The garden has been developing over the centuries as a way of containing nature. Unconsciously or consciously, the act of organizing the wildness that grows of its own accord has a deep connection to an impulse to control the uncontrollable forces in the world. Looking closely at garden imagery, especially in the context of the gardens inspired by the romantic period, one can find images of animal figures throughout. This comes from the same impulse in art throughout world history, where animal figures are there to contain and control instinctual power . Here, the images of lions and wild dogs become symbols that are not merely decorative, but point to a larger purpose.

It works out in other elements of the garden as well. Even the containment of a tree in a controlled environment has resonances with the impulse to control nature. This becomes even more apparent when considering the fountain . They do serve to add remarkable touches of beauty, and the element of water has an amazing, soothing quality to anyone who contemplates the fountain. It also comes from an attempt to control water generally. The element is calming, but it is also one of the most overwhelming mysteries in the world. Oceans are pools of unconscious energy , and when this is contained in a fountain, it becomes a source of deep contemplation.