Imagine stepping into a world where over 8000 plant species thrive. This is the Botanischer Garten Münster. It is a green oasis in the city. It’s more than just a scientific facility. Garden lovers find peace here. They enjoy the beautiful plants. The Botanischer Garten is part of the Universität am Schloss Münster.
The garden’s story began in 1803. Freiherr vom Stein started it. It was for the university’s medical faculty. The first greenhouses appeared in 1804. French troops occupied Westphalia from 1806 to 1815. The garden’s focus shifted then. It went from medicinal plants to local ones.
Carl Correns was a noted botanist. He directed the garden from 1909 to 1915. The first tropical greenhouse was built in 1935. World War II caused severe damage. All greenhouses were destroyed. Yet, the garden was partly restored by 1952. Five greenhouses were rebuilt. Artificial streams and meadows came in the 1990s. A new medicinal garden was added in 2005.
Today, the Botanischer Garten Münster boasts ten greenhouses. They cover about 2000 square meters. Major garden sections include an alpine garden. You’ll find plants from the Alps and Pyrenees there. The arboretum features birch, oak, and beech trees. There are also plants from Australia and New Zealand. A cottage garden shows vegetables and herbs from the 1900s. Mediterranean plants reside in the orangery during cold months. You can also explore a moor and heath area. The systematic garden displays seed plants. Don’t miss the tropical house. The Victoria House holds Victoria regia.
The Botanischer Garten is open daily. Entry is free. It welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year. The garden showcases diverse collections. These collections are grouped geographically. They include high mountain flora. You can see Mediterranean flora. Discover plants from Australia and New Zealand. Explore semi-deserts of the USA, Mexico, and the Andes. Admire the flora of the Canary Islands. The Cape flora of South Africa is also represented.
Botanical collections feature pelargoniums. There are also moss ferns and carnivorous plants. See parasitic plants and a system of seed plants. Epiphytic plants and spore plants are on display. Explore the arboretum too.
The Botanischer Garten Münster also offers learning collections. These include a medicinal plant garden. There is a scent and touch garden. A traditional cottage garden is present. You’ll find tropical useful plants. A convergence collection shows succulents.
Collections of local flora are available. Wander through a birch-oak forest. Discover heath, dune, and sandy grassland areas. Explore a moor and chalk beech forest. See chalk grassland and a lean meadow. A wet meadow and stream complete the experience.
The garden also has rare, old trees. Some orange trees are over 200 years old. The Botanischer Garten Münster is more than just a garden. It’s a living museum. It’s a place of learning and tranquility. Take a moment to breathe deeply. Appreciate the beauty around you.