Today, when we go to the Bernardine garden, we will not see palm trees or any other plants that could remind us of them. It is hard to imagine, but in 1952-1956 it was possible. The government at that time decided that the palm trees would be able to withstand the Lithuanian climate at least in the summer and make the city's residents happy.
For the first time, palm trees came to Lithuania in 1952. They were brought from the southern Soviet states. in 1952 15 palm trees were planted in the capital's squares, squares and gardens. The palm trees were grown in Krasnodar, and from there they were sent to Vilnius. Here, until summer, thousands of palm trees grew in the greenhouse.
Palms could be seen not only in the Bernardin garden. They were planted both at the foot of Gediminas Hill and in the current Kudirka Square. Flowers were planted around the palm trees. A large, almost 80-year-old palm tree was planted in the Youth Garden (now Bernardina Garden). How were palm trees planted? After all, a car-crane was used.
Probably due to the unfavorable climate and constant transplanting of palm trees to greenhouses, this tradition did not last long. However, historical photos testify that palm trees really decorated the capital, and the plant was a frequent and popular attribute of home interiors.
It is unlikely that palm trees will decorate the old town of the capital again, but last year we wrote about a family that started transporting and selling these plants in Lithuania. You can read more about it here.
