Dear Mr. Hannemann, what does your typical workday as park ranger at Sanssouci Park look like? What are your main tasks?

My responsibilities primarily include the management and administration of a significant and historic park area, including the orangery. This also involves planning for the restoration and maintenance of the historic garden, encompassing aspects such as garden conservation, horticulture, technical aspects, and artistic design. All of this work is documented according to scholarly standards. I am also responsible for public relations and guided tours – a very diverse and fulfilling job.

Sanssouci Park boasts a remarkable diversity of plants. How did this diversity come about? And who decides which plants are allowed in the park and which are not?

The use of plants in Sanssouci Park is guided by historical and conservation principles. The plant selection is adapted to the park's historical concept, which is aligned with its most important cultural and historical periods: the Baroque era and that of the classical landscape park. The most influential period was arguably from 1816 to 1866, when landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné significantly shaped the park. Approximately 70 percent of the garden bears his signature.

We are very proud that we still cultivate all spring and summer flowers in the park's nursery today. That's a total of 70.000 spring flowers and 130.000 summer flowers. The department heads develop the planting lists and plans from the historical planting plans and ensure their proper implementation and maintenance.
But the trees also require a great deal of care. In Sanssouci Park alone, there are 26.000 trees. Unfortunately, climate change is causing us increasing concern in this regard. For example, Potsdam received only 380 mm of rainfall in 2018. The result was the mass dieback of mature trees. In 2020 alone, 250 trees had to be felled in Sanssouci Park. To prepare for climate change, we are developing special conservation plans for specific sections of the park. In the future, we plan to operate our own tree nursery in the park again; this, too, is a consequence of climate change.

Frederick II created a Mediterranean ambiance for his summer retreat, the effects of which are still evident today. What did the king particularly value in his planting choices, where did he find inspiration, and how did the plants arrive in Potsdam?

Frederick II's guiding principle was to combine beauty with utility. This is, incidentally, a good planning approach for any garden design. Beautiful and useful – this meant that there was a great deal of fruit cultivation in the park, which was, of course, also beneficial for the royal table. Wine is still cultivated on the terraces in front of Sanssouci Palace. Figs are grown in the niches of the retaining wall, and in the summer months, the vineyard is complemented with citrus tubs. In Frederick's time, walnut and sweet chestnut trees stood beside the terraces. Apple and pear trees grew in the hedged enclosures in front of the Picture Gallery. We are currently in the process of restoring this. Cherry trees stood, and once again stand, in front of the New Chambers, and mulberry trees have been planted. It is no coincidence that the adjacent park road is still called Mulberry Avenue today.

Not to be forgotten are the two vineyards: one in the west and one in the east of the property. Both vineyards have been restored and are now maintained by associations.

The source of Frederick II's ideas is not entirely clear. One theory is that he was inspired by the Kamp-Lintfort monastery complex with its baroque terraced garden.

In winter, the Mediterranean plants in the park move into the orangeries. Is there enough space for all the plants there, or are there other measures in place to protect them?

The construction of the Orangery Palace in Sanssouci Park between 1851 and 1864 under Frederick William IV created one of the largest orangeries north of the Alps. This imposing building serves a variety of purposes. Two overwintering halls, each with a floor space of 1.600 m², allow for the wintering of approximately 1.000 potted plants. The cultivation of these potted plants has been practiced with great care since the time of Frederick II. An orangery manager and two assistants oversee the well-being of the plants year-round.

Which is the oldest "exotic" plant in the park, and which do you consider the most worth seeing?

That's a difficult question. I find the over 100-year-old laurel baskets that are set up at the New Palace in summer particularly worth seeing. Choosing which trees to include is also difficult, as there are over 350 different species in the park. Perhaps the most interesting, in my opinion, are the two old mulberry trees that can still be found in the mulberry avenue. They are over 250 years old.

Were all Prussian rulers equally interested in exotic plants?

Collecting plants has always been considered a privilege, and a way to express power. This fact has been exploited, and the cultivation of potted plants has been practiced with great care throughout history. Since the laying of the foundation stone of Sanssouci Palace in 1745, the cultivation of exotic plants has also been a focus in Sanssouci Park. Before the construction of the New Orangery, there were two other orangery buildings, some of which remained partially unused, while others were demolished.

The parks are unique garden creations and valuable natural spaces. In the past, this heritage was not always treated with care. The dry summers also pose a problem. What are the biggest challenges facing the gardeners who maintain them?

Our task is to preserve this heritage for humanity. For this, we need understanding and humility from all visitors. In our park regulations at each entrance, we ask everyone to treat this UNESCO cultural heritage with respect.

Of course, climate change is a major concern for us. Nevertheless, we are committed to handing the park over to the next generation in the best possible condition, if not better. To achieve this, we must make an effort and explore new avenues. I am confident that we can succeed. Re-establishing a tree nursery within the next two to three years, for example, is a step in the right direction. Testing so-called climate-resilient trees and shrubs is another important component.

What, in your opinion, makes Sanssouci Park so special? What should visitors absolutely see?

The park should be understood as a synergy with the city. The entire island of Potsdam, according to the historical plan, was intended to become a paradise. Much of this lofty vision can still be experienced today. Sanssouci is the heart of Potsdam's cultural landscape. Just look at the many vistas it offers into the city. My tip is to visit a belvedere (perhaps one of the two orangery towers) to gain a panoramic view of Potsdam and admire this treasure from a higher vantage point.

Our tip

The guided tour "Pomegranate Walk and Urban Delights" illuminates the city's history and follows the pomegranate's trail through Potsdam's city center. Fascinating anecdotes transport you to antiquity, to Frederick the Great's Voltaire Room, into the world of medicine, and to literature. Delicious treats await, allowing you to experience the unique qualities of this exotic fruit.