Trees of Europe - Paris

I had the privilege of spending a day in Paris, taking in as many (arbori)cultural sites as possible. Between visits to boulangeries and time reflecting on the historic context and the legacy of privilege of the ruling classes that shaped much of the tree plantings.

What stood out most was the stark contrast between two major green spaces on either side of Paris.To the west, the formal Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg. Their symmetrical tree-lined avenues of Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) and gardens are planted in blocks. The tree spacings are tight at about 3-5m apart. This forms a dense canopy wich produces good shade. The trees are all pruned up to provide great access to the many park benches. The forms are all hedged up and controlled which relects a legacy of monarchy and discipline in landscape design.

The tree spacing and cultivation are architectural forming rigid visual corridors when viewed along the rows. This is in striking contrast to the Parc Bercy, located to the east of the Lovre, and has much more natural forms.

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There are alos a few older trees in the Jardin du Luxembourg, which was created in 1612 by Marie de Medici. A Pinus nigra (Corsican or black pine), a Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) with some rudimentary propping and an absolutely massive Platanus × hispanica (London plane) along the River Seine.