For one night a year, the doors of Berlin’s spectacular Botanical Garden stay open till the wee hours of the morning, letting guests explore the famed garden under a whole new light. On July 13, visitors from around the city can walk 10 miles of paths through flowerbeds and gardens, watch impressive performances and enjoy a stunning finale fireworks display.
Opened in the city’s western Zehlendorf district in 1910, the Berlin Botanical Garden has since become one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens, housing some of the most important plants in the world. Home to more than 22,000 different species and 16 greenhouses, guests can expect to see tropical and sub-tropical plants in their native climates, rose and herb gardens, and a number of ponds hosting unique plant life, all within the garden’s 100 acres.
In its fifth year, Berlin’s Botanical Night promises to be better than ever. Botanists and gardeners will be on hand to offer tours of the gardens and greenhouses, and those looking for a pursuit of botany can dig deep into the science of plants. This year’s lectures include a discussion on Chinese vegetation, an in-depth look at coffee cultivation, and an exploration about collecting wild mushrooms, among others.
Along with the majestic beauty of the botanical garden’s plant life, visitors to the Botanical Night will delight in a night of varied entertainment. More than 150 artists will take part in the evening with musical performances, dramatic readings, and cabaret dedicated to the appreciation of nature (such as the readings and music based around the wonder of coffee). Setting the wooded wonderland mood, spirited performers dressed as fairies, gods, witches, herbs, flowers, and mythical creatures will greet guests throughout the gardens. Musical performances span a mixture of classical to pop themes, including acts by Mariachi band Sol Latino, jazz ensemble The Toughest Tenors, and pianist Thomas Putensen.
The extraordinary evening comes to a fabulous end with a 2 a.m. fireworks display over the Italian gardens, meant to call to mind sparkling flowers over the Berlin sky. For those interested in attending this year’s event, tickets for the Botanical Night are available online for €38 ($50 USD) and at the Botanical Garden box office at the 5 p.m. start of the event. Visit the Botanical Night website for the full program of the lectures and performances.
Photos courtesy of Eberhard Kloeppel, Haas Botanischer Garten And Botanisches Museum Berlin Dahle
