A Forest Garden

At Inhotim, where art and nature also blend in the form of lush gardens, the relationship between gardens and nature can be perceived in different ways. This story is a journey through the possibilities that the Atlantic Forest offers, as well as a reflection on the interaction between landscaping and sustainability.

Gardens are contemplative spaces that harmoniously integrate plants in a variety of shapes, textures, colors, and dimensions to compose a landscape. They bring us closer to nature while maintaining an intimate and complex relationship with it.

But why are gardens primarily occupied by foreign species in Brazil, one of the countries with the greatest plant biodiversity in the world? How can we look at our Atlantic Forest and see the beauty and possibilities hiding at our doorstep?

Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian artist and landscape designer considered the inventor of modern landscaping, was a pioneer in seeking aesthetic compositions in native plants, many of which he discovered himself on his dozens of expeditions.

Like a painter who chooses from a range of paints, materials, and techniques, a landscape architect who looks at the Atlantic Forest may be surprised by the endless possibilities it offers.

Those looking for colors will find a complete palette in various native trees. Many have exuberant blooms that paint the landscape and catch the eye. In addition, they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that feast on their flowers.

That is the case with the golden trumpet tree (Handroanthus albus). Large in size, it is a symbol of endurance and beauty that lights up the forests when its canopy gets covered in vibrant yellow flowers at the end of winter.

The suinã (Erythrina falcata) brings in warm tones. With numerous clusters of bright red flowers and almost 50 feet tall, it stands out in the forest, especially between July and September.

The mulungu (Erythrina speciosa), a tree of the same genus as the suinã, also contributes to the red tones, but its flowers have an eye-catching structure, which resembles a flame. Combined, the mulungu and suinã attract a variety of hummingbirds.

Winter also heralds deep purple spots in the landscape. These are sucupiras (Bowdichia virgilioides), imposing trees at nearly 50 feet tall. Known for their versatile wood, as well as medicinal properties, they can be used in urban afforestation.

There is also the quaresmeira (Pleroma granulosum), a small to medium-sized tree with abundant purple flowers that attract various pollinators. Very common on city sidewalks, it colors the streets with its frequent blooms.

Besides colors, the Atlantic Forest biodiversity is generous with unique textures. Widely used in landscaping, palm trees contrast with other trees and shrubs due to their straight trunks and long, sharp fronds.

Over 70 palm species can be found in the Atlantic Forest biome, such as the macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), butiás (Butia spp.), and juçara (Euterpe edulis), among many others. Besides being beautiful and particularly characteristic of tropical gardens, they attract pollinators and dispersing animals, such as toucans (Ramphastos toco), and maritaca parrots (Pionus spp.).

In the forest understory, the lush foliage of the Araceae family covers the ground and tree trunks. From small to gigantic, and velvety to glossy, the leaves of imbés (Thaumatophyllum spp.), philodendrons (Philodendron spp.), and anthuriums (Anthurium spp.) form a garden beneath the dense tree canopy.

And they combine form and function: not only are native plants aesthetically pleasing, but they are also part of an ancient network that links them to animals, fungi, and other plants. Besides the advantage of climate adequacy, using native plants in gardens strengthens this network and reconnects us with it.

Putting a garden together means blending nature and construction, and plant selection should be a creative, technical, and ethical process. Valuing native plants is good for the whole world.