The Weihenstephan Gardens

The Weihenstephan Gardens are the teaching and experimental gardens of the University of applied sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf. The design and development of the diverse plantings is carried out under site-ecological, aesthetic and maintenance aspects. They are used for the education of students as well as for researching and viewing outdoor ornamental plants, their use and care. The Weihenstephan Gardens are known far beyond the borders of Bavaria and have a long history dating back to the old Benedictine monastery of Weihenstephan. They are considered a tourist magnet and are a popular local recreation area for the citizens of Freising. Today they are an integral part of research and teaching at the HSWT, but also inspire a wide audience of experts and garden lovers. It is possible to book a guided tour of individual gardens, where expert guides explain the design intentions behind the plantings as well as interesting facts about care and individual plants.

Founded in 1947, the display garden covers an area of more than 5 hectares. In this teaching and experimental garden, perennial and shrub assortments as well as rose novelties are tested for their utility value. An important aspect is the site-appropriate use of perennials in ecologically coherent and aesthetically pleasing combinations.

In the centre of the garden are bedding perennial assortments and decorative borders. The south-facing slope is bordered by steppe heath-like plantings, rock gardens, a pond and a water basin. The border areas and the western part of the garden are characterised by a broad assortment of shrubs with a species-rich herbaceous understory. The individual display plantings invite the visitor to reflect on which plants are a good match in terms of location and appearance. Different colours of flowers and leaves, growth forms, structures and textures are arranged in such a way that appealing, contrasting or harmonious planting patterns are created. The exciting structure of the beds is intended to provide students and visitors with ideas for garden design.

From May to October, guided tours are offered for groups up to a maximum of 25 people in the viewing garden. For organisational reasons, we recommend that larger groups register for a guided tour.

The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and has these contents:

• borders with perennials that are excellently matched in terms of colour

• site-appropriate use of perennials for different living areas

• lush summer flower plantings in unusual colours

• broad insight into the design, use and care of perennials and woody plants

In the allotment garden, a lot of research is done on the cultivation of well-known and rare vegetable and herb species, which are grown in many proven and new varieties. Whether classic vegetable and raised beds or diversely planted, horizontally constructed container systems for small balconies and terraces: Everything is available here that makes the cultivation of useful plants at home fascinating and exciting. "Urban gardening can be experienced in the HSWT's allotment garden. The fruit show garden demonstrates that fruit can fit into even the smallest garden if the right type of fruit and the right tree, shrub or cultivation form are chosen.

In the allotment garden of the HSWT, work is done according to the latest research:

• Info on variety selection, crop rotation & fertilisation.

• Mixed cultures on raised beds & raised beds

• Cultivation of vegetables & ornamental plants in the smallest of spaces

• a wide variety of small greenhouses with seasonal plantings

• numerous spices and medicinal herbs

• automatic irrigation systems

• berries, stone fruits & pome fruits

• Display weather station

Guided tours of the allotment garden are offered from May to October for groups of up to a maximum of 25 people. For organisational reasons, we recommend that larger groups register for a guided tour. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and has these contents:

Vegetable allotment garden

• New and old vegetable species & varieties in beds and small greenhouses

• Assortment of over 50 different herbs

Fruit show garden

• Demonstration plantings of berries & pome fruits that thrive in our climate & can be used preferably in small gardens

• Choice of varieties, forms of cultivation & pruning options

The park-like courtyard garden encompasses the former core area of the monastery garden of the Benedictines who used to settle in Weihenstephan. In the centre is the Salettl, an imposing baroque building that was renovated in the 1990s and was the former garden casino of the Weihenstephan abbots. The courtyard garden received its present appearance after several redesigns around 1950. A tree population worth seeing, varied perennial and seasonal border plantings impress at any time of year.

The dominant trees are the striking blood beech, an old ginkgo and stately specimens of the silver maple and the gingerbread tree. In spring, blossoming magnolias attract the eye. A visitor magnet is the western viewing terrace, from which a dreamlike view of the Alps is possible in good weather.

The parterre garden was conceived as a top-view planting in a modern design. Cut hedges of yew and various barberry varieties divide the individual, irregularly shaped areas. They create a striking contrast to the free appearance of the herbaceous plants placed in the surroundings. The different shades of green and autumn colours of the hedges make it possible to experience the seasons, as do the geophytes and perennials used. Reliable species and varieties that are effective over a long period of time (Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, Bistorta amplexicaulis, Hakonechloa macra, etc.) were chosen. Individual interspersed ornamental grasses (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') provide the connection between the sub-areas. Together with the repetitions of the hedges, they connect the entire area into a unified whole.

Originally connected to the Hofgarten, the area of the Oberdieckgarten was separated from it in 1925 by the construction of the mighty Löwentor building. The original planning of the garden, named after the fruit expert Oberdieck, was by Carl Wilczek. His idea of an architectural garden area divided into terraces and rectangular fours has been preserved to this day. The terraces of the architecturally designed garden divided into rectangular fours accommodate different themes. The Oberdieckgarten offers garden lovers ideas and inspiration on these themes:

• Roses, Fragrant & Medicinal Plants

• Outdoor orchids

• mountain laurel, azaleas & their herbaceous companions

• intersectional peonies & ornamental apples

• Hydrangeas & companion perennials

Anyone who walks attentively through the garden can sense the vibrancy that the scenery experiences through the diverse shades of green and contrasting growth forms of the woody plants used. The abundance of flowers in spring and summer and the colourful foliage in autumn are highlights of the garden year.

From May to October, guided tours are offered for groups up to a maximum of 25 people through the three gardens at Weihenstephaner Berg. For organisational reasons, we recommend that larger groups register for a guided tour. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes the following:

• Parterregarten

• Court Garden with changing flora

• Oberdieck Garden

This balcony flower show features popular classics, but also new balcony flowers, some of which are still in the testing phase. Not all species and varieties have already passed their test and are therefore critically observed by the experts. Numerous design examples, both by colour and by the classic division into main, companion and hanging plants, can be seen here. Precise labelling of all the plants used makes it possible for visitors to get to know new plants at any time or to transfer examples to their own balconies. Visitors also get a small insight into the enormous variety of individual species, such as petunias.

Before the balcony season begins, the colourful spring bloomers are in the flower boxes. The previous classic assortment of primroses, violas and bulbous plants is supplemented by early perennials. With their foliage and flowers, these perennials make a varied addition.

Once the bloom of the balcony flowers is over in October, the autumn season with enchanting perennials, grasses and herbs follows. Together with tried and tested varieties of chrysanthemums, cyclamen, summer heather and heather, the balcony boxes will continue to bloom into winter.