It's already that time! Never before has the snowdrop tree in the forest garden unfurled its white bells so early. Almost 4 weeks before the usually expected date, the 180-year-old tree, which is the strongest of its kind in Germany with a trunk circumference of almost 2 meters, is in bloom. Thousands of small, white bells form an enchanting dome over the Goebel-Weg, where the tree stands in the historical part of the Forstgarten. As its botanical name Halesia carolina suggests, it originates from eastern North America. Unfortunately, there are no records of how it found its way to Tharandt over 180 years ago.

Of course, some snowdrop trees have also been planted in the new North America area, right near the entrance on Zeisigweg in Kurort Hartha. They are now a good 20 years old and 4-5 m high. They are only just beginning to blossom.

At the moment, there are flowers almost everywhere in the forest garden. Many species that usually show their flowers gradually are now blooming at the same time. The Judas trees and flowering dogwoods are certainly worthy of special mention, but rhododendrons, weigelia, hawthorns and many others are also in full bloom. Sometimes these are beautiful but difficult to spot, such as the blossom of the Manchurian walnut.

We can only hope that the cold weather forecast for next week will not put an abrupt end to this splendor. The forest garden is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00, admission is free, donations are requested.

Contact:
Dr. Ulrich Pietzarka
Curator
Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden
Phone: +49 351 463-31274
www.forstpark.de