Arboretum Wespelaar: A World of Trees in a Belgian Garden

Arboretum Wespelaar offers a tranquil escape into a world of trees and shrubs. Located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, south of Haacht, this 20-hectare arboretum showcases a diverse collection of woody plants from across the globe. The arboretum's story began in the 1970s when Philippe de Spoelberch, a passionate dendrologist, started a private botanical collection. Over time, the collection expanded, leading to the creation of Arboretum Wespelaar. In 2007, the arboretum and its collections were donated to the Foundation Arboretum Wespelaar, ensuring its preservation and opening to the public in 2011. Visitors can explore over 2,000 different species and cultivated varieties, including both common and rare specimens. The arboretum is particularly known for its collections of Acer (maples), Magnolia, Rhododendron, and Stewartia. Many trees and shrubs in the arboretum are listed on the IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered, contributing to the conservation of these species. The grounds also feature the "Rode Poort" (red gate), the oldest building in the Arboretum, which serves as the visitor center. Originally a farm, it later functioned as a tavern, disco, and office space. The park of Wespelaar includes an orangery, dating back to 1796, and a temple of Flora. Arboretum Wespelaar has been awarded Level 4 Accreditation by ArbNet, recognizing it as one of the top arboreta worldwide. Visitors can explore the grounds on Wednesdays and Sundays from April 1st to November 15th.