Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) Practice Exam

Which characteristic is most commonly associated with English garden style?

1. Structured parterres and water features

2. Green romanticism and nature perfected

3. Exotic plants in formal arrangements

4. Emphasis on wild and unkept growth

The correct answer is: Green romanticism and nature perfected

The characteristic most commonly associated with English garden style is green romanticism and nature perfected. This approach prioritizes the blending of natural landscape elements with a sense of idealized or perfected nature. It emphasizes flowing, informal layouts that create an inviting, picturesque ambiance. This style is often marked by a celebration of nature's beauty through careful plant selection and arrangement, infusing gardens with a sense of harmony and tranquility. The aesthetic is designed to evoke emotional responses, drawing inspiration from natural forms and cultivating a serene environment. In contrast, structured parterres with water features represent a more formal style, which is not prevalent in traditional English garden design. Exotic plants arranged formally do not align with the ethos of the English garden, which embraces local flora and a more naturalistic approach. An emphasis on wild and unkept growth may suggest an informal aesthetic, but it doesn’t fully capture the essence of the English garden, which seeks to portray nature that appears harmonious and cultivated, rather than entirely untamed.