When the Ottoman Empire ruled Turkey they brought with them the skills and guarded secrets of creating stunning green areas from arid landscapes, which have been cultivated much of the land to produce some magnificent gardens. Sultan’s palaces were literally works of art filled with bursts of colour, water features and elaborate pergolas. The Ottomans were skilled gardeners who considered the features of the land, the local climate and the immediate surroundings of the area where the garden would be situated and then, rather than working to a fixed set of rules, they skillfully built beautiful natural features filled with amazing scents and striking textures as well as highly practical areas, which served to feed the whole family. Water Features
Many gardens were constructed around areas where there was natural running water and water features became an integral part of each Ottoman garden. When reproducing your own Ottoman outdoor space be sure to make a focal point of your water feature by choosing a fountain, which spills into a pool from one or more spouts or if your land is on a slope create a waterfall effect. Use ready made fountain features, which can be bought at DIY stores like Praktiker. Choose something that has a natural look rather than an overly ornate fountain - a simple stone piece works best in this style of garden.Planting
The Ottoman Turks worked on increasing the natural beauty of the garden by using existing trees and plants to create a visually lush and peaceful setting. They built flower beds and filled them with many locally grown as well as foreign varieties that were being imported into the country at the time. When recreating your Ottoman garden do not skimp on the number of bulbs and flowers, The Ottoman Turks really did pack them full of colour. The Ottoman Turks made their gardens functional but attractive by planting fruits and vegetables alongside the beds of flowers. The most popular trees and shrubs planted in the Ottoman garden included cypress, boxwoods, bays, and myrtles. They were planted to form natural paths interspersed with flowers in beds together and scattered beds of cucumbers, spinach, cabbages and melons as well as every sort of herb and vegetable in season. Popular flowers were roses, carnations, lilacs, jasmine and most importantly rare varieties of tulips. Sultan Ahmed III was so enamored by the tulips imported in to Turkey in the 16th century that his rule became known as the ‘Reign of the Tulip.’Terraces and Patios
Terraces and raised banks stepped down to the sea were common features and if your property lies on a slope you should include a series of terraces to gradually bring the level down. Include a patio area in the part of the garden which receives the most hours of sunshine. These areas were traditionally areas of privacy and should be secluded by trellis work or fencing or natural screens.Garden Architecture
The best examples of Ottoman gardens feature many architectural elements, this gives a familiar structure as many key features like pergolas, walled areas and low stone borders are echoed in towns and cities throughout Turkey. Perhaps the key element of an Ottoman garden is the gazebo or pergola. This structure was always located in the area of the garden that would provide the best possible view of the garden as a whole. It should include plants that grow up the trellis to blend the structure with the natural environment as though it were a part of nature itself. A stone pedestal sundial or, more authentically, a fountain, pathways, architectural salvage from your travels all add to creating an authentic outdoor room.Awaken Your Senses
The Ottoman garden is not just a feast for the eyes, but all senses. Water - courtesy of fountains - provides a beautiful and relaxing background noise, which also gives a sense of lusciousness and nourishment. The garden provides a feast for the senses, authentic plantings include: citrus trees, fragrant roses, classic Turkish tulips and generous plantings of other bulbs, perennials, aromatic herbs, pomegranate, and lilac. The delicate fragrance of blossoms and herbs waft by with each curious footstep as visitors relish the mix of sound, sight and scent. Whatever the time of year, architectural features are the basis of any Ottoman green space, think of this as the picture frame for your garden painting. It frames each garden setting and can also provide intimate enclosed spaces. In order to capture the ambiance and atmosphere of Ottoman gardens, keep your eyes open and absorb the little details, which will give character and a sense of realism to your Turkish retreat. Take note of the aged colours of buildings, aged metal work and peeling wood work. All of these observations will make a huge difference to your creation. If you are creating your Ottoman garden in England, where sunny days are something of a rarity, check at your local DIY store for colours that will look warm despite the cold northern European light.
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