Swabian Newspaper

English picnic in the Black Forest garden

By Hildegard Nagler

When an IT specialist and a hotel manager indulge their passion for gardening, the result is: The Moosbach GardenLocated at an altitude of 600 meters in the heart of the central Black Forest, guests can, for example, pre-order a picnic basket and enjoy the treats in the garden.

NORDRACH The scent of roses permeates every corner. Or majestic peonies – depending on the season, spring flowers or, for example, typical English perennial borders invite admiration. 42 different varieties of elegant English delphiniums stretch their flowering panicles towards the sky. And of course, there are trees too, such as 40 magnolias.

They feel completely at home in the Black Forest, without any restrictions: the garden owners Thomas Huber and Andrew Froud along with its estimated 10,000 plants. The couple, who lived in England, had actually been looking to buy a hotel while on holiday in Germany in 2014. They came across Moosbach Garden online – a large property with an old Black Forest house – but without a landscaped garden. "I still remember us standing in the parking lot and thinking: This is a dream," says Andrew Froud. "For us, it was love at first sight," adds Thomas Huber.

They had two containers transported to their new home in the Black Forest – one with household goods and personal belongings, the other with plants. For a while, they ran a restaurant. In 2018, they opened a guesthouse with a combination of English and Black Forest gardens. They started entirely on their own, without a landscaping company, digging, creating flowerbeds, and planting everything they could. Much of it was accomplished during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Her knowledge of plants has grown through her garden, which offers a picturesque view of the Moosbach valley in good weather. She has experimented a lot, sometimes learning the hard way. The result is a green oasis with areas for rest and relaxation. It also includes a plant nursery – she grows many plants herself. Various insects live in a huge insect hotel made of roof tiles. She doesn't use any chemicals – gardening as naturally as possible is her passion.

Those wanting to learn more about Moosbach Garden can book a guided tour. From spring until October 1st, you can order a picnic basket and enjoy the delicacies from the Moosbach kitchen. These are prepared by Thomas Huber, who is also a trained chef. He spoils his guests with cocktails, wraps (e.g., with hummus and grilled chicken strips), summer sandwiches with whole-wheat bread, tomato, mozzarella, arugula, and basil, fresh fruit in jars, berry muffins, and chocolate brownies – or a vegetarian option is available. Picnic blankets, napkins, and cutlery are included.

The garden is constantly evolving. "You don't need to have a green thumb," says Thomas Huber. "You can develop one through interest." They occasionally visit specialist nurseries. "The size of our car always dictates our spending limit," Andrew Froud says with a chuckle. So far, they've found a place for every plant in their 1.5-hectare garden – and they'll likely continue to do so.

They are especially grateful for the plants they rescued from the compost heap. Andrew Froud gently strokes panicle hydrangeas he bought for a euro at the garden center and nursed back to health. Now they are blooming with countless cream-colored blossoms. "All the plants should feel comfortable in our garden. That's why we often go to them and ask if they have everything they need and if they are doing well." Thomas adds: "We are simply addicted to plants – and to gardening."

Further information: Overnight stay including breakfast and a 4-course surprise menu can be found at www.moosbach.garden/picknick-im-garten. Note:

Moosbach Garden is a hillside and natural garden and is not wheelchair accessible. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Dogs are not allowed.