That is the vast green casuarina forest that the people of Thai Duong Thuong village (formerly Hai Duong Commune, now part of Thuan An Ward, Hue City) planted decades ago to shield them from the winds, stop the sand, and protect the village. Amidst the vast sky and land, the casuarina trees grow lush and strong, becoming a sturdy shield, guarding the village from waves and winds, and the harshness of the sea.

Alongside preservation of palaces and temples, the heritage conservation efforts in the Ancient Capital also include the care, restoration, and propagation of trees, protecting ancient and precious species within relic sites, helping maintain the harmonious beauty of architecture and nature - a hallmark of Hue’s heritage space.

I visited Dang Mau Tuu’s Song Nhu Gallery many times and realize that he paints a lot about Hue gardens. Each of his paintings tells a story about trees, people, and “fragrant” silences.

The lush lawns and shaded canopies of ancient trees in the Imperial Citadel, Co Ha Garden, or Thieu Phuong Garden are not naturally self-sustained. Behind that serene beauty lies the quiet dedication of dozens of workers who care daily for every tree and flowerbed, helping preserve the “green soul” of Hue’s heritage.

For the Pa Co people in Ra Looc – A Soc Hamlet, A Luoi 2 Commune (a merger of Hong Bac, Quang Nham, A Ngo, and A Luoi township), village elder Nguyen Van Trinh is like an ancient tree.

This is the surviving lychee (hac le chi) tree, believed to have been grown from three lychee fruits bestowed upon the palace by the emperor. The tree casts shade over a corner of the palace, and its trunk is so wide that it would take several people to embrace it.

While not as famous as the Sonneratia forest in Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang), the Sonneratia forest along the Lam River in Nghe An, or the one in Cu Lao Bac Phuoc (Quang Tri), etc., the Sonneratia trees along the coastal areas of Hue City are nevertheless taking root deeply in the mud and soil of the land every day.

The Firmiana simplex flower is a unique one of Hue, with its dreamy shades of pink and purple colors. According to historical records, Emperor Minh Mang was so fond of the flower that he brought it to plant beside Can Chanh Palace and some corners of other palaces.

Hue garden houses always carry a distinct charm, blending aristocratic elegance with traditional colors. With green and peaceful spaces of ‘tea’ (Acalypha evrardii) hedges, tiny yards, decorative guarding screens, as well as the yellow apricot blossom trees, and lovely persimmon plants in front of the house, etc. Hue garden houses reflect a slow-paced lifestyle that is close to nature and values the long-standing cultural values of Hue locals.

The spring afternoon sunshine on Vong Canh Hill convers the landscape with a golden glow, filtering through the whispering pine canopies and stretching silent shadows across the ground. A gentle breeze drifts by, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees along with the mild and damp scent of the winding Perfume River below.

On February 6th, Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) launched the At Ty Spring (Lunar New Year of the Snake) 2025 “Tree Planting Festival – Forever Grateful to Uncle Ho” at Emperor Gia Long’s Mausoleum.

For Hue and Hue people the Thanh tra tree has been named for hundreds of years now. Over time, this speciality fruit tree is gradually degenerating and becomes weakened. Dr. La Thi Thu Hang, an expert on agriculture at University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, has succeeded in introducing “high-tech” Thanh tra trees to many gardeners in Hue.

On cold winter days, the red Sau Sau leaves fall, leaving bare branches. At this time, the Sau Sau forest evokes a sense of wandering into unfamiliar lands.

Each year, in the flower blooming season, A Luoi orchid tree flowers always attract people’s eyes with its pure and soft beauty.