Gardens archaeology is a relatively new and challenging branch of archaeology. Successful analysis, understanding and management of historic parks and gardens must draw on the full range of archaeological field techniques. Below-ground remains of historic, large-scale designed landscapes and more modest pleasure gardens can be illuminated using techniques such as pictorial and cartographic research, aerial photography analysis, geophysical and topographic survey, pollen analysis and trial trenching.
The structures and furniture of designed gardens and landscapes can also bring to life their original appearance and visual impact. Recently commissioned garden archaeology projects include metric survey and assessment of orangeries, conservatories, boathouses, statuaries, historic garden furniture, fish ponds, garden workshops, historic planting schemes and vegetation surveys.