Groenenberg Domain

You can enjoy some striking natural collections in this 45-hectare park, managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. You will come across solitary trees, colourful shrubs, eye-catching azalea bushes, and purple butterfly bushes that offer year-round colour. Around 1900, notary Charles Claes had Groenenberg Castle built, designed by Brussels architect Y. Evrard. Landscape architect Edmond Galoppin designed the park on the right of the main entrance, while the park on the left was laid out according to Galoppin’s principles a few years later. Six sight lines depart from the castle and run along the main parts of the park. Five of these ‘vistas’ still exist or have been restored to their original concept. Some sight lines continue into the landscape, while others end at the park boundaries.

Some special trees were replanted, such as the tulip tree, common catalpa, Kentucky coffee tree, and American sweet gum, complementing the existing collection of giant sequoia, copper beech, lime, ash, and oak. Flower and shrub lovers can enjoy unique hydrangeas and hardy Ghent azalea collections. Around the pond, you will find a nature reserve with hygrophytes such as great horsetail, cuckooflower, Solomon’s seal, common primrose, and cranberry. The footpaths in the park are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful environment.

Picture: copyright Hendrik Vandewinkel