ANCIENT GARDENS

Historical texts, murals, bas-reliefs, mosaics and remains of ancient buildings brought to light by archaeological excavations, testify to the emergence and development of gardens, first on the Asian continent, then in Egypt and later in southern Europe. The first superior civilizations formed in regions where agriculture was firstly practiced - fertile valleys of the rivers Tigris, Euphrates, ile, !ndus and "ellow #iver - gave birth to the first garden. Ancient gardens were initially intended for their utility role and they were composed of food plants$ they have eventually ac%uired a religious character, used either in order to glorify divinities or for meditation.

THE (PUBLIC) GARDEN

!t is a landscaping area of &-'( hectares, and it provides daily rest and recreation area for the residents in the neighbourhood, within a radius of ) - ).* +m. !t covers important areas planted with trees and shrubs ,&(--(. of surface/, thus contributing to a greater extent than s%uares, to improve the urban atmosphere and climate.

LANDSCAPING GARDENS
The main goal of the landscaping garden is to restore the natural landscape as it is found in nature, ta+ing into account of course the climate conditions of the land. The most important surface is the turf of the garden landscape. The fresh green spot creates a feeling of rest and tran%uillity and it creates a very nice contrast with the other elements of the plants arrangement. !t is a romantic and full of charm place.

THE PARK
!t is the greatest urban landscaping area meant to provide recreation to the citizens in the surrounding areas, and it is greater than '( hectares. !t is characterized by rich vegetation, including large plantations of trees and shrubs, large grass areas, paths for long wal+ing. The par+ has often got a varied micro-relief and it may also include a la+e, and all these aspects increase the attractiveness and beauty of the par+ itself. A recreational complex function can be provided by large par+s with areas exceeding &( hectares. They include playgrounds and athletic games, sporting areas, leisure amenities and nautical sports, theatres, cinemas and outdoor reading rooms, pavilions for occasional music, exhibitions, facilities for entertainment, restaurants, etc.