Schwetzingen - Schlösser-Magazin

are on display. There are some magnificent
deciduous cypresses (Taxodium distichum)
from North America, a picturesque tulip tree
(Liriodendron tulipifera), an Italian maple
(Acer opalus) and spreading yews (Taxus
baccata). There are also numerous younger
trees and shrubs, planted more recently, the
choice of which was suggested by Zeyher’s
inventories. The box so characteristic of
Renaissance and Baroque gardens, as well as
of the traditional rustic or cottage garden, is
represented by approximately 25 varieties.
The plants are left to grow freely, allowing
a study of their growing habits and the size,
colour and shape of their leaves. The genus
Magnolia is represented by 18 species and
varieties too. 26
As well as measures to preserve the character
of the plant collections for scientific purposes,
steps are also taken to keep the historical
tradition of a landscaped garden alive.
Sckell’s criteria for the picturesque grouping
and arrangement of trees and shrubs are
taken into account, especially in the older
arboretum, the “Arborium Theodoricum”.
The woody plants of both arboreta have been
identified with labels giving their botanical
and common names, their family and place of
origin. They are also listed and described in a
guidebook. 27
(Jochen Martz, Hubert Wolfgang Wertz,
Rainer Stripf)
26 after Wertz 2004, p. 27.
27 Rainer Stripf, Die Arboreten des Schwetzinger Schlossgartens,
München/Berlin 2004.
IV. Palace Gardens: Role and Significance
IV.
Fig. 9: Tree “Taxodium
distichum” (Photo: R. Stripf).
89