VISITORS TO Goldings frequently comment favourably on the beautiful grounds, with particular emphasis regarding the splendid condition and variety of our specimen trees. Among those to which attention is always drawn are the magnificent Cedars of Lebanon. There are three main species of cedar in this country namely: Cedar of Lebanon, atlas cedar and the deodar, all of which are featured here at Goldings.

Cedrus Libeni is a native of Mount Lebanon in Palestine, having sacred and historic associations, being the scriptural Cedar of Lebanon. The first tree said to be grown in Europe was brought from Palestine by a returning Crusader, who gave it half his own water ration throughout the voyage to keep it alive. This tree was planted in the Garden of the Tuileries in Paris.

We can boast to possessing several trees of this specie, the best and certainly most  dominant specimen being situated on the front lawn to the south-east corner of the chapel. It is 90 feet high and has a girth of 15.8 feet near the base I am often asked to guess at the age of these trees so I leave the readers to work it out for themselves. Assuming that our trees must be among the oldest in the country judging by their size, one must base their answers on the date of introduction. According to W. J. Bean, and other authorities on British trees, this specie was  introduced in the latter half of the seventeenth century, probably between 1670 and 1680 .irrespective of its other values and associations no tree has added more charm to these islands than the Cedar of Lebanon.

One must be initiated into the art of landscaping and understand horticultural history to appreciate the judicious positioning of these trees. In the last century, transformation  swept through the character and layout of our gardens and large estates. This was brought about by a famous horticulturist known affectionately as 'Capability' Brown. He discredited all former strictly formal layouts, and proceeded to interest the gentry with wide open vistas, vast sweeping lawns flanked by carefully situated trees.

Evidence of his style can be seen up and down the country and although Goldings is not mentioned in his autobiography, there is no doubt but what his pattern has been followed here. Two estates which he did layout are Fanshaws and Panshanger, proving that he spent some considerable time in this area.

A typical example of his theme is the view and vistas looking across our main lawn from the front terrace, towards a small lake-like stretch of river in the distance. This picture is 'framed' by two fine specimens of Cedars of Lebanon on the cricket field bank. Reversing the view from the south and looking back towards the main house, again these two cedars force one to concentrate on the building as the focal point.

Anyone who plants trees does so with the full knowledge that any benefit derived will be for another generation. With this thought in mind let us all respect the heritage vested in us and keep  our trees wholesome for future generations of Goldings boys.

Photograph by courtesy of The Smallholder

E. L.

Reproduced from The Goldonian Winter 1961