Elizabeth Moynihan

"is credited with introducing into India the traditionally used by the s as elegant camping groounds. ... Not merely settings for occasional enjoyment, gardens were Babur's preferred residence just as they were for his ancestor (Tamerlane, 1336–1405). The Timurids' inclination for fighting was equaled by their enthusiasm for building, and during the century following Timur's death the forms and ornamenatation of their architecture became ever more refined. The exuberantly tiled, gittering order of and with their green belts of great s were Babur's architectural idea. Several of Timur's residential gardens in Samarqand were described by , the Spanish ambassador to Timur's court. ... Large enclosures with fragrant fourfold gardens, coursing water and brimming pools, plantations of trees with colorful pavilions scattered throughout became a Timurid tradition. Fruit trees were planted in profusion, and , who has writtn with such authority and insight on , relates these Timurid enclosures to the Persian bustan, or . ..."

"In the first century , Roman warriors invaded Persia for power and plunder and were captivated by the s. Following his extended Eastern campaigns, the Roman general, , returned to Rome and retired to the great gardens he built in the Persian style. He had an interest in philosophy, wrote a history, and collected a great library, but he was also . His were so large and costly to build that he was called " in a " by when he saw them. ... Lucullus is credited with introducing the and the to Europe in these gardens."

"The small and graceful with its solitary pink blossoms was … acquired from with the , often favored for its delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves. China in turn imported the native Persian vine, , onion, , and and began cultivation of . Called Medice by the Greeks for the lush valleys of where it grew wild, alfalfa was first introduced to Greece when the Persians under carried it there as ."

"The Taj Mahal is an unforgettable visual experience. With every change of light there appear subtle variations in the hue of the luminous ; at times it appears to be a vision."