The Grugapark Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten Grugapark) draws together the plants of the world in an expertly curated estate. Wander through exotic plantings or find out what a traditional Westphalian farmer’s cottage garden looks like when you explore Grugapark Botanical Garden’s intriguing displays. Admire the fascinating plants and trees in the tropical rainforest, an American wildflower meadow and the Mediterranean coast.
The botanical garden’s first plots were planted in 1927. After surviving World War II, the garden went on to be the star attraction in the Essen Bundesgartenschau of 1965. Check out the heritage conifer collection, which contains the oldest plantings of Japanese cedars in North Rhine-Westphalia. Other early plantings in the botanical garden include its magnificent rose garden, which features a pretty pond with water lilies. Visit the 1920s Westphalian cottage garden to see traditional plantings of medicinal and culinary herbs and vegetables.
The shrubbery section contains thousands of rare and exotic shrubs from Asia, the Americas and Europe. Make your way to the Alpinum to see mountain plants from the Apennines, the Carpathians and the Caucasus. The forest valley section is ideal for stretching out in a lush meadow, where you’ll be surrounded by American sweet gums and pin oaks. Another pleasant place to sit is by the pond, Margarethensee. Stroll through the Mediterranean orangery to see pretty bay laurels, date palms and citrus trees.
Don’t miss the modern greenhouses, which contain lush tropical rainforest plants. You’ll also see desert plants, such as succulents and dry-climate plants from Africa. Experience the plant world in miniature when you explore the bonsai garden. Check out the playful architecture of the house designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
The Grugapark Botanical Garden is situated within the larger expanse of Grugapark in southwest Essen. This park also contains a petting zoo and barbecue areas. The botanical gardens have a small admission fee however, it is free to visit the surrounding parkland. Reach both areas easily via subway or car.
