Did Queen Victoria Have Full Grown Trees Planted?

Queen Victoria is known for her love of nature and her passion for gardening. Her extensive gardens and parks were designed to showcase the beauty of flowers, shrubs, and trees, making her a respected horticulturist of her time. However, rumors have echoed through history that Queen Victoria had full grown trees planted in her gardens instead of saplings. In this article, we will explore the truth behind this assumption and unveil the real story behind Queen Victoria's gardening techniques.

The Truth Behind Queen Victoria's Gardening Techniques

The rumors of Queen Victoria planting full grown trees in her gardens are nothing but baseless conjecture passed on through history. In fact, Queen Victoria was a great lover of saplings and believed in planting trees that would thrive for generations to come. She advocated for sustainable gardening practices and was known to plant saplings in large numbers across her vast estates. In 1866, Queen Victoria wrote in her diary that she planted forty-six trees at Balmoral, and this was not a rare occurrence as she regularly updated her diary entries about such activities.

The Importance of Saplings

Planting saplings instead of full grown trees has several benefits. Saplings are more affordable than mature trees, making it cost-effective to afford a large number of trees for planting. Saplings are also more adaptable to changes in soil, weather, and environment. They have a better chance of survival since they can develop stronger root systems, providing a firm base for the tree to grow. In addition, planting saplings also helps reduce greenhouse gases in the environment as they absorb carbon dioxide at a higher rate than mature trees.

Queen Victoria's Legacy in Gardening

Queen Victoria's love for nature and her passion for gardening had a significant impact on the art of gardening. She was a patron of the Royal Horticultural Society and supported botanical research and development. Her extensive gardens and parks continue to inspire horticulturists to this day. One of the greatest legacies of Queen Victoria's gardening is the development of the 'English Garden Style,' which is still popular today. The English Garden Style seeks to create a naturalistic and picturesque setting by combining garden beds, borders, trees, and shrubs with open lawns and water features, creating a harmonious balance between nature and design.

Conclusion

The rumor that Queen Victoria planted full grown trees in her gardens is nothing but a myth. She was an advocate for sustainable gardening practices and firmly believed in planting saplings. Her love for nature and passion for gardening had a significant impact on the art of gardening and inspired generations of horticulturists. Her extensive gardens and parks continue to attract visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the beauty of nature in all its glory. Queen Victoria's legacy in gardening lives on today, and her contribution to the art of gardening will forever be remembered.