Feb 28 β€’ 09:00 UTC πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina La Nacion (ES)

When our gauchos became gardeners and created beautiful landscapes

The article discusses the efforts of criollos in Argentina to beautify their estates in a treeless Pampa by introducing various plants and creating parks.

In 'Historia de los parques en la pampa,' Silvina Ruiz Moreno de Bunge highlights the transition of 19th-century Argentine criollos from simplistic ranches to more aesthetically pleasing estates through the introduction of parklands. One notable example is the 'Santa Catalina' estate in Mercedes, remembered for its beautiful park designed by Jorge Riveiro, who honored the legacy of General Mitre. The estate featured a variety of plant species, including plane trees that created a golden carpet in winter, showcasing early attempts at landscaping in a region that lacked trees.

The significance of this transformation lies not only in the aesthetic appeal but also in the cultural enrichment of the region, as these landscaped estates became places of social gathering and historical value. The careful design and planting of these parks reflected the criollos' growing identity and pride in their surroundings, moving away from the utilitarian designs of earlier years. Furthermore, these parks served as a reminder of the connection to European aesthetic practices in landscape gardening, which were increasingly adopted in local settings.

Through the lens of this historical perspective, the article reveals how gardens and parks became integral to the Argentine Pampas' landscape and cultural heritage. It sheds light on the relationship between nature, culture, and social identity, emphasizing the importance of beautification efforts in the historical narrative of Argentina, as the criollos actively participated in shaping the visual and cultural landscape of their nation.

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