idea of creating a garden come from and why did it start? We invite you to join renowned garden writer and broadcaster Deborah Trentham, founder of the Garden Historians group, on a journey to discover how functional medieval gardens evolved into pleasure gardens during the Italian Renaissance.

As we shall discover, early garden-makers were inspired by classical literature, drawing on the descriptions of ancient Roman gardens in the letters of Pliny the Younger and the poetry of Ovid. But Italian Renaissance gardens were also full of political symbolism, especially in the Florentine gardens of the Medici, whose patronage had a huge impact on the cultural and artistic history of Italy.

We will look at gardens and villas ranging from the Villa Medici (Fiesole and Rome), to the Pratolino and Boboli Gardens, and the Sacro Bosco to the Villa Farnese (Caprarola), amongst many others. In them we will see how horticulture, art and political ambition fused into these unique visual spectaculars.

Whether you enjoy gardening or visiting gardens, or are just fascinated by history, art history or the Renaissance world, join us on this extraordinary exploration into the birth of the modern garden five centuries ago.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

None required.

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 13 October 2025 until week ending 19 December 2025

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Deborah Trentham: debs@thegardenhistorians.co.uk 

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

Recordings of these classes will be available (T&Cs apply).

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).