For example, last summer when I arrived at the Rotondo, which I had seen earlier from the Doric Arch, I was able to see the Arch from a distance while also seeing it in contrast to the Temple of Venus and the Queen Caroline Monument, which are not visible from the Arch. In a way, then, a walk through the garden is like two aspects of life. There is a wisdom that derives from encountering and affirming contrasting styles and perspectives. But there is also a wisdom that derives over time. Not only is there variety at Stowe, but there is also order, order in the sense of sequence.
Timing can be of ultimate importance.
A visitor may be better able to appreciate the Palladian bridge after seeing the rustic cascade, and vice versa. The architectural details of the Gothic Temple become more meaningful once one has noticed the vastly different details of the Queen's Temple or the Temple of Ancient Virtue. Furthermore, the experience of visiting Stowe will be different on every new occasion. Not only can a visitor choose a different sequence of walks on a subsequent visit, but changes in the seasons, a variety of weather conditions, and perhaps most notable, the renovation efforts of the National Trust as it fells and replants trees and repairs buildings have a remarkable effect. I believe, of course, that a visit to Stowe will be far richer for those familiar with Pope's poetry and those who have already visited other gardens like those at Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court, Versailles, and Chatsworth.