Once upon a time there was a Bishop called Prince–Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, who loved plants. And there was a botanist called Basilius Besler. The beginning of a wonderful friendship? I’m not sure, as it isn’t documented! But certainly the beginning of a wonderful garden…. A garden which has recently been recreated not far from here.
The Bastion Garden
In 1998 the Hortus Eystettensis (Garden in Eichstätt) made a comeback. With a small budget from The Bavarian Department of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes and the help of many influential or simply kind-hearted people, the Bastion Garden was finally recreated.
A first visit in 1999 was disappointing; there was little to see except the layout and plans for the future, but I was full of hope… Another visit a few years later was also not what I had expected. Then, at the end of June this year, I returned once again, and finally this beautiful spot has become a lovely historical record of the plants found in the original 17th century botanical garden, on the same site.
It nestles into the side of the hill where the Willibaldsburg Castle stands…
(Looking up, the garden is on the far left behind the lower wall)
… and it is surrounded by walls and buildings on all sides. It is thus extremely sheltered as well as being open to the sun and sky.
(Looking down from one of the inner walls of the castle grounds)
It is arranged in medieval style, dividing the plants according to season, i.e. when they flower.
It is a very simple garden. Its history, however, is fascinating.
More on the history in Part Two tomorrow, but here are just a few of the plants I saw there…
Veronica (longifolia?)
Aloe vera
Lychnis chalcedonica
Delphinium, Goat’s Beard and Broom
I found it refreshing to see plants simply displayed in their own right, and not as artistic combinations – even though I love those combinations we all see or create in our own gardens…
Hope you’ll drop by for Part Two tomorrow.
Have a nice Sunday!
What an enchanting garden. I love the simple yet stunning presentations within the many raised beds. Beautiful – Thank you.
I’m glad you liked it. Have a nice Sunday!
Very interesting. I did not know about this garden. I have to go and take a look!!!! A very nice sunday to you too, Cathy!
Hi Simone. If you do go, choose a cool day! There is hardly any shade up there, but it is really worth a visit.
Quite wonderful impressions you refer here? I thank you for this insight, Kind regards, Julie ♥
Glad you enjoyed it Julie. 😀
Hallo Cathy, das ist eine schön Beschreibung des Gartens und der Anlage. Ich freue mich auf morgen! Liebe Grüsse – Uta
Der Garten ist wirklich schön… vielleicht nicht was jeder erwarten würde, aber ich war begeistert! 😀
Great share documented for a great muse. Thanks Cathy!
Hi there. Glad you enjoyed it!
I would love to see that! What was your favorite part?
Oh, so hard to say… I was very excited about it, and the whole atmosphere of the garden was just magical for me. The setting is ideal. It was like a glimpse into another world – the world of botany!
I am looking forward to part two.
What a beautiful place..I love historic castles and the grounds especially if they have recreated or preserved the gardens…just wonderful!
This is one of few such places within driving distance, but a very special one!
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Love it! Gorgeous view too 🙂
Elaine
I think the setting made it even lovelier!
Cathy! What a stunningly beautiful spot! I would love to go there sometime, I don’t think I would want to leave. Do you think they would let me live there? 😉
Well, there’s a large building where they put the less hardy plants in the winter… perhaps they wouldn’t notice if you moved in! 😉
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How beautiful! Historical gardens are fascinating to me, interesting to see how differently they gardened when they were needed to survive! I love the formal look of it too!
It is very formal, but I suppose it was due to the scientific approach in this case. I love the idea that someone stood in the same spot as me hundreds of years ago admiring the same plants!
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