Peer beyond the garden gates: Residents are unveiling their personal gardening endeavors - Individuals exhibiting their personal gardens to the public
The Ruhr region in Germany is set to host a unique event this Sunday, known as the Day of the Open Garden Gate. This event serves as a sneak peek for the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) scheduled to take place in the region in two years.
Over 60 private gardens will be opened to visitors, with locations available in an online overview. Among these gardens are diverse offerings, from spacious plant oasis to small, charming spaces that find joy in a few flower pots.
In Essen, the Baumann family has divided their 300 square meter garden into different areas, including a large terrace, three seating areas, and raised beds for vegetables and strawberries. Meanwhile, in Dortmund, a family has designed their garden directly on the A2 highway, emphasizing that it is not a show garden, with no flower beds or neat borders. Instead, it incorporates many vacation memories, sometimes quirky, and welcomes visitors as long as it remains fun.
Another family in Dortmund has designed their small row house garden in the English cottage style, featuring roses, insect-friendly perennials, dahlias, and vegetable plants. In Duisburg, the neighborhood initiative at the Ludgeriplatz founded a garden eight years ago, which has since become a meeting place for the neighbourhood, hosting art projects as well. The smallest garden participating in the event is also located in Duisburg and consists of just a few flower pots.
Associations, schools, and balcony gardeners will also be involved with their projects in the IGA. The main venues for the IGA will be five future gardens, including one in Dortmund around the Kokerei Hansa, Gelsenkirchen on the Emscher Island, and Duisburg on the Rhine.
IGA supervisory board chairman Garrelt Duin stated that the IGA is an invitation for people to help shape the Ruhr region in their own garden, on the balcony, in the backyard, or in a community project. The IGA is expected to attract at least 2.6 million people from April to October 2027.
The Ruhr region, with its rich history and cultural activities, is known for its industrial heritage. Cities like Bochum, Dortmund, and Essen have undergone significant transformations, evolving from small towns to major urban centers. The region's gardens, reflecting both modern urban designs and traditional German gardens, add a unique charm to this industrial legacy.
For more detailed information about the Open Garden Gate event or the International Garden Exhibition, it would be best to check local event listings or contact regional tourism boards.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the concerted efforts towards preserving and enhancing the gardens and landscapes in the Ruhr region, from small row house gardens in the English cottage style to gardens directly on the A2 highway.
As visitors tour the diverse gardens participating in the Day of the Open Garden Gate event, they may find themselves inspired to implement eco-friendly gardening practices, such as using insect-friendly perennials or raising vegetables, in their own home-and-garden lifestyle, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle for the region.
