We may think that garden rooms are a relatively new feature in garden design, but they actually go back a long way in garden history to the hortus conclusus — the enclosed garden. The Hortus conclusus started in the ancient gardens of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia, then reappeared in the Middle Ages and later as the core of 20th-century Arts and Crafts gardens.

The ideas behind the enclosed garden are as relevant today as ever: the creation of a haven, a place of escape from the world and an extension of the house, and also of a protected space to cultivate plantings for practical uses. It is essential that we have spaces we can retreat to, not only to find solitude but also to refresh ourselves, entertain others and perhaps get a little closer to nature.

This desire for enclosed space can be seen in the atriums of contemporary housing and even small enclosed gardens today. Let's have a look at some beautiful examples. The Todd Group Throughout history, plantings have been an important feature of these enclosed spaces. Early paintings of hortus conclusus show us how the plantings tried to create paradise on earth with raised turf seats and small plots of grass dotted with small flowers. Herbs and flowers were cultivated to provide both food and medicine.

Today we are more likely to clothe the walls with climbers and wall shrubs to create not only flower and foliage interest, but also to soften the hardness of brick or stonework. debora carl landscape design Medieval enclosed gardens were enjoyed mainly by the wealthy, who could afford the cost of construction and upkeep, but monastic gardens were also enclosed. Monks required seclusion for their contemplative lives, and the hortus conclusus gave them the required sense of security and seclusion.

In this garden of today, the high walls, simple gravel path, seating and low plantings echo some of the elements of the early monastic enclosed garden. EPT DESIGN Many people today seek the same as those monks did: a place to escape from the stresses of the modern world. An enclosed garden can be the perfect solution, but the layout of our houses can do this, too.

This serene courtyard is central to the house and provides the same benefits of the original hortus conclusus. Boxleaf Design, Inc. Even the smallest and most barren of spaces can become a haven with attention to design and simple plantings. Looking into a calm space like this refreshes our spirits. The Labyrinth Garden By enclosing small outdoor spaces adjacent to our homes, we really can create outdoor rooms — even without ceilings. These have the same benefit as a sanctuary but also give us a place where we can socialize, work and relax. Even a small space, such as this 7-square-meter yard (about 7 1/2 by 10 feet), can add much to the owner's lifestyle. Busybee Design If you couldn't see the surrounding fencing, you might think this was an indoor relaxing zone. It's a wonderful example of an enclosed garden, going back to its historical roots. It is, above all, inward looking, a very intimate space designed for its owner's pleasure. High walls, fences and even hedging protect plants from cold winds, low temperatures and the heat of the sun, allowing more tender plants to survive in the microclimate created. Window World S.A. Perhaps this is not what we would normally think of as a hortus conclusus, but it's a beautiful example. Though not a garden for walking through, it does allow those in the otherwise sterile building to get closer to nature. Fougeron Architecture FAIA Atriums are designed to bring natural light into buildings, and they can be wonderful spaces. This minimalist design includes a usable "enclosed garden" within the heart of the building.

The Case for Interior Courtyards Gary Hutton Design I'm not sure whether this can be classified as an enclosed garden, but it is definitely an enclosed space that gives the owner all the benefits of a hortus conclusus. It's a place to become refreshed, one that's protected from the outside world with ideal growing conditions for tender plants.

Tell us: Do you have an oasis of nature at home? We'd love to see a photo.