The garden
restauration
To restore the garden and then opening it for the public has since the 1970 always been a family wish. A restoration is costly and the conditions have changed through the years. The result has been some delay to say the least.
The basic material for restoration in the early years were conducted by a group of garden architect students in the work of the present owner's father. The material gathered all the knowledge that existed around the garden - maps, drawings, miscellaneous texts etc. The conclusion was that a restoration could be done well. There was a lot of original material in vaults, archives etc.
Very early, we have been very much aware of the great cultural and historical value that the garden represents. This is based on the documentation in Sanderumgaard's own archive and at various museums in Denmark, but also from what has been said and written, and not the least what can be seen in the garden today. The facts is, that it is one of the most well-documented gardens in Denmark.
Things really started up in the midst 90' with a lot of help from locals, volunteers, institution and individuals. More commitment aroused after a public garden concert were held and the first regular tours took place.
A masterplan was worked out 1995-98 and showed the possibility in the reconstruction. The plan showed all the possibilities and lined up what had to happen -from the first ideas till the guests arrived.
The plan also pointed out all the necessary permissions, public attention and governmental affairs.
Covering who knows what concerning the garden - a circle of friends was established as work force.
Mainly this cultural people and gardeners in order to cover where in the country there was material about the garden; at museums, libraries and the like. The touristic and economic side was handled by solicitors.
What should and what could be expected?
The plan became a work - handbook in subsequent years.
The storm in 1999 put a temporary stop to the project. Sanderumgaard was hit hard on buildings, gardens and forests. The old canal system itself was razed and a subsequent cleanup first completed in 2003. The water level in the Romantic Garden is an important element. With over 2 km channel system, the water flows through lawns and small islands, thus separating the garden from other likewise attractions. With support from Fyn County and various foundations, channels and ditches were cleaned and deepened. Then the main path system was reestablished and various lawns were planned and smaller paths restored. The actual garden setting in 2005 was getting into shape.
Various foundations were now targeted as the really restauration now went under way.
In 2006 the restauration of the pavilion “ Tankefuld “ was completed. This was one of the original original 13 follies in the park -one of the only two existing pavilions left. The restauration was supported by among other things, The Danish heritage agency. Likewise, it became possible to restore Johan Bülow's herb and rose garden. The major breakthrough occurred in 2006, as the foundation Realdania called for support for reconstruction of historical gardens in Denmark
From 130 eventually 9 gardens were involved.
The commitment involved an overall garden plan under the direction of a garden architect.
In 2007, the restoration of the pavilion “Sommerlyst” - the most famous from Eckersberg's paintings began. Using, among other things, support from the Augustine Foundation and the Heritage Agency, this work has been completed.
In 2007, the archive at Sanderumgaard has been registered so that you easily and quickly can find material about the garden.
In 2008-2010 the restoration took place.
In May 2010 the garden opened to the public.
Literature list regarding Sanderumgaard's Romantic Garden:
H.P. Rohde: Johan Bülow på Sanderumgaard
Emil Hannover: Maleren C.W. Eckersberg
Christian Molbech: Fragmenter af en dagbog
Charlotte Dorothea Biehl: Mit ubetydelige levnedsløb
Oluf Olufsen Bagge: Sommeraften på Sanderumgaard 1808
Anne Christiansen: Sanderumgaards Romantiske Have