Briefly discuss the reasoning behind constructing Versailles, its horticultural attributes, and lasting impacts.

The story of Versailles begins with Louis XIV’s rise to power in 1661. Prior to this year, Louis was the official monarch, however, Cardinal Mazarin was the ruling nobleman, making the majority of decisions as Louis was too young. Under Mazarin, Nicolas Fouquet served as finance minister and through dipping into state funds was able to build a chateau at Vaux-le-Vicomte. The estate, completed in 1661, was grand in scale with elaborate and expansive gardens. Louis XIV visited the gardens at a grand fête in August of 1661 and left jealous that Fouquet’s gardens and chateau were more impressive than his own. With this Louis decided that he would build a more remarkable chateau in Versailles, a former family retreat 15 kilometers from Paris.

Fouquet's Vaux-le-Vicomte
Source: https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/05/0f/ce/dc/chateau-de-vaux-le-vicomte.jpg 

Under Louis’ direction, Versailles was transformed from a simple hunting lodge in the middle of swamp lands to one of the most imposing palatial complexes in Europe. With over 700 rooms, Versailles was a monstrosity. The gardens proved equally impressive, covering over 247 acres, showcasing France’s power and glory.

The garden was divided into several distinctive areas, including the Petite Parc which was situated directly adjacent to the palace. The parc included an elaborate Orangerie to showcase the king’s extensive citrus collection, which was considered a luxury item at the time. The area was able to hold up to 3,000 trees and had both indoor and outdoor display areas to ensure the citrus did not perish in the cold. Additionally, the parc featured the Parterre d’Eau, a set of two reflecting pools to tie together the architecture of the palace with the gardens. Furthermore, as you move away from the palace the gardens became a tad less structured. The Tapis Vert, a grand lawn lined with statuary, connected the parc area with the more wooded regions of the gardens. The remaining acres were designed into themed forested areas known as Bosquet. Everything about Versailles was designed to be grand, holding to Baroque tradition, including the water features, such as the Bassin d’Apollon.

The Parterre d'Eau at Versailles
Source: http://www.jeanclaudelafarge.fr/chateau-versailles-statues-parterre-d'eau.jpg

This vivid example of power gardening and controlling nature by manipulating once swampy lands into structured gardens, was imitated throughout Europe. In Holland Versailles’ gardens were imitated at, Het Loo, and Austria the Belvedere features gardens inspired by those at Louis XIV’s palace. Moreover, in Russia, Versailles influenced gardens are featured at Peterhof. In conclusion, during the late 1600 and early 1700, Versailles served as the model for royal gardens throughout Europe.    

The Belvedere Gardens, inspired by Versailles
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Belvedere_Palace's_Gardens.JPG

Related article: http://www.radford.edu/~rbarris/art216upd2012/Versailles.html