The Rothschild gardens
The Rothschild family, famed as financiers, has exerted a huge impact on Western social and political history over nearly two centuries. Less well-known, but also of significance, is their influence on the landscape, for many members of the family have been passionate gardeners. They have created gardens and parklands that have become an important part of the heritage of several countries. and as they are today. Readers visit European gardens frequented by kings and rulers. There is also a glimpse into private gardens today, including Miriam Rothschild's own beautiful conservation garden, home to birds, beasts and butterflies. parklands to formal parterres. At the turn of the century, Alice de Rothschild spent the equivalent of nearly half-a-million pounds annually on her gardens and grounds near Grasse, France. Rothschilds have always enjoyed producing fruit and vegetables. Baron Edmond, for example, used to delight guests at his households in Paris or Boulogne by inviting them to pick fresh fruit straight from dwarf trees brought into the dining room. illustrate the developments in the family's styles and scale of gardening. The author conveys the competitiveness and drive for perfection that has typified the family's behaviour in gardening, as well as in business. This quest has led several Rothschilds to become plant specialists, and botanical gardens worldwide have benefitted from their collections. Like a Dove and The Butterfly Gardener.