The royal family has a second palace set in beautiful parkland in the commune of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brussels, though still part of the city. Every spring, for 3 weeks, they open up their greenhouses to the public so that people like myself can enjoy the beauty of the flowers, plants and trees.
King Leopold II (perhaps familiar to you because of the Congo) decided in 1868 to build the enormous greenhouse complex. He called on the leading botanists, nurserymen and suppliers to turn the greenhouses' collection of plants and flowers into one of the continent's loveliest. He spared neither expense nor effot to make his glass city something unique.
And it shows. I have never seen such a layout, such an extravagant show of colours and sorts of flowers, plants, ferns and trees. It was breathtaking. We walked through greenhouses, winter gardens, pavilions and galleries, each one more beautiful than the one before. Azaleas are in full bloom right now: what a glorious, spectacular show of orange, red, pink, white, yellow and all the shades in between! And I think I saw every colour imaginable of geraniums. And of course, many of the flowers are arranged in settings with mirrors or sculptures or exquisite Eastern urns or statues.
It was so outstanding I went twice! As a treat for your eyes, I'm sending you via email my web album of photos taken in the royal greenhouses. Here's just a wee taste below. Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment