June 23 | Plant of the week Part I
Fabian
The Guggerbachtal-Alpinum open again
The coveted meconopsis (false poppies) begin to flower.
The false poppies are very popular in the garden world, but tricky fellows. They all come from great heights, up to over 6000 m above sea level in the Himalayas. In the garden you need similar requirements as in the distribution area. They grow on mineral mostly acidic, silicate soils, with deep limestone. For this they need enough moisture and high UV radiation, especially during their vegetative growth. The best known false poppies are the blue flowering species. But there are also species that bloom pink, red, violet, white and yellow. Some are dwarfs, only 10 cm tall, others reach up to 180 cm. About 45 species are known, of which there are short-lived and long-lived. The short-lived are mostly monocarpic. This means they flower only once in their life and survive by self seeding. Most monocarpic species flower in the second or third year after sowing. But if the weather doesn’t suit them, they like to push the flowers a little ahead of them and bloom a year or two later.
The picture is showing the monocarpic species Meconopsis integrifolia up in the Guggerbachtal-Alpinum
Thomas Mann Square
Fabian
The Thomas Mann Platz was laid out in 2007/08.
It is one of the coldest places on the Schatzalp. In some years the snow lies until the end of May.
Thomas Mann knew Karl Foerster and was enthusiastic about Foerster’s Larkspur (Delphinium) breeds. Delphiniums come from the mountains and thrive particularly well here.
Foerster was already in 1894, before the sanatorium was built, to go sledging on the Schatzalp. In the spirit of Foerster’s ”Harp and Timpani”, a small collection of rhubarb (Rheum) joins the delphinium in this garden. Further analogies to the cool Thomas Mann place were found in South Africa. Torch lilies bloom in October, often with snow caps, in this much-visited square.
Big Five Garden
Fabian
In our so called Big Five Garden we have planted part of our collection of 5 large-flowered tall perennials. In our heart of the lower gardens, Irises (Iris), Peonies (Paeonia), day lilies (Hemerocallis), Larkspur (Delphinium) and oriental poppies (Papaver) can be admired in all their glory from June to October. Of course, in addition to plenty of accompanying and additional planting. The winding, small paths make this hillside garden something very special, especially in the evening hours. Discover this variety of horticultural breeding free of charge on the south side of the hotel.
Culinary-herb-Apero with snack
There is an herb for everything and one for every meal.
If you take a closer look at the plant world, you will find countless uses and applications, both culinary and healing, sometimes both. But already the green balcony, the ingrown herb spiral or the shady house entrance planted with mint, please the mind with scent, the eye with blossoms and provides food for insects as well.
!Keep in mind that all our weekly tours are held in german language!
If Friday is not an option for you, but you are interested in a private booking, look here or write to us.
You can find our other program here or simply contact alpinum@schatzalp.ch.
Guided Tour Guggerbachtal-Alpinum
During the guided tour of our "actual" botanical collection, you will get a deep insight into what plants are capable of at high altitudes and the variety that can be found all over the world. Experience with us what it means to be a botanical garden at 1800 m above sea level and marvel at what is probably the largest collection of edelweiss in the world.
Due to the sometimes narrow and steep paths, this tour is only possible with sturdy shoes and only for sure-footed people.
If you are unable to take part on a Tuesday, you can also book the tour privately.
!Keep in mind that all our weekly tours are held in german language!
If Tuesday is not an option for you, but you are interested in a private booking, look here or write to us.
You can find our other program here or simply contact alpinum@schatzalp.ch.
Art Nouveau Garden
Fabian
The parts of our garden, which are located directly at the Art Nouveau Hotel Schatzalp, are combined in our so called Art Nouveau Garden. These include the 2 large beds at the east and west solariums, the small lady’s slipper garden, the long hotel beds and of course the round bed with the historical Iris varieties (Iris Hybrids). In this part of the garden we prioritise cultivated types, plants that have been artificially bread. As in all lower parts of the garden, entry is free.
If you would like to find out more, visit our tour on wednesdays.