Re: Chelsea Show and Europe

! 
>  Does anyone know of some "not-to-miss" gardens/arboretums/botanical
sites in 
> this area?  This is a once in a lifetime trip for me, so any info would 
> really be appreciated.

In Germany, if you make it to Berlin, be absolutely certain to go to the
Berlin-Dahlem Botanischer Gartens.  I've been there well over 10 times and
it's still the first place I go to when visiting; it's huge, both indoors
and out.  There are enough gardens in Berlin to keep one occupied for a
month and still not see everything.  I know 'cause I've tried.  Some of the
best.  Also, there's a botanical museum that's well worth seeing.  Oh, and
the palace Sans Soucci has a lovely greenhouse and garden complex in
Potsdam.

If in central Germany, and you like Roses, go to the Sangerhausen Rosarium,
just SE of the Harz Mountains.  One of the largest collections of Roses in
the world, dating back over a hundred years.  The largest collection of Old
Garden Roses, anywhere.

If you've made it that far into central Germany, you may as well drive into
the Harz Mountains and visit Der Brocken, the Old Father Mountain.  Der
Brocken is famous worldwide for the Brocken Spectre, a visual phenomenom
where, under proper conditions, you can see your shadow reflected against
the clouds in monstrous scale.  This is the place of orgin for most witch
legends and, indeed, this is the same mountain that St. Walspurgis traveled
to from ancient Great Britain to banish the witches from the reigion,
giving us the celebration of Walspurgisnacht ( during Spring Solstice). 
Walspurgisnacht is still celebrated there.  As for gardens, the peak of Der
Brocken has one of the most exquisite Alpine/Rock Gardens I've ever seen. 
Established a hundred years ago this garden has been carefully rebuilt and
replanted since the reunification of Germany.  I consider it to be one of
the great little known jewels of the gardening world.  And I probably
should've just kept my mouth shut.  Anyway, while in the area, all of the
villages of the northern Harz are 11th & 12th century and are totally
intact.  No damage from either war, and they are now listed as world
treasures by UNESCO.  I was spellbound while there.  Also, I rented a house
(a h-o-u-s-e, mind you) for 40 dollars a day in Darlingerode.  Two
bedrooms, full kitchen, two story, 3 patios and terraces, wonderfully
landscaped, cable television, and with small swimming pool.  And hedgehogs
living in the hedges. One of the best vacations I've ever had.  Oh, and the
witch is the ubiquitous symbol for the entire area. 

Berlin-Dahlem Botanishcer Gartens, Der Brocken, the Harz Mountains, and
Sangerhausen Rosarium are all easily researched on the internet.

Hope this helps some.

Keith, WNY, zone 5, 6F and covered in snow

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