Späth-Arboretum

Berlin, Germany, Germany

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The Späth-Arboretum is a historic botanical garden and arboretum in Berlin-Treptow, Germany, maintained by Humboldt University of Berlin and covering 3.5 hectares.

Founded in 1879 by Franz Ludwig Späth, owner of the world's largest and oldest tree nursery (founded 1720), the garden was designed by Berlin city gardener Gustav Meyer in the style of an English landscape park with fine terrain modeling, sunken paths, and interplay between tree groups and open spaces. 

The arboretum contains around 1,200 exotic trees and shrubs from Asia, Africa, and America, with total holdings of approximately 4,000 plant species including a systematic collection of herbaceous plants, medicinal and aromatic garden, rock garden, and a charming pond with water and shore plants. 

The garden includes a central rock garden added in 1928 by Franz's son Hellmut, and over 100 exceptional trees, including the oldest specimen which is a historic tree. Since 1961, the Späth-Arboretum has belonged to Humboldt University's Institute of Biology and is intensively used for research and teaching, while also serving as a public recreational space with stately old trees and elaborate stone architecture.