They were also a way to show that their owners were rich or powerful. Ancient rulers created huge gardens to display their wealth, in the same way that large palaces were symbols of prosperity. In Roman times the garden became an extension of the house, representing the owner’s status in society, rather than a holy place. - See more at: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/magazine-articles/gardening-beginnings#sthash.b2GMjbjR.dpuf