Poensgen Park

Poensgen Park, known locally as Poensgenpark, is a hidden gem nestled in Ratingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This picturesque park, spanning an impressive 4.5 hectares, offers a tranquil escape into nature, blending historical significance with the serene beauty of a late landscape garden. Originally a private park, it has been open to the public since 1977 and is now a cherished cultural treasure in the Rhineland.

The History of Poensgen Park

The roots of Poensgen Park trace back to 1790 when Johann Gottfried Brügelmann, the founder of the Cromford textile factory, established it. The park's initial design was a Baroque garden, created with the help of the young garden architect Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe. Today, the only remaining feature from this era is a small chestnut avenue leading to the manor house.

In 1906, the park underwent significant transformation when it was acquired by Carl Poensgen, a prominent industrialist. Poensgen commissioned the renowned Düsseldorf garden architect Reinhold Hoemann to redesign the park in the English landscape style, a popular trend at the time. The result was a magnificent blend of manicured lawns, strategically placed trees, and picturesque water features.

Tragically, the park and its structures suffered extensive damage during World War II. In March 1945, Allied bombings destroyed the Angerhaus, the main house in the park, and its surrounding gardens. Despite these hardships, the park's natural beauty and historical significance endured.

Exploring Poensgen Park

Today, Poensgen Park is divided into three distinct areas: the former Angerhaus and its garden, the expansive landscape park, and the forested area across the Anger River. Each section offers unique features and a glimpse into the park's storied past.

The Angerhaus and Its Garden

The Angerhaus, once the centerpiece of Poensgen Park, stood on a hill at the park's southwestern edge. Although the house was destroyed in 1945, its corners are now marked by four steles with a rainbow effect created by artist Reinhard M. Görs. Nearby, the former house garden remains the only part of the park not open to the public. This area includes a former private bathhouse and a tool shed, both of which are under consideration for redevelopment by the city of Ratingen.

The Landscape Park

The landscape park, designed in the English style, stretches from the hill down to the Anger River. Visitors can access this area via a historic stone staircase leading from the former Angerhaus site. The park is characterized by vast lawns dotted with solitary trees and bushes, creating a serene and open atmosphere.

One of the park's highlights is the impressive collection of over 120 species of trees and shrubs, many of which are rare in European gardens due to their size and space requirements. Notable specimens include a Parrotia, a wingnut tree, a South American trumpet tree, a Judas tree, a Chinese dove tree, a North American giant sequoia, and three endangered black poplars. The park also boasts a Dawn Redwood, a species once thought extinct and known only from fossils until its rediscovery in China in 1941.

The Forested Area

Crossing the Anger River via one of three bridges, visitors enter the park's most natural section, which retains a forest-like character. This area is crisscrossed with footpaths and extends upstream along the Anger River to the vicinity of the Brügelmann manor house. The oldest path in the park, now known as Maple Avenue, dates back to 1786 when it was marked on maps as Linden Avenue. This path once connected the Brügelmann manor to the Junkernbusch forest.

Along Maple Avenue, visitors will find a small shelter, offering a place to rest and take in the natural surroundings.

Recent Developments and Conservation Efforts

In 1995, landscape architects Rose and Gustav Wörner developed a park maintenance plan, leading to the park's designation as a historic monument in 1997. As part of these efforts, the hill where the Angerhaus once stood was transformed into a rose and perennial garden, preserving the site's historical significance while enhancing its beauty.

In 2005, Poensgen Park was recognized as an excellent park and included in the Road of Garden Art between the Rhine and Meuse, a testament to its cultural and historical value.

However, the park has faced challenges in recent years. A severe storm in 2014 caused extensive damage, felling numerous trees and resulting in the park's temporary closure. In 2017, the park's most famous tree, a century-old Atlas cedar, had to be removed due to storm damage, despite efforts by a local citizens' initiative to save it. Additionally, the park's large chestnut avenue was replaced with 38 tulip trees in 2019 due to the threat posed by leaf-mining moths.

Despite these setbacks, Poensgen Park remains a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Its blend of historical elements, rare plant species, and tranquil landscapes offers a unique and enriching experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Poensgen Park is a must-visit destination in Ratingen.