The Florist's Garden

This Tuesday, we traveled to Brussels to explore a garden renovated at the beginning of this century.

Well, I correct myself, more than renovated, it was converted into a garden in the year 2000. But... let's start from the beginning.

At the end of the 19th century, the Belgian sovereign Leopold II decided to acquire land near a property of his own to create a private garden, produce food, and supply flowers... (hence the name) to meet the needs of the King's properties. A greenhouse area and a cultivation and testing/adaptation zone for plants brought from various parts of the planet, such as the famous Belgian Congo, were also planned. The space dedicated to the vegetable garden would eventually split off, forming the Sobieski Park.

The original garden was located in the upper area of the plot above the greenhouses and was organized around a central avenue with two large oval ponds on either side in a formal style.

By the mid-20th century, the garden fell into disuse; the ponds were even drained and covered (the greenhouses were abandoned), and it was not until the early 21st century that the space was revitalized for public use. The ponds were rebuilt, albeit smaller than the originals, and an area beneath the greenhouses was allocated for other uses...

The garden spans about 4.5 hectares, is sloped, and is flanked on three of its four sides by wooded areas, with winding paths in a clear informal style that transitions to a much more classic or formal style as one descends to the central area (cleared of large trees). From the apparent natural state to the rigidly controlled by man. Currently, the park has five distinct environments. If you prefer, it is a garden of gardens.

There are two viewpoints that offer great views over the garden and part of the city. Botanically, the collection is interesting as it houses a collection of rare species, or rather, species that are uncommon in the parks and gardens of Brussels, including an interesting collection of camellias and centenary hollies...

As you can see, my visit was a few years ago at the beginning of spring. Perhaps the place does not look as beautiful as it should, and it is a shame that the lower greenhouses (not open to visitors) are in such a degraded state.

It is a tranquil park, less crowded than other famous green spaces in the Belgian capital. Additionally, some of its access points are quite discreet, but once inside...

I’m sure you will like it!