Identity of a historic garden: The view of the international literature and committies on the role of the botanical elements

Abstract

Historic gardens are conceptualized within various cultural and legal frameworks. This research aims to unravel the complexities of the historic garden identity through the lens of international regulations, national laws, and scientific literature to reveal differences in the perception of their botanical elements. We employed a combined analytical approach, using recommendations from related international institutions (i.e. UNESCO, ICCROM, and ICOMOS), national legislation, and a review of scientific literature. The analysis identified 25 documents related to the keywords: nature, landscape, site, and garden; however, only six mentioned gardens, and just one (The Florence Charter., 1982) explicitly addressed historic gardens. Only 7 % of UNESCO member countries (197) have specific provisions for historic gardens. Within them, a diverse range of definitions and standards has resulted in discrepancies in how historic gardens are recognized and conserved across different jurisdictions. Some countries have well-defined categories for garden heritage, while others offer limited or broad categorizations that may obscure garden identities. The findings underscore the necessity for more coherent international regulations that adequately reflect historic gardens' cultural and botanical significance. The study also highlighted the overlooked role of botanical elements, since only four countries included botanical value as an explicit criterion in their legal designations, suggesting that the botanical aspect is often considered within a larger ecological and geographical context. The imperative to preserve these living legacies within the broader context of cultural heritage also became apparent.