Roman gardens originated as small plots for growing herbs and vegetables but evolved into ornamental gardens for the wealthy, featuring statues, fountains and shrines. While the Roman Empire expanded, they exported many native plants and flowers, helping to romanize other regions. Vineyards were also widely planted to provide wine, which was a staple beverage. Roman horticultural practices and exports influenced gardening traditions around the world.
![Roman Gardening. The Romans invented a lot of things we use now in our everyday lives. From schools to sewage systems, it is obvious that they had a major impact on the world today. So, it should come as no surprise that their gardens have also had this impact. Gardens in ancient Rome originally started as ways to grow herbs and vegetables for the household. For rich people, they would keep the garden in the back of the house and it was called a hortus. People who lived in tenements would have to keep them in window boxes or on the roof. Although they would grow flowers like roses and violets, the main purpose was food. As time went on, however, gardens for ornamental purposes became more popular. In villas and fancy townhouses, these ornamental gardens became more common. Known as peristyle gardens today, they would have things like boxed plants and flowers. Statues, fountains and maybe even a small shrine would be seen throughout the garden. While Rome was conquering the Mediterranean world, they would export many of their harvest. They had brought many things to Brittan like the sweet apple and many of their native flowers. Doing this, it would help their providences in other lands seem more Romanized. The Fishbourne Roman Palace is a good example of this. But, of all the things that Roman is known for when it comes to agriculture and horticulture, it would be its many vineyards. Wine was one of, if not the only, alcoholic beverage in ancient Rome. They really liked it, and the only way to make was using grapes. So, they would plant vineyards in many different parts of the empire so that wine could be available to everyone. In conclusion, Rome had gone through many years being considered something like the capital of the world place. If Rome were a quilt, its gardens would only be a patch: although small, it helped Rome become the glorious empire we know today. Not only that, but with the exports, it gave us the horticulture which we have today. ,[object Object]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/romangardening-100208231608-phpapp02/85/Roman-Gardening-1-320.jpg)
