The Appreciation of Trees

     When you look at the massive trees that surround us today, it makes you wonder when they were planted and how long they have been around for. On our walks to and from the metro I often look at the tree roots we pass by on the path. It makes me wonder again what caused them to poke out of the ground?Also, by looking at them especially with their knots and curls you can start to wonder and appreciate how sculptures and artists depicted tree in their works. Many of the Gardeners back then would also shape the trees that were in the gardens. This would be achieved by looping or tending to them often. (Farrar, 168) Trees are something to be admired, and this was something that Pliny the Elder and Cicero discussed. (Farrar, 169) Specifically they were interested in the creativity achieved through topiarius. 

    To be able to understand which plants used to be around back then, many archaeologists specifically at Pompeii, have uncovered traces of plant pits and root cavities to better understand the vegetation that once was. (Farrar, 172) Common trees found in the gardens included fig, olive and citron. Today the most established plants are the stone pines or umbrella pines. Because you see so many, and they are so giant I wonder why they were planted in the first place. What did they provide and how come we still have them today?

     In one of my found sources, they discuss the need for trees, they wanted the trees to provided shade and trees that provided wine. (Landgren, 21) They also had a funny coloration, with the trees growing bigger they then provided shade for the drinkers. The trees themselves provided many beneficial purposes to people whether  it was for food or for their beauty or for shade in their spaces. 

Figure 1: Cypress trees located Palatine Hill (photo by author) 

Figure 2: Roots of a tree located in Ostia (photo by author) 

Figure 3: Umbrella Pine tree located in Ostia (photo by author) 

Figure 4: The root that grow along the path in the Borghese Gardens (photo by author) 

Figure 5: Tree that grows in Ostia Antica (photo by author) 

References 

Farrar, Linda. Gardens and Gardeners of the Ancient World. Oxford ; Havertown, PA: Windgather Press, 2016. 138- 184. 

Landgren, Lena. Lauro Myrto Et Buxo Frequentata: A Study of the Roman Garden Through Its Plants. Lund: Department of                            archaeology and ancient history, Lund University, 2004.