Nova Meierhenrich: Easing the Storm in a Chaotic World
Evades Media Scrutiny through Clandestine Maneuvers - Evading Media Frenzy: Her Secret Method
In the bustling world of German television and literature, Nova Meierhenrich (51) — actress, presenter, and allotment gardener — has recently ruffled feathers with her heartfelt novel, "Lebensschlenker," delving into her unfulfilled yearnings for motherhood. At the OMR in Hamburg, she candidly opens up about dealing with the media maelstrom, escaping the frenzy, and her upcoming projects this year, beyond tending to her prized allotment garden. A verdant oasis of tranquility, Meierhenrich traversed the fairgrounds in Hamburg in a rickshaw, courtesy of Neudorff, an eco-conscious gardening product manufacturer, offering a haven of greenery amid the city's cacophony.
Are you taken aback by the magnitude of interest in your latest book exploring your struggles with fertility?
Meierhenrich: To be quite honest, yes! These past eight weeks have been an unrelenting whirlwind — a far cry from what I anticipated. The response to my book has been overwhelmingly positive, and I've been inundated with discussions about the topic. I'm thrilled with the attention and the conversations it has sparked, including numerous messages from women expressing their appreciation that they finally feel understood. It's a profound experience when strangers approach with a soft whisper of gratitude for speaking their truth.
How do you balance moments of peace amidst the tumult?
Meierhenrich: Balancing serenity in the midst of chaos has been quite an instructive journey for me. In the past, I'd convince myself that I needed to keep pushing — that the stress was mere byproduct of my dedication. But eventually, my body made its demands known. In order to create sanctuaries within the storm, I've learned to seek out moments of solace and indulge in them. My van parked outside my home serves as a escape, and whenever I crave the sea, I slip inside to gaze upon the horizon and let the stress evaporate. A quick jaunt to the Elbe beach is another haven when I'm pressed for time. My allotment garden, of course, remains my tranquil refuge. As soon as the sun emerges, I'm compelled to get my hands dirty, and there's truly no sensation quite like being grounded by the earth.
Is the gritty, hands-on aspect of gardening a stark contrast to your glamorous professional life?
Meierhenrich: Absolutely, and I thrive on the juxtaposition. From my formative years, I've been drawn to the earthy simplicity — my childhood was spent playing in the dirt and building treehouses, and our vacation destinations were typically rustic locales free from palm trees. This connection to the down-to-earth remains a staple in my life today, as I find the contrast invigorating. A manicure just doesn't cut it when my nails are crusted with soil, so I simply paint them crimson to continue tending to my garden in the evenings.
Do your celebrity status among allotment neighbors make membership in the community any more challenging?
Meierhenrich: Not at all! Many of my neighbors don't know what I do for a living, and even those who do, it doesn't seem to impact our relationships. That's part of the allure — the focus is on something other than my career. I enjoy camaraderie with some neighbors, frequently exchanging home-baked treats over the garden fence. Of course, there are those who embody every garden-plot stereotype, but the mix only adds to the charm.
What does your allotment garden look like this year?
Meierhenrich: At present, it's a riot of color. The vegetables aren't yet planted because the frost saints have yet to make an appearance — it's always a little risky in Hamburg. But everything is in bloom and sprouting. The tulips are bursting with vibrant hues, the grasses are growing lush, and my plum tree and apple tree are awash in blossoms. It's a truly delightful phase right now, and I can't help but feel anticipation for the impending harvest and long, leisurely evenings spent outdoors.
Does your partner, TV chef Brian Bojsen, lend a hand in the garden?
Meierhenrich: No, thankfully! He's already a whirlwind in the kitchen, so I'm grateful that he steers clear of any tools. Anything DIY or home renovation induces vigorous head-shaking from him, and fortunately, I take pleasure in such activities. He excels as the ultimate barbecue maestro, and our division of responsibilities is absolutely ideal.
What advice can you offer beginners embarking on their gardening journey?
Meierhenrich: First, I urge you not to be overly perfectionistic. The garden will reveal itself to you. At the outset, you believe you have complete control, but gardening is an ever-evolving process impacted by myriad variables, such as the weather. So, I recommend letting go of any pressure and embracing the learning process. The payoff may be a bountiful harvest or simply a profound experience.
Second, I encourage you to eschew artificiality. I strive to cultivate my garden as wildly as possible, respecting the allotment garden regulations, but allowing some freedom for the garden to breathe. Gardening can be found in small spaces, like balcony boxes filled with tomatoes, or windowsill containers harboring herbs. The essential component is to simply begin, experiment, and enjoy the exploration.
Third, forget about fancy gardening attire! Exuberant grass stains on your shirt are an unavoidable occupational hazard when trying to maintain neat trimming. There's no need to invest in gardening clothes.
What other aspirations do you have for this year beyond the allotment garden?
Meierhenrich: I can't divulge specifics as plans are subject to change daily. However, we're planning a multi-week adventure in our van during the summer, traveling to the North Cape and traversing Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. This journey will serve as a finale to our hopes for children, and I'm eagerly anticipating the experience. In addition to attending various engagements in Scandinavia, we'll be venturing off the beaten path, exploring the landscape and embracing the unexpected.
- Meierhenrich was asked about the response to her book delving into her struggles with fertility, to which she admitted that it was overwhelmingly positive and sparked numerous conversations about the topic.
- When asked about balancing peace amidst the tumult, Meierhenrich stated that she has learned to seek out moments of solace, such as her van, Elbe beach, and the allotment garden.
- Regarding the contrast between her professional life and gardening, Meierhenrich expressed that she thrives on the contrast, finding it invigorating and relishing the earthy simplicity over glamour.
- Discussing the allotment neighbors not knowing her celebrity status, Meierhenrich revealed that it doesn't impact their relationships, as gardening is the common focus.
- Meierhenrich described her allotment garden as a riot of color, with vibrant tulips, lush grasses, and blossoming trees, although the vegetables have yet to be planted due to frost.
- Responding to whether her partner Brian Bojsen helps in the garden, Meierhenrich shared that he doesn't, as he's already a whirlwind in the kitchen and prefers to stay away from any tools.
- Offering advice to beginners embarking on their gardening journey, Meierhenrich emphasized the importance of letting go of perfectionistic tendencies, embracing the learning process, eschewing artificiality, forgetting about fancy gardening attire, and focusing on exploration.
