In the 17th century and into the 18th, the Dutch dominated the publishing of botanical books, and established the very strong position in the breeding and growing of garden plants, which they still retain. They were perhaps also distinguished by their efficient use of space, and in large examples, the use of topiary (sculptured bushes and trees) and small "canals", long thin, rectangular artificial stretches of water.
The Dutch were prominent in the 17th and 18th centuries in publishing botanical books and cultivating garden plants. Their efficiency in utilizing space was notable, especially in large gardens where they employed topiary (sculptured bushes and trees) and miniature canals.