Forever Stamps 2011 Garden of Love – Love & Celebration, First-Class Postage

Issue Date: May 23, 2011

City: Crestwood KY

Printed By: Avery Dennison

Printing Method: Photogravure

Color: multicolored

Over the past 4,000 years, gardens worldwide have transformed from exclusive retreats for the privileged to gathering spots for royal courts, evolving into havens of serene contemplation for anyone seeking relaxation.

Egyptian tomb paintings from the 1500s B.C. depict some of the earliest recorded gardens, featuring lotus ponds surrounded by symmetrical rows of acacia and palm plants. Around 800 B.C., Persian gardens relied on water’s soft, cool qualities to contrast Iran’s hot, dry climate.

The most exquisite Egyptian gardens were adorned with protective trees and decorative pools hosting fish and birds. In Ancient Rome, gardens provided a peaceful escape from urban life. During the Byzantine Era (330-1453 A.D.), gardens were strongly influenced by the widespread adoption of Christianity as the official religion.

In Medieval times, gardens symbolized the union of earth and the divine, while Renaissance gardens guided visitors through narratives with statues and water features referencing mythology. Gardens in the 1700s embraced natural landscapes for their wild, untamed qualities. Those in the 1800s were smaller and focused on botanical curiosities.

Some modern gardens incorporate elements from various historical periods. Most contemporary gardens draw inspiration from modern architecture and the philosophy of “form following function.” Whether classic or modern, gardens worldwide offer spaces where people can escape the stress of everyday life and appreciate the beauty and peace of nature.