Old gardens are special places, conceived as idealized images of nature in its most harmonious and perfected state. For centuries, Arcadian landscapes—envisioned by painters since the Renaissance—offered their patrons glimpses of pastoral tranquility and escape from urban chaos. These gardens, much like the myth of Arcadia itself, represented a longing for paradise, a place where humans could live in harmony with nature. Yet for a long time, owning such gardens was a privilege enjoyed by only a select few.
It was not until the 15th and 16th century, with the expanding borders of the world through exploration and colonization, that these private paradises began to spread. Plants from distant lands, once known only to adventurous botanists and explorers, became widely accessible. As colonial powers pursued raw materials and established overseas trade routes, not only artifacts but also plants from exotic regions found their way into European collections. The deeper penetration of tropical forests, fueled by economic ambitions, brought flora from far-flung places into the gardens of the elite.
However, the creation of these gardens was not without its shadows. Reflections on the metaphorical meaning of cultivating nature confront us with the complex legacies of exploitation. These gardens, which once symbolized an idyllic return to nature, now invite lingering questions: Can Arcadia still be dreamt of today?
