Who was Karl Foerster? He was a renowned gardener, a plant breeder, and a garden theorist. This bust honors his legacy. The B\u00fcste von Karl Foerster captures his essence. It stands as a tribute to a man who deeply impacted horticulture.
Foerster was born in Berlin in 1874. He died in Bornim in 1970. In 1903, Foerster established a perennial plant nursery in Berlin-Charlottenburg-Westend. Later in 1910 or 1911 he moved it to Bornim near Potsdam. The nursery remained a family business until 1972. It then continued as a public enterprise until 1989. It was called “Volkseigenes Gut Bornimer Staudenkulturen”. Foerster’s public garden and residence gained landmark status in 1981.
The B\u00fcste von Karl Foerster is not just a sculpture. It represents Foerster’s enduring influence. From 1990 to 2010, Foerster’s daughter Marianne managed the Karl Foerster memorial site established there in 1981. Karl Foerster became an honorary citizen of Potsdam in 1959. He was appointed professor in 1964.
Senta Baldamus likely portrayed Foerster in 1961. This may have been around the time he received his honorary citizenship. In 1974, the Karl Foerster Garden opened in the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde. This garden was designed according to Foerster’s principles. A bronze version of Baldamus’ Foerster bust was installed there in 1974.
The exact date of the B\u00fcste von Karl Foerster’s placement in the Britzer Garten is not known. However, it was likely after 1990. The bronze bust is based on Senta Baldamus’ model created between 1961 and 1974.
The B\u00fcste von Karl Foerster stands on a hollow. It has rounded corners. This is a stainless steel pillar over a granite base. Susanne K\u00e4hler designed it. The bust itself is a bronze head portrait. It has a very short neck. It is placed on a rectangular plinth.
An inscription on the front of the base reads “KARL FOERSTER / 1874-1970”. The left side of the base says “B\u00dcSTE VON / SENTA BALDAMUS”. The right side notes “MIT FREUNDLICHER / UNTERST\u00dcTZUNG DER / SPIELBANK BERLIN / UND DER FA. R\u00dcDIGER / BRANDENBURG / BERLIN”. The bust itself is marked “H. NOACK BERLIN”. This indicates the foundry.
Karl Foerster’s quote is famous. He said: “He who wants to realize dreams must be more awake and dream deeper than others.” This quote encapsulates his vision. The B\u00fcste von Karl Foerster serves as a reminder. It is a reminder of his dedication to gardening and his profound impact on landscape design. Take a moment to appreciate this tribute. It honors a true pioneer in the world of horticulture.