Karl Foerster was a pioneering proponent of the 'natural garden' movement, advocating for perennial beds that required little maintenance throughout the seasons.
The garden contains original specimens of the famous 'Bornim Selection' of Delphiniums.
The Sunken Garden was built into a former gravel pit, utilizing the natural change in topography to create a sheltered microclimate.
The garden is recognized as a 'Gartendenkmal' (garden monument) under the protection of the Brandenburg state authorities.
Foerster was one of the first European breeders to emphasize the architectural use of ornamental grasses in garden design.
The nursery continues to sell many of the original plant cultivars developed at this site during the 20th century.
The Karl Foerster Garden in Potsdam-Bornim is the original nursery and private show garden of renowned German horticulturalist Karl Foerster. It remains a primary reference site for the 'Bornimer Staudenkultur' style, characterized by naturalistic perennial plantings. The garden features the 'Sunken Garden' (Senkgarten) and the 'Spring Trail' (Frühlingsweg), which showcase Foerster's signature use of grasses and blooming perennials. The site maintains the historic layout developed between 1912 and 1950. It serves as a living laboratory for late-summer garden aesthetics, known for its extensive collection of Delphinium and Aster hybrids. The garden is managed as a cultural heritage site and continues to propagate plants developed by Foerster himself.
The view from the top of the stairs looking down into the Sunken Garden.
Bring a notebook or camera to capture plant name tags for future reference.
Visit during the late summer peak when the ornamental grasses and late-blooming perennials reach their structural maturity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths consist of uneven gravel and natural terrain.
Do not expect a manicured, formal rose garden; this is a naturalistic, wilder style of horticultural design.
The garden typically sees reduced accessibility or seasonal closures during winter months.
Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate perennial beds; do not pick plants or flowers.
