From Open-Mindedness to Naturalism: Garden Design and Ideology in Germany During the Early 20th Century

The introduction of exotic plants from other continents during the past centuries affected German garden culture and many exotic plants found their way into German gardens. But the increasing nationalism in the late 19th century influenced this international orientation in garden culture. A ‘horticultural’ conservatism emerged, which introduced nationalistic and racist ideas into garden design. This paper will discuss this development with the example of Willy Lange, one of the most important garden architects in Germany in the early 20th century. He developed concepts of the so-called “nature garden” as expressing what he considered to be ‘truly German’ garden art.