Collection types

Growing conditions

Except for a few specimens, all plant collections grow in the open air and in full soil. Climate and composition of the soil are thus major limiting factors. The area available is also limited. 

• The average annual temperature is 9.6° C, with extremes of –20° C and +37° C.
• The average annual rainfall is 800 mm.
• The soil consists of sand with an impermeable layer of clay and/or a bottom layer with a high iron content. The pH is acidic to neutral.     

The majority of the collection is made up of woody plants: trees and shrubs. Nevertheless, a major place is also reserved for the perennials and herbaceous plants. 

About 210 different genera with about 7,000 taxa are represented, spread between various collections.

Where can you find them in the garden?

Ailanthus giraldii

The plants in the arboretum garden do not grow in systematic beds or in straight rows. Nor are they grouped according to origin, family or genus. 

The plants are planted in natural units and combined to create aesthetic, natural-looking arrangements. Climbers and creepers wrap themselves around the trees. Shrubs and perennials provide a stratified undergrowth.

Finding plants for yourself

Ailanthus altissima

You can create a personal map showing the location of the plants for which you are looking. In the welcome centre there is an information kiosk available with a search function. You can print out the map and take it around the arboretum garden.

This service is a result of the PLANTCOL project, an initiative of Vereniging voor Botanische Tuinen en Arboreta VBTA, supported by Federal Research Policy.