Dreamlike gardens

Rose villages and pleasure palaces in the Black Forest

The history of gardens stretches far back: alongside the original kitchen gardens for growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs, ornamental and pleasure gardens emerged over time, which still serve as places of relaxation today. Garden art reached its opulent zenith with the Baroque gardens of the great aristocratic houses in France, Italy, and Germany. With the opening of private courtyard gardens and greenhouses, as well as the first plant and garden shows in the 19th century, the middle class also gained access to sophisticated garden culture. This diversity of gardens is also evident in the Black Forest, not least since May 23rd in "Valley X," the garden show in Freudenstadt and Baiersbronn. The Black Forest Tourism GmbH (STG) has compiled an overview of the most beautiful gardens, which we will present here in this and the following issues.

Highest-altitude "rose village"

Nöggenschwiel, at 720 meters above sea level, is Germany's highest-altitude "rose village." In summer, more than 20,000 rose bushes bloom in the village. A must-see for every rose lover is the "Rose Fragrance Garden" in the church square: more than 440 roses of various varieties are planted there. These fragrant roses consist mainly of old English rose varieties. They are very delicate, so it is a great challenge to bring these "noble ladies" to bloom at the high altitude of the southern Black Forest. The "Black Forest Rose Assortment Garden" also features special varieties such as the black rose "Nigrette" and a green rose with small, spicy-scented blossoms. A highlight is the "Nöggenschwiel Rose Days" from July 12th to 14th: these include a rose market, a festive parade, and the crowning of the "Rose Queen." Anyone who can't get enough of roses should hike the 33-kilometer "Rose Trail". www.rosendorf.de

English-style landscape park

Landhaus Ettenbühl is located near Bad Bellingen on the western edge of the Black Forest: a seven-hectare English-style landscape park with 25 themed gardens, each offering places to linger, marvel, and enjoy. Visitors can admire over 1,000 varieties of roses, trees, and shrubs from around the world. Garden tours, southern Germany's largest hornbeam labyrinth, and a rose and perennial nursery with over 1,000 varieties for sale are also part of the offerings. Picnics in the garden are possible with prior arrangement. The interplay of craftsmanship and creativity can be learned in three floristry courses. www.landhaus-ettenbuehl.de

"Valley X" Garden Show

Freudenstadt, with Germany's largest market square, lies on one side. On the other is the culinary hotspot of Baiersbronn, boasting eight Michelin stars. In between lies the idyllic, roughly eight-kilometer-long Forbach Valley, which will be in full bloom for the garden show until October 12th. During the 143 days, visitors can enjoy not only a diverse array of flowers and gardens, but also more than 1,000 events for all ages – art, concerts, and cultural performances by regional stars, as well as cooking demonstrations, action-packed activities, sports, and fun for the whole family. A visit to Germany's highest-altitude rose trail in Freudenstadt is also highly recommended, especially in June and July: It winds its way along the Kienberg hill, past more than 2,000 blooming wild, hybrid tea, and historic shrub roses. www.tal-x.de

History amidst nature

Favorite Palace, often called the "Porcelain Palace," is the treasure trove of a passionate collector: Just a few kilometers from Rastatt, the Dowager Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden (1675–1733) had a pleasure palace built. Colorful scagliola floors, magnificent stucco and fresco ceilings, and exquisite furniture combine to create a Baroque masterpiece. The palace is nestled within an idyllic garden. The formal structure of the Baroque pleasure garden gave way in the late 18th century to a more natural-looking landscape – the landscape garden was born. With its cleverly designed paths and ponds, the garden offers countless romantic spots. www.schloss-favorite-rastatt.de

"The Moosbach Garden"

The numerous distilleries have earned the village of Nordrach the nickname "Fruit Distiller Village." Besides its diverse hiking trails, this health resort also offers other unique features – one of which is "The Moosbach Garden" at an altitude of 600 meters. A beautifully landscaped garden lies in front of the Black Forest house: it combines the romantic elegance of an English cottage garden with the charming authenticity of a traditional Black Forest farm garden. On the steep slopes, an impressive variety of perennials, shrubs, trees, and over 700 magnificent English fragrant roses from the renowned breeder David Austin await visitors. The owners, Andrew (from Yorkshire, England) and Thomas (from the Black Forest, who lived in the UK for twelve years), share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences on guided tours. www.moosbach.garden