Garden: meaning, definitions and examples

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garden

[ˈɡɑːrdn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

home decor

A piece of land next to a house where flowers and plants are grown for decorative purposes. It may include grass, trees, shrubs, and other types of vegetation.

Synonyms

backyard, green space, lawn, yard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
garden	A garden refers to a planned space, often outdoors, used for the cultivation of plants, flowers, vegetables, or herbs. It can be ornamental or functional. She spends a lot of time tending to her vegetable garden. The community garden is a place where neighbors grow plants together.
yard	Yard is a general term for the area around a house, which can include both the front and back areas. It may have grass, gardens, or other landscaping features. She decorated her yard with colorful flowers. The dog is running around in the yard.
backyard	A backyard is the area behind a house, typically used for relaxation, play, or gardening. It is commonly associated with residential properties. The kids are playing soccer in the backyard. They have a barbecue every summer in their backyard.
lawn	A lawn is an area of short, regularly mowed grass in a yard, garden, or park. It is often used for aesthetic purposes and requires regular maintenance. He spends a lot of time each weekend mowing the lawn. They have a picnic on the lawn every Sunday.
green space	Green space refers to an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes. It is a broad term that can apply to parks, community gardens, or any part of a city or town designated for greenery. The new apartment complex has a beautiful green space for residents to enjoy. Urban planners emphasize the importance of maintaining green spaces in city designs.

Examples of usage

The garden in front of the house is filled with colorful flowers.
She spends hours tending to her beautiful garden.
The garden is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The garden is a popular spot for family gatherings.
I love sitting in the garden and enjoying nature.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

activity

To cultivate and care for a garden by planting, watering, and maintaining plants and flowers.

Synonyms

cultivate, grow, plant, tend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
garden	Used to describe the activity of maintaining or designing a garden space. It's often used when talking about the hobby or the overall process of working in a garden. She loves to garden in her free time. He spends his weekends gardening.
cultivate	Refers to preparing and using land for crops or gardening. It implies a more intentional and often agricultural practice of encouraging plants to grow. Farmers cultivate the land to prepare for planting. They cultivated the soil to grow better vegetables.
tend	Refers to taking care of plants, ensuring they have water, sun, and other necessities they need to grow. It implies regular attention and care. He tends to his garden every morning. They tended their crops with great care.
plant	Means to place a seed, bulb, or plant into the ground so it can develop. It's often used when speaking about the initial act of starting the growth process. They plan to plant trees along the road. She planted flowers in the front yard.
grow	This is a general term used to describe the process of a plant developing from a seed or a small state to a larger state. It's commonly used in both agricultural and simple gardening contexts. She grows tomatoes in her backyard. We are trying to grow more herbs this year.

Examples of usage

She enjoys gardening as a relaxing hobby.
They garden together every weekend.
Gardening requires patience and dedication.
They are planning to garden a vegetable patch this spring.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'garden' comes from the Old English term 'geard,' meaning 'enclosure' or 'fenced area.'
Ancient Egyptian gardens were often part of palaces and featured trees, flowers, and even fish ponds.
In medieval times, gardens were crucial for growing food and medicine, leading to the development of monastery gardens.

Cultural Significance

In Japanese culture, gardens are designed to instill a sense of peace and reflection, often incorporating elements like water and stones.
The English cottage garden style emphasizes a mix of flowers and vegetables, representing the ideal of homely beauty.
In many cultures, gardens are seen as a paradise on Earth, reflecting harmony between humanity and nature.

Ecological Role

Gardens play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity by providing habitats for various wildlife species.
Community gardens are often established to promote social interaction and access to fresh produce in urban areas.
Vertical gardens are an innovative way to use small urban spaces, helping to reduce air pollution and improve building aesthetics.

Psychological Benefits

Spending time in gardens can reduce stress and promote feelings of tranquility and happiness.
Gardening activities have been shown to improve mental well-being, particularly in therapeutic programs.
The act of nurturing plants can enhance a person's sense of responsibility and connection to the environment.

Art and Literature

Throughout history, many artists have created stunning works inspired by gardens, celebrating their beauty and tranquility.
Classic literature often uses gardens as symbols of growth, life cycles, and secrets to be uncovered.
The phrase 'Eat the fruits of your labor' highlights the rewards of cultivating a garden, both literally and metaphorically.

Translations

Translations of the word "garden" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jardim

🇮🇳 उद्यान

🇩🇪 Garten

🇮🇩 taman

🇺🇦 сад

🇵🇱 ogród

🇯🇵 庭園 (ていえん)

🇫🇷 jardin

🇪🇸 jardín

🇹🇷 bahçe

🇰🇷 정원 (jeongwon)

🇸🇦 حديقة

🇨🇿 zahrada

🇸🇰 záhrada

🇨🇳 花园 (huāyuán)

🇸🇮 vrt

🇮🇸 garður

🇰🇿 бақ

🇬🇪 ბაღი

🇦🇿 bağ

🇲🇽 jardín

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,181, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2178 bone
2179 sufficiently
2180 naturally
2181 garden
2182 quantities
2183 fill
2184 alcohol
...