Gardening in ancient Greece

Much of Greece, especially in the south, is unsuitable for the growing of trees and vines, with most areas growing only shrubs and used only as pasturage for goats. Athens provides evidence of the gardens and other flora that existed in antiquity. Since the shallow, dry soil was not conducive to growing trees, Athens was forced to import lumber from abroad, in particular from the north, even Russia, to build its fleet.

The types of trees that grew in Athens included the olive tree. Its fruit was harvested in the winter for food and oil. Another tree was the plane, which resembles a sycamore and grew near streams and springs since it needs water but provided shade. The oak, revered for Zeus and his oracles, occasionally grew, and the cypress, with its finely grained wood, was prized and used for temples. Evidence exists for the palm growing in Attica, without bearing fruit, as well as the black- and-white poplar, again requiring plentiful water. The laurel, sacred to Apollo, grew throughout Greece, and its leaves were chewed by the Delphic priestesses and its branches used for purification. The myrtle also grew in Athens.

There were gardens laid out throughout Athens, especially around streams and springs. Near the Ilissos River were gardens dedicated to Aphrodite. The Schools of Philosophy were usually held in gardens where teachers and students could enjoy the relaxing environment. Plato’s Academy was in the valley of the Kephissos, which was well watered and had shady walks.

The Garden of Epicurus, which cost 7,000 drachmas where 1 drachma equated to one day’s wages, was near Plato’s Academy. The garden was created by Cimon. Epicurus willed the garden to his fellow philosophers, and it was used throughout antiquity. The Lyceum, outside the northeast part of the city, was a park where Socrates taught, and throughout antiquity, it was constantly used as a location for teaching.

These gardens required water, of course, and where springs, pools, and streams existed, the flora in Athens thrived. Some watering sites were further developed by patrons who provided the city with green spaces. Temple precincts may have also had gardens. There is evidence that the Temple of Hephaestus in the agora had trees planted on all sides except the front. These were planted in the early third century, with the extension of the aqueduct.

A large number of plant species existed in Greece, perhaps more than 6,000. Several flowers from antiquity are still seen in modern times, including the crocus, violet, anemone, iris, tulip, and rose. The rose appears to have been the only flower intensively cultivated and grown throughout Greece. The island of Rhodes took its name from the rose, and the flower was portrayed on its coins. The flowers were commonly used for fragrance, and its petals were crushed to create a pleasant scent. Fennel was common, and it served as a staff for ivy and vines. The asphodel, associated by Homer with the underworld, was planted on graves.

Greece produced a variety of fruits, the most important being the olive, grape, and fig. Olives and grapes were also crushed to produce oil and wine. Dried figs were a popular delicacy. Pomegranate was also known. In addition to apples, other types of fruit were grown in Greece, such as pears, plums, and cherries. In the fourth century, the peach was imported from Persia, although it was rare until late antiquity. Nuts were also common; the most used was the almond, which could be eaten as is or ground into a paste for cakes. The gardens and associated plants helped create green spaces for cities and encouraged the variety of flora and fauna in antiquity.