Which expression of garden art / garden style that we have studied this semester resonated most strongly with you personally? Explain why.

Looking back throughout the semester, I find that the type of garden that has resonated with me the most during the course were the urban green-spaces that were originally created in the 19^th century. Having grown up in a suburb of Boston, I have come to appreciate the juxtaposition and value of parks and other natural spaces within an urban setting –from the open beaches of my town to green-spaces within Boston itself (primarily Boston Common).

My favorite view in Boston Common - the Make Way for Ducklings statue
http://jilliancyork.com/2008/05/24/make-way-for-ducklings/

While I have always felt that Boston has done a good job of promoting green within the city, whether through playing fields, parks, or simply lining streets with trees along the sidewalk, I was amazed when learning about, and subsequently visiting, the urban green-spaces of Copenhagen.

Many of these parks originated or were revived in Copenhagen in the 19^th century, encompassing both the English landscape and Victorian styles of garden design. These parks are still largely used today, with people enjoying them for relaxation, running, taking lunch, and as an event or gathering place.

Ørstedsparken
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ørstedsparken

Two parks that struck me in particular were Frederiksberg Park and Ørstedparken. While of different styles of garden design, these two parts stood out to me for their similar overall effect: in both instances, upon entering the park you no longer feel as though you are in a city. It is such an unexpected relief to enter a green-space within the city confines and find yourself lost in an expansive (in the case of Frederiksberg Park) or simply insulated (Ørstedparken) city escape. In both case, I found myself wanting to simply wander around and take in the sights, whether they included the highly planned placement of attractions in Frederiksberg Park, or the variety of natural trees and plants surrounding a pond in Ørstedparken.

Frederiksberg Park
http://www.duwal.com/en/generalgallery/europe/denmark/copenhagen

I find Copenhagen unlike any other city for a number of reasons, but the emphasis on readily accessible urban green-space certain ranks among the top.