*

White mulberry trees of this size are rare in Brussels. Was the gardener who planted them trying to make a nod to history? Or perhaps experimenting with planting species adapted to the changing climate? A little less than 100 years ago, mulberry trees became very popular in Brussels (and across Belgium). They were grown for raising silkworms, rather than for their delicious fruit. This craze didn’t produce the economic success that may have been anticipated, as the climate of the time put a damper on things. These particular two trees are too young to have witnessed this though. In contemporary times, they are have benefited from the microclimate created by the sun’s reflections from the multitude of windows above (The Hotel building), and by the concrete passage connecting to Boulevard de Waterloo. If you’re passing by before the birds have eaten them all, keep an eye out for the berries produced in July.