Landscaping is a beautiful art form that we see around us every day. From our homes to the office, we can see many different uses of landscape architecture. When we think about how beautiful our public parks and business complexes are with their trees and other vegetation, it is easy to take it for granted. However, there is a whole industry based around making the world around us more beautiful. Landscaping has a rich history around the world and has now become a legitimate career choice. The profession of landscaping goes back quite some time. Taking a look at the origins of this career can give you a better understanding of the rapidly growing industry of landscaping.
Tracing landscaping to its original roots
Before the 1800s, landscaping was referred to as landscape gardening. Large manors, palaces, places of religious worship, and government offices would choose the most beautiful landscape gardening in order to raise their status in the community. As a first impression, visitors would be in awe by the beautiful landscaping in which they were experiencing while reaching the actual buildings themselves. Joseph Addison was the first professional landscaper who has written of his profession. In 1712, he published his writings which charted a course for what was to become an industry in the 1800s.
The first professional landscapers
The first professional to ever refer to themselves as a “landscape architect” was Frederick Law Olmsted. This took place in 1863 in the United States. Olmsted was responsible for designing public parks, parkways, and even the oldest state park in the United States. He is most well known for his work in Central Park. He helped to pave the way for many professional landscapers after him.
Landscaping as a legitimate career today
Landscaping has come a long way since the 1800s. Even in the 1950s and 60s, landscaping was not seen as a viable career option. However, in recent years, there have been many changes in the way the landscaping industry is run. In the United Kingdom, aspiring landscapers can attend Landscape Institute accredited university courses, otherwise known as LI courses. With 15 programs to choose from, the options are vast for those who want to have a serious career in landscaping. As of 2017, there are over 3,000 professionally qualified members of LI. LI has focused on teaching their students to go into the workplace to build sustainable communities that will help to fight against climate change.
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