The manor house trees – stories of trees in a human surrounding

The purpose of this study is to examine people’s conceptions regarding trees from the mid 19th century up until today. The study primarily focuses on trees placed in front of manor houses. These trees, a part of the historical environment, are included in the Swedish cultural heritage. Stories and memories connected to them are a part of the intangible cultural heritage. The goal of this study is to increase knowledge about this category of trees and by doing so contribute to the documentation of our cultural heritage. The study includes interviews with nine informants who have a personal connection to this type of tree. The study was conducted in a rural region around Mariestad. The analysis of the data collected shows a richness of thoughts, emotions and stories concerning these trees, as well as a great variety in conceptions and personal connections to them. As a final conclusion, the material shows that these trees have and have had a meaning to people near to them. Findings have also been made about the care and maintenance of the physical environment around the trees, for instance garden arrangements.Uppsats för avläggande av filosofie kandidatexamen i Kulturvård, Trädgårdens hantverk och design, 21 hp, 2015