The English garden emerged in the early 18th century as a style that spread across Europe. It replaced the more formal, symmetrical French gardens and became the principal gardening style. English gardens featured vast lawns, woods, and architectural features designed to recreate an idyllic pastoral landscape. They presented an idealized view of nature inspired by landscape paintings. Key elements included lakes, rolling lawns, groves of trees, and recreations of classical temples, Gothic ruins, and bridges. By the late 18th century, the English garden style was being imitated across Europe and influenced public parks globally.