Online Class 94 - The Arabian Walled Garden

The last „Walled Garden“ was located in western Europe, in theses areas, where frequent rain lends to lush greens, abundant growth and soft foliage…. Wisterias can only grow and bloom under these circumstances.

This new “Walled Garden” grows in the arid and hot areas of Arabia, where rain is scarce and hot and sandy winds blow out the last bit of humidity, if there is any.

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Desert is all around with it’s hard, frugal and survivor plants – but inside the walls from clay and rock stones the costly water can be hold back inside the soil.

So exotic plants can grow, bloom and fruit !

Throughout centuries gardeners have refined the Arabian walled garden, creating a space of dreamy lushness, abundance and whispering waters. A true little paradise to walk through and forget the hardness of the outside area’s circumstances.

Of course palmtrees were planted and the sweet and sugary dates were an added bonus !

Often you could find a rectangular pool in the center, holding a reservoir of water for enjoyment as well as for watering the plants around. The base of this pool was covered with innumerous tiny glazed tiles in cool colors to emphasize the freshness of that water area – a true luxury in these latitudes !

Pomegranate and Lemon Trees added now.....

By the large surface a lot of water could evaporate and allow more tender plants to have leafs and flowers grow which otherwise would have immediately dried out from the hot winds.

Foutains added to the cooler and fresher atmosphere.

Earthen pots with brightly colored plants were placed on the green lawn and on both sides of the pool glazed tiles in Arabian patterns provided a footpath to walk along.

When soil and climate where generous, rich and juicy grapes were grown on walls and stems and provided delicious fruit. You could find Pomegranates as well as herbs and smaller bushes which were cut just to please the eye.

In my new design now you can find these garden features, combined to shape a tiny paradise garden to stitch. Again I will use many differently textured thread and stitches to give this piece a dimension and “feel” – you will wish to pluck the grapes (beads!) and feed them to the Peacock who proudly walks in front of the lawn area…. The colors will be vibrant and vivid, and lots of layered stitches will allow for a dimensional “needlepoint” look.