The Botanic Garden seduces into exotic realms, tropic fields or dry deserts. It is instructive and unique with its abundance of colours and blooms. In 1812 Ludwig von Sckell had designed the Old Botanic Garden. A 100 years later the increasing pollution impacted the plants' growth that much that a relocation was considered to be necessary from jammed Karlsplatz into Menzinger Straße north of Nymphenburger Park. The remaining green was given a baroque Neptune fountain in 1937 and later a big playground on which luxury apartments are located nowadays. Some exotics like mammoth tree, Indian bean or bay manage to resist the exhaust fumes. The green oasis invites you to relax with its park café and the adjoining beer garden.

The new Botanic Garden emerged on a much bigger area. Together with the Botanic Institut and the Botanic State Collection around 14.000 plant species are cultivated. Strolling flower lovers indulge themselves in the abundant flora of the thematically divided garden any time of the year. In spring the Schmuckhof transforms into a sea of tulips and hyacinths, in late summer asters and dahlias dominate. Among the latter dwell majolica figures from Nymphenburger Porcelain manufacture.

Spring time brings an incredible multitude of colors to the windows of the Alpine Haus or in the rhododendron grove. The nicest stroll is probably the one through the rose garden during the summer. Amazing smell of finest blooms in a unique combination of colors. The section of protected and useful plants is quite informative. Here the visitor will find medicinal plants divided into ingredients and usage category or the different sorts of cereal.

The west side westlichen side hosts a wide arboretum, in which different conifers and broad-leaved trees grow apart from each other. Geography is demonstrated around the lovely big brook: plants aus moor, heath as well as steppe and even the Arktis are found here. At Alpinum the whole world's mountain flora is presented.

The Alpengarten has had a branch for more than a 100 years at Schachen  mountain (1.850 m) in the Wettersteinmassiv. An inspiring hiking trip of three hours from July to Mid-September delivers insight into around 800 alpine plant species from the Alps to the Himalaja.

Who wants to go on a winter journey in the green houses (an area of 4500 sqm.), which consist of a fascinating glass and iron construction, will dive into tropical regions, cool tropical mountain woods or hot deserts. 6000 different plant species await the visitor, among which tree lilies, ferns, palms, bizarre orchids, suculents and cacti. Besides the permanent exhibitions special events like free flying exotic butterflies in the water plants house represent further highlights. An excursion to the garden is relaxing and well worth it. It broadens our comprehension of ecological contexts within the flora.

by Karin Nagl