Rogów Arboretum

The Rogów Arboretum, located in the Łódź Voivodeship, is one of the most valuable dendrological gardens in Europe, rich in diverse species of trees and shrubs. Its history dates back to 1925, when Professor Edward Chodzicki established the first experimental plot. Over the years, the arboretum underwent many changes, including a significant decline in the number of species after World War II. However, under the care of the Department of Forest Botany at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) since 1947, it began to develop dynamically. In the 1950s, Engineer Henryk Eder introduced a series of modernizations, establishing nurseries and alpine gardens, which contributed to the rich collections of exotic and local plants. Today, the arboretum offers diverse plant collections, such as woody plant collections, an alpine garden, and experimental plots. The collection is dominated by forest and shade-tolerant species, with conifers and genera such as Acer and Stewartia standing out separately. The arboretum also holds significant educational value, especially for botany and forestry students. An interesting feature of the arboretum is its annual seed exchange with over 400 botanical gardens worldwide, supporting research on the growth and health of individual species. Beyond plants, the arboretum also serves a recreational function, with picturesque paths, ponds, and water features, making it an attractive destination for tourists and school trips. The greenhouse houses subtropical plants, including magnolias and olives, which would not survive in the Polish climate. The alpine garden, established by Eder, focuses on mountain plants from around the world, including perennials and trees from mountainous regions. Rogów Arboretum, with over 400 plant species and a commitment to local ecosystems, plays an important role in biodiversity conservation and environmental education.