The History of Trees in Rikugien Garden

Abstract

This paper focuses on the transition of trees in Rikugien Garden, analysing the trend of tree species from the early days of its creation to the present. The research revealed that the garden was a simple garden with few trees when it was first created, but by the time of the third owner, Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa, it was a practical garden with a variety of flowers in bloom and a function as a field. In the Meiji period, trees of foreign origin were planted. It was noted that even after the garden became the property of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, new tree species were planted during renovation works. The trees in Rikugien Garden have changed significantly over time, and it seems that garden managers have done their best to create the present garden according to the owner's preferences at the time. It is expected that the trees in gardens will continue to change with the changing times. It was noted that the atmosphere of the gardens could change significantly in the future by adjusting the balance between deciduous broad-leaved trees and evergreen broad-leaved trees.