Berlin's Secret Gardens Open Their Gates for a Rare Public Peek
Over 140 private gardens across Berlin and Brandenburg will welcome visitors this season. The Open Gardens initiative, now in its 23rd year, offers a chance to explore unique green spaces for a small fee. Last year, the event drew nearly 12,000 plant enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike. The initiative began in 2002, organised by the Urania Wilhelm Foerster Association and the German Society for Garden Art and Landscape Culture. Each year, it opens private gardens to the public, showcasing everything from collector’s treasures to historic landscapes.
This season’s highlights include a natural garden filled with insect-friendly perennials and a stunning display of over 3,000 tulips. Elsewhere, visitors can discover rare tomato varieties growing beside columnar apple trees. Some gardens also sell cuttings or seedlings, allowing guests to take a piece of the experience home. Mario Brüdigam, a board member of the initiative, tends his own garden in Zossen. There, roses, tulips, lilies, and asters flourish, reflecting the diversity of the participating plots. Entry to each garden costs just five euros, making the event accessible to all.
The Open Gardens initiative continues to grow in popularity, offering a glimpse into the region’s horticultural creativity. With a mix of breeder’s plots, historic designs, and wildlife-friendly spaces, this year’s event promises something for every visitor. Gardens will remain open throughout the season, weather permitting.
