6 species of trees to discover in the gardens of Quinta da Aveleda
12 Oct 2023 / Sustainability
In the 19th century, Europe saw the birth of a true enthusiasm for gardens, plants and horticulture. Botany flourished, driven by numerous naturalists who introduced new species previously unknown on this continent. It was during this period that Manoel Pedro Guedes, founder of Aveleda, created the gardens of Quinta da Aveleda in a perfect symbiosis of the English Romantic style and the orderly French design.
Many of the trees that today form the backbone of these gardens were acquired by Manoel Pedro Guedes from the major nurseries of the time in the city of Porto, such as the Horto das Virtudes.
It is in this setting that Luis Rodrigues carries out his work at Quinta da Aveleda. ‘Caretaker of gardens’ would be the best way to describe the role that Mr Luis undertakes daily, alongside the rest of the team, never tiring of admiring the surrounding natural beauty, whose colours shift with each passing season.
Discover some of the tree species that can be found in this space, which many describe as an enchanted garden.
1 – Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) – This is the dominant tree of the ancient woodlands of this region. In the gardens of Quinta da Aveleda there is a large number of specimens of this species, the most notable standing by the lawn of Our Lady of Vandoma.
2 – Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) – An emblematic species of the Rocky Mountains in the USA, it can be found at Aveleda. Did you know that the tallest tree in the world, named Hyperion, belongs to this species and reaches 116.07 metres?
3 – Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) – The largest specimen at Aveleda stands near the threshing floor. This species, native to the east coast of the USA, produces large tulip-like flowers in May and June, which gave rise to its common name. Did you know that in Coimbra this tree is known as the ‘Exam Tree’ because it blossoms during exam season?
4 – Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) – Found throughout the Mediterranean region and widely used in the past in shipbuilding, one can find a specimen of this species, around 35 metres tall, near the large square at the heart of the estate’s gardens.
5 – Sakura (Prunus serrulata, Prunus speciosa, etc.) – Ornamental Japanese cherry trees that, at the beginning of spring, fill Aveleda’s gardens with colour, with blossoms in shades of white, pink and red that transport us far away.
6 – Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) – A species native to southern Australia and Tasmania, known for its rapid growth. Over 200 years old, the specimen at Aveleda stands out at around 65 metres tall, lifting our imagination towards infinity.
The gardens of Aveleda can be visited all year round and never fail to delight.
Written by Aveleda