I have been searching guidebooks, etc. for any mention of botannical gardens in Belgium with no luck. Are there any? Are there any other not to be missed gardens? What and where are the royal greenhouses in Brussels? Thanks for any help.<BR>Jane

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken have been constructed in 1874 by King Leopold II on the palace grounds. They consist of 16 huge interconnected greenhouses with the glass-and-iron dome of the Winter Garden dominating the complex. Once a year, usually the last week of April and the first week of May, the greenhouses are open to the public. The Royal Greenhouses are located at Avenue du Park Royal 61 in Laeken/Brussels. <BR>Furthermore in Belgium: <BR>*the National Botanical Garden of Belgium in Meise/Brussels - see http://www.br.fgov.be/<BR>*the Botanical Garden of the Ghent University - see http://www.trabel.com/gent-botanical.htm<BR>*the French Garden at Ch&acirc;teau de B&eacute;thune in La Hulpe<BR>*Arboretum in Kalmthout - see http://www.arboretumkalmthout.be<BR>*the Gardens at Provinciaal Domein Bokrijk - see http://www.limburg.be/bokrijk/tuinen.html<BR><BR>

Dear Myriam,<BR>Thank you for the info and the web sites. I'll be ther the wrong time for the Royal greenhouses, but do you r(or anyone else) have a reccomendation for a specfic garden?<BR>Jane

There's a book called The Garden Lover's Guide to Belgium and the Netherlands, still in print as far as I know, that has lots pictures and descriptions of selected gardens. You might want to look for it if the subject interests you.

Dear KT,<BR>I am heading to Amazon.com immediately.<BR>Thanks so much, KT.<BR>Jane

Hi, Jane -- Sorry, I got the name backwards. It's The Garden Lover's Guide to the Netherlands and Belgium. But you probably are adept enough at searching Amazon that you found it anyway.

KT-<BR>The only book I can find seems to be out of print, and in French. Do you have an author's name?<BR>Thanks,<BR>Jane

Jane--I just found it on Amazon by doing a title word search (Not exact title search) for "garden guide belgium." Author is Barbara Abbs. BTW, I have this book at home and enjoy looking at it even though I'm not a gardener.

KT-<BR>I've got it now, don't know why it wouln't come up before, must have entered words in wrong sequence. Thanks again so very much. I'm looking forward to the arrival of my copy.<BR>Jane

Our two favorite gardens are:<BR>Domaine d'Annevoie-Rouillon (in the Namur province). The gardens were developed in the 18th century as a blend of the best of formal French and romantic Italian gardens--plus lots of fountains. The gardens are open early April to early November from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. Guided tours are available July and August. Their phone number is 32 (0) 82 61 15 55.<BR>Flemish Showgardens, Chapter Park, Chapter House, Hoegaarden, phone 32 (0) 16 767 919 These isn't the fanciest or most elaborate garden in the world but it's quite pretty, very peaceful, and off the beaten path. They have a pleasant little cafe in the garden and also a beer garden, where they grow the ingredients for beer. Often a volunteer is on hand with a keg of beer to let you taste the happy results.<BR><BR>Although I have not been there, the Japanese Gardens in Hasselt are supposed to be the most authentic in Europe. They were created unter the guidance of Itami, Hasselt's Japanese sister city and are designed to imitate 17th century Japanese tea gardens. Open early April to early October, Tues. to Friday, 10am-5 pm. Weekends, 2 pm to 6 pm. 32 (0) 11 23 95 40 or 32 (0) 11 23 52 00.<BR><BR>If you make it to La Hulpe (about 20 min. from Brussels by train) during rose season, walk down the main street from the train station. There's a small house by the lake that has the most amazing private rose garden I've seen in years. <BR>BTilke (Brussels)

<BR>Jane, what time of the year are we talking about? All the gardens are at their best around May/June although there is something to see year round, but in early winter they are pretty boring, unless there is snow!

Myriam-<BR>Not the best of times for gardens-the last week in September, but I'm enough of an addict that I love to visit even if nothings blooming. I like to look at the structure as well as the individual plants. Thanks to you and BTilke for all your help, not just under this posting, but lots of others. I've gotten great help in planning this trip from both of you and many others at this site. (I may be back with more questions later).<BR>Thanks again,<BR>Jane