Myślęcinek Forest Park of Culture and Recreation Botanical Garden

The Myślęcinek Forest Park of Culture and Recreation Botanical Garden in Bydgoszcz is an extensive urban botanical garden covering 60 hectares, established between 1980 and 1983 within the Lower Vistula Valley Landscape Park. Designed by Professor Edward Bartmann, the garden's architecture maximizes natural habitat conditions, offering diverse plant communities. The garden features 13 cascading ponds that create an interesting terrain formation. It stands out due to its varied landscape, with elevation differences reaching up to 26 meters and numerous hills and valleys, enhancing its charm. In 2001, new exhibition concepts were introduced, including an arboretum with plants from North America and Asia, which enriched the garden's flora with over 1,600 trees and shrubs. In 2005, a butterfly garden was also created, attracting various species of these insects. The Myślęcinek Botanical Garden is not only a place for recreation but also for education, featuring a unique botanical trail for the blind, which was the first of its kind in Poland when established in 1999. Visitors can admire 820 plant species, including many wild-growing ones, as well as various collections such as a rhododendron garden and fruit trees. Since 2017, the main avenue has been modernized, and admission to the garden is free. Plant sections and collections, such as forest, meadow, and aquatic communities, combine aesthetic values with the practical use of plants, making this place unique in Poland. The garden is open year-round, encouraging residents and tourists to visit regularly and enjoy the beauty of the flora. The director of the garden is M.Sc. Eng. Karol Dąbrowski, who oversees its development and promotes its unique qualities.