Christian Reichart, the Individual Masterminding the Horticultural Profession
In 2025, the Erfurt City Archives will pay tribute to Christian Reichart, a renowned figure in horticulture and gardening, with a special exhibition. This event comes as Erfurt prepares to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Krämerbrücke, a significant landmark in the city.
The exhibition, which invites visitors to trace Christian Reichart's life, will feature a special edition of his seminal work, "Mixed Writings", including his handwritten notes. This edition was acquired by the Erfurt City Archives from Dr. Klaus Heilig's private collection in Mannheim.
Born on July 4, 1685, and passing away on July 30, 1775, Christian Reichart's reputation was high among his contemporaries. His contributions to gardening were significant, notably with the publication "On the Treasure of Fields and Gardens". This work is believed to have played a crucial role in establishing Erfurt's reputation as a "Flower City".
As city master, Christian Reichart's influence on Erfurt's history is significant and enduring. He held numerous civic and honorary offices and was involved in fire protection. His research significantly influenced commercial gardening, and his work continues to be relevant today.
The exhibition will delve into lesser-known passages from "Mixed Writings", offering an opportunity to explore Christian Reichart's life in detail. Visitors will be encouraged to immerse themselves in his long and eventful life, learning about his family, career, interests in natural history, and music.
For those seeking more precise details on Christian Reichart's life and contributions, it is recommended to consult local historical archives of Erfurt, gardening museums, or specialized publications on German horticultural history. By doing so, one can gain a deeper understanding of this influential figure who played a pivotal role in Erfurt's rich gardening tradition.
The special exhibition at the Erfurt City Archives, commemorating Christian Reichart, will showcase a connection between his lifestyle and home-and-garden passions, as seen in his handwritten notes within the home-and-gardening masterpiece, "Mixed Writings." Warning signs of his significant gardening contributions can be traced back to his influential work, "On the Treasure of Fields and Gardens," which greatly impacted Erfurt's labeling as a "Flower City."
