Dedicated to the causes of the middle
class, Loudon developed the gardenesque
style as a way for small property owners
to enjoy the landscape. He formulated
different prototypical garden plans for a
variety of lot sizes, which he categorized
as fi rst rate (10 acres), second rate
(2–10 acres), third rate (1–2 acres), and
fourth rate (1 acre and less). Loudon
also supported the development of public
parks. He designed the Derby Arboretum,
which opened to the public in 1840, as an
educational and recreational garden. He
applied his gardenesque principles to the
11-acre site, which contained a central
gravel promenade, a perimeter walk
screened by trees, constructed mounds,
and amenities such as restrooms,