📜 A historic arboretum and National Natural Monument, founded in 1828 by Count Eugen Černín.
🌳 Spanning 1.89 hectares, it is renowned for its collection of 219 species and cultivars of deciduous and coniferous trees from North America, Europe, and Asia. It is home to the most comprehensive collection of North American trees in the Czech Republic, including unique specimens like one of Europe's oldest Douglas firs.
🚶♀️ Enjoy peaceful walks through a significant botanical collection.
🌲 Discover unique tree specimens like the flowering dogwood, the entire-leaved tulip tree (the only one in Central Europe), giant arborvitae, Japanese false cypress, and Amur cork tree.
📸 Great for nature photography and quiet contemplation.
👨👩👧👦 Suitable for all ages, offering a serene escape into nature.
🌸 Visit in May for the most beautiful blooms, especially the white flowering dogwood.
☀️ Černín's Douglas fir, planted in 1842, is one of the three oldest living specimens in continental Europe, measuring 39m tall with a trunk circumference of 5.72m.
✈️ The garden is accessible year-round and free of charge, significant both dendrologically and aesthetically. It is located near the Bolfánek lookout tower, the park by Lázeň Chateau, and Kvapilovo or Rusalka's Lake, which inspired composer Dvořák.
🌿 Originally a nursery for ornamental trees for Lázeň castle, transformed into an arboretum by 1841. The name "Americká zahrada" dates from 1846.
🔬 Managed in the 19th century by forester Básel and botanist Ladislav Čelakovský (son of a poet), who brought new saplings from around the world. Count Eugen Černín was also a co-founder of the Dendrological Society in Průhonice.
🌳 Notable trees include Černín's Douglas fir, a rare Japanese false cypress, and two Virginia junipers.
🛡️ Declared a state-protected park and National Natural Monument in 1969. In the 1950s, the arboretum was expanded and re-fenced.
🛠️ Regular safety checks are performed on tree crown bindings (14 bindings on 6 trees checked, with one needing replacement).
🌱 Temporary string fences protect young trees during mowing, which occurs twice a year in June and September.
💰 Admission is completely free, and the garden is open year-round!
🚗 Access is possible from the parking lot at Lázeň Chateau, involving a pleasant walk through the Žďár forest complex.
Another option is from the parking lot at Sv. Anna near the Chudenice cemetery.
The arboretum is located about 2 km from Chudenice village, within a forest complex, near the Bolfánek observation tower and Chudenice Castle.
🏛️ Operated by AOPK ČR – Správa CHKO Český les, Lesy ČR, and Městys Chudenice.
The Civic Association OTISK contributes significantly to its maintenance.
⏱️ Allow approximately 1 hour for a visit to fully explore the arboretum.