Landscape and Ideology: the Emergence of Vernacular Gardening Culture in Pre-state Israel

Abstract

This article discusses the emergence of Hebrew vernacular gardening culture in the Land of Israel-Eretz Israel since the late nineteenth century up until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. As a vernacular gardening culture, typical of immigrants who made their new home in a new country, this culture is unique as it is a “cultural invention.” Its creators are characterized by a lack of gardening heritage. This article, based on the socio-semiotic theory for defining culture, deals with five topics: identification of the roots of the vernacular Hebrew gardening culture of pre-state Israel; the role of the Zionist ideology in its development; the contribution of cultural agents and local establishments in its promotion; and finally the uniqueness of Hebrew vernacular gardening culture. The article examines a variety of sources, such as remnants of gardens, plans, building guidelines, photographs, memoirs, and newspapers, as well as children’s and adult literature.