Dendrological Garden in Przelewice

The Dendrological Garden in Przelewice is a unique place, its natural value is exceptional in comparison to similar gardens on the territory of Western Pomerania, or the remaining parts of Poland. The Garden, visited by thousands of tourists every year, houses an impressive collection of trees and shrubs of the temperate climate, which come from all over the world. In the restored, 19th century palace, visitors will find guest rooms, conference rooms and laboratories.

The Garden’s history dates back to the 19th century, when Przelewice were owned by August Heinrich von Borgstede. He started to build the palace in 1814, and at the same time he created the park. It is assumed that the trees from the Polish Trees Alley date back to that period, e.g. the box-trees near Źródliskowa Alley. When in 1879, the estate was sold to Caspar Lachmann, the Garden was enriched with fruit and vegetable gardens. This expansion influenced garden’s layout and changed its role. Between 1933 and 1938, Conrad von Borsig, the member of the German Dendrology Society, and the owner at that time, transformed the territory into a dendrological collection. He remodelled over 20 ha of the garden, and gave it a character of an experimental, naturalistic park. The layout he introduced, is still subject to the conservation protection. After the World War II, the territory of the park was managed by the People’s National Council, and later by the State Farming Enterprise (PGR), which resulted in slight devastation, negligence of garden maintenance works, and in substantial loss of collection’s unique items. Later, the part of the land around the arboretum, located along the boundary ditch, was again incorporated into the territory of the park. Nowadays, the Garden has an area of 45 ha, 30 ha of which are occupied by the garden and the historic palace, the remaining 15 ha comprise of the former arable land (with no access for visitors), which has been incorporated to expand the existing collection. Additional, 1,6 ha serve as a fruit trees nursery.

The Dendrological Garden currently houses over 1200 species of trees, shrubs and green plants. Thanks to the local, mild climate, even those plants which are sensitive to cold (frost) can be grown here, which helps to substantially expand the range of species in the garden. The main idea behind this exceptional collection, which its founder believed in, was that the main task of a human being on this planet, is to properly manage the nature, to take care of it, and to help it develop. Only by doing so, the humans can reach balance in life. That is why, specimen from all over the world, can be found in the Garden. They are divided into beautiful, theme compositions which create a harmonious whole. The Garden’s layout is carefully designed and adjusted to the needs of individual species. That is why the Garden proudly offers a vast selection of rare plants. The Japanese part of the garden deserves a special attention, because of its exceptional beauty and the presence of exotic species. In other part of the park, a beautiful Rose Valley crosses a heath with its collection of heathers, rhododendrons and azaleas. In spring, on a mid-forest glade, guests can enjoy the view of blossoming snowdrops, witch-hazels, and dogwoods. Beeches, sycamores, yews and ground-creeping ivies create a mysterious atmosphere near the remains of the mausoleum.

A flower of a dove tree (Davidia involucrata) is a symbol of the Dendrological Garden. Currently, across the whole globe, this flower is on the Red List of threatened species. It is worth mentioning, that it is also present on the coat of arms of Przelewice Municipality. It is of no surprise that a home of such rich and lush vegetation has also become a home of different kinds of animals. This is an additional valour which makes this garden something more than just a typical outdoor museum.

Apart from the dove tree, the Garden’s collection includes the following plants: different types of spruces (e.g. picea polita, Wilson’s spruce, Brewer’s spruce), Japanese white pine, devil maple, Atlas cedar, American skunk cabbage, winter aconite and bog rhubarb.

The Garden is a home for majestic Indian peafowl. The view of the colourful feathers on their tails not only beautifies the scenery of the park, but it also creates atmosphere of an exotic journey to the mysterious world of nature. Here, visitors can also meet mute swans, which in Poland, belong to the protected species. The swans are mute, but when they fly, they make melodious sounds with their feathers which can be heard from afar. Other inhabitants of the Garden are: Eurasian blue tit, grass snake, sand lizard, the Red Admiral, marsh frog, emperor dragonfly and many other animal species.

The arboretum is open all year long. Visitors can come individually (normal and reduced tickets are available, children under 3 are free of charge), and in organised groups (no additional discounts available). To make the visit more attractive, guest may ask for guide’s help (additional fee). A guide can show visitors around the Garden and present its value. The offer also covers: educational activities for schools (also available in a free-of-charge option), laboratory analyses of soil or plants. The site can also host wedding receptions, photo shoots, or it can be rented as a filming location.