Not far from us a wonderful garden nestles on a stony hillside on the edge of the Bavarian Forest and above the River Danube.
Within its grounds stands the Expo 2000 Nepalese Pavilion – a Buddhist Temple and Hindi Stupa all in one. After being dismantled after the exhibition, it was transported here and rebuilt by the Nepalese craftsmen, setting the theme for the garden which has grown up around it. The garden has since been extended a great deal and although it is only open three afternoons a week in the summer months it has become one of the most popular attractions in the region.
There are not many gardens in the south of Germany that are open to the public, and none at all that could be compared with the famous English gardens. So it is always a treat to visit this one which is more like a park than a garden and allows nature to play a hand.
The owner is an avid plant collector and has many unusual plants from the Himalaya region and Asia in general. But there are also native plants, flowers and trees mixed in with the more exotic.
On this particular visit the Hydrangeas were a highlight…
…as well as the Lilies…
…and the gorgeous pale yellow hollyhocks that have popped up everywhere…
Dotted around the grounds are various temples, gates, bridges, bells, prayer wheels, statues and figures that have been brought over from Asia or built in that style.
I like the ones that blend in with the planting best, but they do all add to the atmosphere, which is unique; the buzz of conversation at the entrance gate slowly subsides to a quiet hum as visitors move down past the pond and are drawn into the tranquility of the garden.
There are distinctive areas – the Japanese Garden, the Pond, the Chinese and Herb Gardens and the large area covering an old stone quarry, with bridges and bridge ‘houses’ along a pathway winding its way across, up and down the side of the hill. That is the part of the garden I like best, where nature is allowed to determine which flower or grass may dominate each year.
This year has been very wet and the native Melica ciliata has spread, creating a beautiful effect with the Coreopsis, Euphorbia, Perovskia and Eryngium.
~
The temple itself is a focal point, with calming chants played in the background creating a very peaceful place to just sit and take a break. It was built as both a Buddhist temple and Hindu stupa, as a symbol of tolerance and understanding of the two religions.
Regular events raise money for the Nepal Himalaya Foundation established by the owners.
But I was there for the plants. And for inspiration, like this somewhat overgrown and wild spiral bed…
Or this glorious planting combination of spiky leaves, pink phlox and yellow lilies…
My friend and I took hundreds of photos, so this is just a taste of the flair and tranquility this garden has to offer. Hope you enjoyed the mini tour!
😃
https://www.nepal-himalaya-pavillon.de
And a link to a youtube video (only music) made by photographer Tobias Lindenmeir (https://www.naturphoto.net ):
Delightful!
😃 And so near that I should visit more often! 😉
Stunning visit Cathy and so much peace there.
Such a calming place Eunice. 😃🌻🦋
I could see that clearly..
Fabulous garden park and I enjoyed the video as well. The meadow garden’s blended textures are wonderful. Good share, Cathy!
Thanks Eliza. Nice to have this just a short drive away. 😃
Are the owners Nepalese, Cathy? Such an interesting garden and a real asset for local garden lovers – I suppose we are spoiled in the UK for gardens to visit!
The owners are German… I have no idea why they have this fascination for Nepal and wanted the temple rebuilt in their garden, but it was in any case an excellent idea. Gardening is very different here, so this is rather a unique space in Bavaria.
Even more intriguing!
Great tour Cathy! I especially like the wilder plantings with those fluffy grasses, and the pink phlox. Will you be recreating anything from here in your own garden?
Well, I would love to grow more phlox after seeing that pink one, although it does always go mildewy. And that spiral has got me thinking! I also love Melica, and grew it in my old garden, so I will try that out here next year. 😃
The garden is fantastic and peaceful and magnificent: I love the lake, the Buddhist temple and the Hindi Sptupa, and the mixture of indigenous plants with Himalayas and Asia. I loved the video. How lucky you are Cathy to have this divine garden close to home! I’m glad you had a good time. Take good care of both of you. Happy weekend. Very affectionate greetings from Margarita.
Thank you Magarita. You would love it there. Have a good weekend and hope you can get your house clean and straight again soon. 🦋🐝🌻
Thank you Cathy for your kind words. Yes, I would love to be in this garden. The house is going for a long time, because we are going to take it without haste, but it does not matter. Happy Sunday. Very affectionate greetings from Margarita 🌻🌻🌻😘
I love the spiral, too. Beautiful garden, thanks for the tour.
You’re welcome. ☀️
I enjoyed it very much. The plant combinations are lovely.
Yes, some inspiring planting, much of it done by nature I am sure!
You are fortunate to have such a rich destination close by. I like the structures and statuary in the garden and the wonderful array of plants.
I think some people go just for the Asian feel, but there is a lot for plant lovers to discover. 😃
What a fabulous spot Cathy. Does it shut up shop at summer’s end? I can imagine it looking quite beautiful in autumn.
I went in September last year when Asters and grasses were looking good, despite a very dry summer. They close completely from early October and weather-permitting I will try and get there again on their last weekend. 😃
I really enjoyed your photos as well as the video. I remember reading about the Nepal Himalaya Park when I was planning our first visit to the Bavarian. Unfortunately my husband can’t do much walking so we didn’t visit on either of our trips to the area. I’m thankful to see it through your camera lens.
Glad to share Karen. 😃🤗
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What a wonderful garden! I love the yellow hollyhock.
I loved that too… there were hundreds of them spread through the garden and they all looked so much healthier than the rust-prone sort I have grown. I think this was Alcea rugosa, also known as Russian Hollyhock.
It is beautiful and I so much enjoy the garden visits. I wish we had even something half as good nearby. Amelia
I consider myself extremely lucky as there are very few such gardens in the south of Germany. As soon as all the restrictions are over I want to get a season ticket which will prompt me to go more often.
We used to have a season ticket for National Trust Scotland and regularly visited our favourite gardens. When you visit the gardens regularly it is much more interesting.
I went again yesterday! Must make the most of the summer freedom! 😉
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