"The straight curtain"
Common European linden

At the bottom of the stairs on the right, two rows of lime trees are carefully cut. Their architectural silhouette is called a "curtain". The trees have been planted and pruned with the idea in mind of shaping the space and inviting visitors for a walk. The species planted here, Tilia x europaea, is the result of the crossing of the two species that are native to our region: T. platyphyllos with large leaves and T. cordata with small leaves. This crossing gives T. x europaea a particular tolerance to soil compaction, as is the case here with the grit that you are walking on. On the other hand, lime trees are quite sensitive against aphids. The insects can be found on young leaves from spring onwards. To limit their presence, the bottom of the trunk was painted white. The aim is to prevent ants – which protect aphids from ladybugs - from climbing into the tree. It is therefore a good way of protecting the tree without using insecticides.