Rundāle Manor. History of the garden.

History of the garden
The park is planned south of the palace, including the nearby forest with its tall trees as a spectacular backdrop for the regular French garden which is only 10 hectares large. The Rastrelli garden design with the complex network of alleys, bosquets and pergolas resembles the structure of the Gardens of Versailles.

Archival documents provide extensive information about gardening, but the choice of plants can be judged by separate documents that mention orangery herbs and garden flowers delivered or confiscated for the Duke. These documents show that plants recommended in the 18th century gardening manuals were grown in the Duchy of Courland, without taking into account inappropriate climatic conditions. Even apricots and peaches grew in Duke’s orchards. Until 1739, 32,818 linden trees, 500 chestnuts, 188 oak trees were planted in the Rundāle Palace park, but in the orchard 95 pear trees, 1,555 apple trees, 40 plum trees, 20 cherry trees were planted.

In the second period of construction of the palace (1763-1768) the work in the park continued. In 1767, fountain pools were created, and in 1768 a pond was dug for the supply of water to the canal. Around 1777 two orchards, a hops garden and a “Wine Hill” were set up, in 1787 apricot and peach orchards were planted. Between 1774 and 1781, an adobe wall was built around the park.

After the abolition of the Duchy of Courland in 1795, the castle became the property of Valerian Zubov. The manor house had one gardener and two gardener’s assistants. Documents show that in 1802 at the stone wall there were orchards with peaches, apricots, pears, plums and grapes. A chestnut alley and a large zoo are also mentioned.