Right in the heart of Ixelles, wedged between busy streets and tightly-packed buildings, lies a veritable gem of nature: Parc Tenbosch. And the good news is that this haven of green peace has just been officially classified as a protected site by the Brussels-Capital Region. This news, combined with the renovation of Parc de Forest and Parc du Cinquantenaire, shows that Brussels is undergoing a veritable green revival.
Parc Tenbosch: an extraordinary botanical garden
Originally, this area was just a piece of private land acquired by the Semet-Solvay family at the end of the 19th century. A few decades later, dendrologist Jean-Louis Semet and his gardener Hector Noyer transformed the park into a veritable arboretum. Between the 1950s and 1980s, they planted rare species from all over the world. Some of these are still found nowhere else in Belgium.
Open to the public since 1986, the park has quickly become a must-see destination for botanical enthusiasts… but also for those who just want a breather from the noise of the city.
An exceptional collection of trees
As you stroll along the winding paths, you’ll come across majestic chestnut trees, fragrant lime trees, century-old oaks, maples and magnolias. Some of them are even listed in the Inventaire du Patrimoine National. Each season brings its own array of colors and scents. But what makes the park so extraordinary is the presence of “living fossils” such as the metasequoia, the Japanese umbrella pine and the handkerchief tree.
A haven for biodiversity
A veritable open-air museum, the park is home to more than just remarkable trees. It’s also a veritable sanctuary for birds, insects and small mammals. Between the foliage and the many shady areas, they come to nest, feed and rest. If you enjoy birdwatching, keep your eyes peeled: the area is full of surprises.