Black Forest Messenger

Linger, marvel, and enjoy.

Dreamlike gardens in the Black Forest: The history of these gardens stretches far back into the past. Alongside the original kitchen gardens for growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs, ornamental and pleasure gardens also emerged over time, which still serve relaxation and sensory enjoyment today.

20,000 rose bushesin Nöggenschwiel

Nöggenschwiel is Germany's southernmost and, at 720 meters above sea level, highest "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". More information at:

www.rosendorf.de

Cottage garden meets farm 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 beautiful garden lies in front of the Black Forest house, where guests can also stay and dine. It combines the romantic elegance of an English cottage garden with the charming authenticity of a Black Forest farm garden. Nestled on the steep slopes amidst the Black Forest landscape, visitors will find an impressive variety of perennials, shrubs, trees, and more than 700 magnificent English fragrant roses from the renowned breeder David Austin. The owners, Andrew (from Yorkshire, England) and Thomas (who lived in the UK for twelve years), share their knowledge, ideas, and experience during exclusive garden tours.

More information at: www.moosbach.garden The Moosbach-Garden in Nordrach

Japan in the middle of the spa park

Bad Krozingen maintains a town twinning partnership with the Japanese city of Taketa, and the local "Vita Classica Therme" spa has a partnership with the Gozenyu Thermal Baths in Taketa/Naoiri. In addition to the Japanese bath and Japanese relaxation pavilion at the thermal baths, a new Japanese garden has recently been added in the middle of the spa park: Japanese master gardener Kazuyuki Sato visited the area several times and drew inspiration from the landscapes around Taketa and Naoiri.

Since its opening in mid-May, visitors have been able to explore Japanese philosophy and enjoy beautiful plants, such as bonsai pine, Japanese flowering cherry, witch hazel, cornelian cherry, cedar, and cinnamon maple. Further information is available at:

www.bad-krozingen.info

Open-air library of theHerbal medicine

The Apothecary Garden in the expansive spa park of Bad Liebenzell invites visitors to discover the healing power of nature: it is a kind of "open-air library" of herbal medicine. A striking, Asian-inspired archway in the shape of an "A" symbolizes the historical origins of herbal medicine. The 160 medicinal plants combine traditional knowledge with modern pharmacy. The beds are organized according to their applications, from relaxation and sleep to skin diseases and gastrointestinal complaints. One area is dedicated to culinary herbs as well as plants used in homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine. The sensory garden offers a sensory experience for blind and visually impaired people, and signs with Braille assist with orientation. The garden is open to the public year-round. Guided tours are available from May to September. For more information, visit: www.tourismus-badliebenzell.de red/zeg