In 19th-century Europe, a genuine enthusiasm for gardens, plants and horticulture began to take hold. Botany was then driven forward by many naturalists with the introduction of new species, hitherto unknown on this continent. It was during this period that Manoel Pedro Guedes, founder of Aveleda, created the gardens of Quinta da Aveleda, achieving a perfect symbiosis between the English Romantic style and the orderly French design.
Most of the trees that now form the backbone of these gardens were purchased by Manoel Pedro Guedes from the leading nurseries of the time in the city of Porto, such as Horto das Virtudes.
It is against this backdrop that Luis Rodrigues carries out his work at Quinta da Aveleda. ‘Gardener’ would be the best way to describe the role that Mr Luis fulfils every day, alongside the rest of the team, never tiring of admiring with passion the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape, whose hues change with each season.
Discover some of the tree species found in this space, which many refer to as an enchanted garden.
1 – Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) – This is the dominant tree in the ancient woodlands of this part of the country. The gardens of Quinta da Aveleda contain a large number of specimens of this species, the most notable of which stands next to the lawn at N. S. da Vandoma.
2 – Evergreen redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) – An iconic species of the Rocky Mountains in the US, you can find them in Aveleda. Did you know that the world’s tallest tree, called Hyperion and standing at 116.07 metres, belongs to this species?
3 – Virginia tulip tree or tulip tree – (Liriodendron tulipifera) – The largest specimen in 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 is where its name ‘Tulip Tree’ comes from. Did you know that in Coimbra this tree is known as the ‘Exam Tree’ because it flowers during exam season?
4 – Stone pine – (Pinus pinea) – Found throughout the Mediterranean region and widely used in the past in shipbuilding, a specimen of this species, standing some 35 metres tall, can be found near the large open space at the heart of the estate’s gardens.
5 – Cherry blossom – (Prunus serrulata, Prunus speciosa, etc.) – Japanese ornamental cherry trees which, in early spring, fill the gardens of Aveleda with colour, their blossoms in various shades—white, pink and red—taking us on a journey.
6 – Tasmanian eucalyptus – (Eucalyptus globulus) – A species native to southern Australia and Tasmania that grows very quickly. At over 200 years old, the specimen at Aveleda stands out at around 65 metres tall, lifting our imagination to the heavens.
The Aveleda Gardens are open all year round and are sure to surprise you.
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