Did Marie Antoinette have full-grown trees planted?

Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France, has been known for living a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle. One of the most popular stories about her is that she ordered full-grown trees to be planted in her gardens. But did she really do that?

The Myth

The myth about Marie Antoinette planting full-grown trees in her gardens originated from a quote by French historian Louis-Sébastien Mercier. He wrote in his book "Le Tableau de Paris" that "The Queen has asked for Acacias to be planted in her gardens, hoping to see them grow." This statement was often misinterpreted as Marie Antoinette requesting full-grown trees instead of saplings.

The myth was further popularized by the movie "Marie Antoinette" by Sofia Coppola, where the queen is shown admiring the fully grown trees in her gardens. However, the movie is a work of fiction and should not be taken as historical fact.

The Truth

It is unlikely that Marie Antoinette ordered full-grown trees to be planted in her gardens. At the time, it was very difficult and expensive to transfer mature trees from one place to another. The transportation of heavy trees could also damage the delicate roots and affect their growth.

Instead, it is more plausible that Marie Antoinette requested for young saplings to be planted in her gardens to create the desired landscape. The process of growing a tree would provide the queen with the satisfaction of watching them grow into maturity over time.

The Legacy

Regardless of the truth behind the myth, Marie Antoinette's love for landscaping and gardening is well-documented. She spent a considerable amount of money on the gardens of Versailles, and her influence is still seen in the beautiful landscaped gardens of the palace today.

In addition, her interest in horticulture inspired many French gardeners, who started experimenting with new plants and trees. This led to the introduction of exotic trees and new species of flowers in France and helped establish the country as a leader in horticulture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the myth of Marie Antoinette planting full-grown trees in her gardens is just that - a myth. While it is possible that she requested for mature trees to be planted, it is unlikely due to the difficulty and expense involved. However, her passion for nature and gardening left a lasting impact on French culture and continues to inspire people today.