Chiswick House & Garden's most majestic trees

Stately, aromatic, gigantic. One of the most majestic of all planted trees with its layers of branches and grey-green foliage, cedar is part of the enduring landscape of some of our grandest estates. According to the Woodland Trust in the UK, cedar was planted in the grounds of nearly every stately home and mansion from the 1740s onwards. However, it is not commonly planted today.

STATELY, AROMATIC AND GIGANTIC

Laid out by the 3rd Earl of Burlington and William Kent in the 1720s, Chiswick House & Gardens is home to two very old cedars of Lebanon, which are situated on the lawn in front of the house. The lowest branches dip to the ground and the needle clusters have formed immense mats. Chiswick's Cedars of Lebanon.

The site is also home to several 300-year-old Chiswick urns (27 to be precise), where they line the walk from the back of the House between the two champion Cedars of Lebanon trees.

COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE: Trees of God - The story of the mighty cedar

Cedars have inspired great respect. In several religions, they are referred to as ‘trees of God’. In the British landscape, they are associated with serenity and beauty, as loved and reassuring as any fine church steeple or familiar view. Until they succumb to age, disease or vandalism.

There are three types of true cedars in the UK: Find out more. If you are standing in front of a truly venerable specimen, however, it’s likely to be a cedar of Lebanon.

CHISWICK CREATIVE HUB

New community and creative campus planned at Chiswick House & Gardens - Cedar Yards.  Some fine examples can also be found in Gunnersbury Park, W5.