A Guide to German Gardens
Germany has a rich tradition of garden design that spans centuries, from grand baroque estates to intimate cottage gardens. This Ellermann Florist guide explores the distinctive styles, famous examples, and key characteristics of German gardens.
Historical Garden Styles
Baroque Gardens (17th-18th Century)
German baroque gardens were inspired by French formal gardens, emphasizing symmetry, geometry, and human dominance over nature. These gardens featured:
Precisely trimmed hedges and topiaries
Ornate parterres with intricate patterns
Grand fountains and water features
Statuary and architectural elements
Long axial views and perspectives
Landscape Gardens (18th-19th Century)
The English landscape movement influenced German garden design, creating more naturalistic spaces with:
Winding paths and irregular layouts
Romantic ruins and follies
Lakes and meandering streams
Dense plantings of trees and shrubs
Carefully composed "natural" vistas
Volksgarten (People's Gardens)
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, public parks became important social spaces, designed for recreation and enjoyment by all classes.
Famous German Gardens
Sanssouci Park, Potsdam
Frederick the Great's summer palace gardens are among Germany's most celebrated. The terraced vineyard, rococo architecture, and Chinese teahouse exemplify 18th-century garden artistry.
Herrenhäuser Gärten, Hanover
One of Europe's most important baroque gardens, featuring the Great Garden with its elaborate parterres, fountains, and hedge theater.
Englischer Garten, Munich
One of the world's largest urban parks, this landscape garden offers meadows, streams, beer gardens, and even a famous surfing wave on the Eisbach river.
Schloss Nymphenburg, Munich
A magnificent baroque palace with extensive gardens combining formal parterres near the palace with romantic landscape features in the outer park.
Insel Mainau
This island garden in Lake Constance is famous for its spectacular flower displays, including millions of tulips in spring and dahlia gardens in late summer.
Characteristic Elements
The Kleingarten (Allotment Garden)
A uniquely German institution, Kleingärten are small garden plots rented by urban residents for growing vegetables, flowers, and relaxation. These garden colonies are governed by strict regulations and foster strong community bonds.
Schrebergarten
Named after physician Daniel Schreber, these family gardens emerged in the 19th century to provide urban families with fresh air, exercise, and homegrown food. Today, millions of Germans maintain these plots.
Rock Gardens
Alpine and rock gardens became popular in German garden design, showcasing mountain plants and creating miniature landscapes with carefully placed stones.
Rosariums
Rose gardens hold special significance in German horticultural culture, with many cities maintaining dedicated rose gardens featuring hundreds of varieties.
Design Principles
Ordnung (Order)
German gardens often reflect a cultural appreciation for order and structure, whether in the geometric precision of baroque designs or the well-maintained paths of contemporary parks.
Connection to Nature
Modern German gardens emphasize ecological sustainability, native plantings, and wildlife-friendly design, reflecting strong environmental consciousness.
Seasonal Interest
Gardens are designed to provide year-round beauty, with careful attention to spring bulbs, summer perennials, autumn foliage, and winter structure.
Social Spaces
From beer gardens to playground areas, German gardens prioritize communal gathering spaces and recreational activities.
Contemporary German Garden Design
Today's German landscape architects are internationally recognized for innovative approaches that combine:
Sustainable and ecological practices
Industrial heritage repurposing (like the Ruhr region's transformed industrial sites)
Natural plantings with perennials and grasses
Integration of art and nature
Climate-adaptive design
Notable Garden Shows
Germany hosts several major garden exhibitions:
Bundesgartenschau (BUGA): A biennial federal garden show rotating between cities
Internationale Gartenbauausstellung (IGA): International horticultural exhibitions
Landesgartenschau: State garden shows that often transform urban areas
These events have historically been catalysts for urban renewal and public park creation.
Visiting German Gardens
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-May): Tulips, magnolias, and cherry blossoms
Summer (June-August): Roses, perennials, and outdoor concerts
Autumn (September-October): Dahlias, asters, and fall foliage
Winter: Baroque gardens show their architectural bones, and Christmas markets often occupy garden spaces
Practical Tips
Many palace gardens charge admission, while public parks are free
Beer gardens within parks are German institutions—try them!
Kleingärten colonies can often be explored via public paths
Garden festivals and open-garden days offer special access to private spaces
Influential German Garden Figures
Peter Joseph Lenné: 19th-century landscape architect who designed many of Berlin and Potsdam's parks
Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau: Created influential landscape parks and wrote extensively on garden design
Karl Foerster: Revolutionary perennial breeder and advocate of natural garden design
Piet Oudolf: Though Dutch, his naturalistic perennial style has greatly influenced contemporary German gardens
German gardens represent a fascinating blend of formal tradition and natural beauty, continuing to evolve while honoring centuries of horticultural heritage. Whether exploring a grand baroque palace garden or a humble allotment, visitors discover spaces that reflect Germany's deep connection to nature, order, and community.
