An enduring passion
Amschel von Rothschild (1773-1855) was the first of his family to develop a love of gardening, beginning with a small window box and ending up with a large suburban park.
This passion took hold on the family, proving a more enduring interest than banking for many. Between 1850 and 1914, Rothschild gardens spanned England, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Their gardens mixed formal design with exuberant planting of trees and flowers, in a style characteristic of the late Victorian/Edwardian era. A love of exotic plants necessitated the building of huge heated greenhouses, allowing skilled Rothschild horticulturalists to create new hybrids, many named after the family.
The creation and maintenance of an exquisite garden was part of the portfolio of interests that enabled the Rothschilds to take their place as country squires. It was expected of them as responsible estate managers, and was another way in which they could display their wealth, fashionable taste and attention to detail; a finely planned garden could be used to entertain both friends and business contacts, and a good kitchen garden ensured a generous table.
Explore the gardens of the great Rothschild estates here...