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Down the Garden Path

A trip to a botanic garden is both enjoyable and educational. Denzil Walton introduces Belgium’s fascinating plant collections

The world’s first botanic gardens were created in Italy in the 16th century for the academic study of medicinal plants. With the growth of international trade in the 18th century, botanic gardens began to spring up throughout Europe, mainly to investigate and cultivate commercial crops brought back from the tropics. In the last 30 years botanic gardens have become centres of scientific excellence, their important collections and scientific data banks vital for the conservation and management of plant species. In addition, they are wonderful places to visit for a day out. We suggest you take a wander around one of the gardens in Belgium this Easter.

Leuven Botanic Garden

The title of the oldest botanic garden in this country is claimed by the Leuven Botanic Garden, which dates back to 1738. Covering 2.2 hectares, it may be one of the smallest, but it’s also one of the most charming. It contains an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and flowers, with some fascinating tropical plants in the greenhouse complex.

Particularly recommended is the orangery, which also houses regular exhibitions of local artists and sculptors. Children will be intrigued by the fish ponds and vegetable gardens, as well as the tropical hothouse with its impressive banana trees, coconut trees and coffee bushes. Outside is a fine specimen of a Kentucky coffee tree. Although its roasted seeds were used as a substitute for coffee in times of poverty, they were found to be poisonous in large quantities.

Ghent University Botanic Garden

The Ghent University Botanic Garden dates back to 1797 when it was situated in the former abbey of Baudeloo. After Ghent University was founded in 1817, the garden was placed at the disposal of the university and transferred to its current location in 1903.

Over ten thousand species from all over the world have been arranged in several thematic collections. All these plants flower in different seasons so that during each visit only a restricted number of plants are at their best.

Close to the entrance is a remarkable giant sequoia, while elsewhere there are beautiful camellia, rhododendrons and tulip trees. An interesting collection of plants native to Belgium is arranged in front of the university building, while around the edge of the pond is a collection of medicinal herbs. Children will love the Victoria greenhouse with its giant water lilies, large climbers and various tropical food-plants such as coffee, rice, cocoa, sugar cane and cotton.

National Botanic Garden of Belgium

The origins of the present National Botanic Garden of Belgium lie in the Jardin Botanique de Bruxelles alongside Place Rogier. The first building, which still exists, was built in 1829, in what was then rural countryside. As the 19th century progressed, increasing industrialisation brought great pressure to bear on the site. Large swathes of land were sold to enable the construction of Brussels North railway station and later the underground connection to Brussels South. In 1938 the Belgian government purchased the Bouchout Domain near Meise from the royal family, providing the National Botanic Garden with a new home in the countryside north of Brussels.

Compared to other Belgian gardens, the Bouchout estate is huge, covering 92 hectares. Highlights include the Balat Greenhouse, which dates back to 1854; the Dry House with its desert plants; and the Mountain Rainforest House with its collection of orchids and fuschias. If you are a keen gardener, you will probably be tempted by the vast array of gardening books in the Garden Shop.

Kalmthout Arboretum

The Kalmthout Arboretum near Antwerp is well worth a visit anytime, but in spring the displays of cherry and apple blossom are stunning. The collection was started in the mid-19th century by Charles Van Geert, and is famous for Europe’s largest collection of witch hazel. The arboretum has hundreds of roses, more than six hundred different types of azaleas and rhododendrons, and impressive collections of hydrangeas, agapanthus and dahlias.

The meandering, grassy paths entice you to walk further through this lush, rambling 12-hectare garden. On a sunny day, children may be interested in exploring the butterfly garden. During the summer, regular evening concerts are given in the garden theatre. If you would like some expert advice on what you are seeing, guided tours are possible on Sundays and public holidays at 14.00 in Dutch, English, French or German.

Also worth visiting

The Antwerp Botanic Garden with its 2,000 plants has its origin in the herb garden belonging to the medieval Saint Elisabeth hospital. A calm retreat in the middle of the busy city, it’s located on Leopoldstraat, Antwerp, and is open every day from 08.00 to 18.00. Admission is free. The Liège Botanic Garden on Rue Fusch, Liège, is situated in an attractive park that includes a lake and a children’s playground. It is open daily from 09.00 to 18.00. Admission is free.

The Bulletin

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Down the Garden Path

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