Expanding the garden involves the forest as well.
At the core of the 38th Bavarian State Garden Show in Furth im Wald are flowers, waters, bees, and art. For the city, this event is a significant opportunity, as highlighted by Soeder during the opening ceremony. Not just a flower exhibit, it serves as a catalyst for ecology, biodiversity, and species protection, according to the Minister-President. It also promotes urban development, enhances the quality of life, and boosts tourism.
The show's motto, "Magically Much to Experience," is aptly reflected in the meticulously planned grounds. Around 2,600 shrubs, 240 trees, and nearly 150,000 perennials and bulbs have been planted, ensuring an abundance of visual and sensory experiences. Over 3,000 events are scheduled to augment the experience.
The event was substantially supported by the Free State of Bavaria, with 11.3 million euros in funding allocated. Furth im Wald too made significant investments, notably demolishing the old Further Festhalle to make way for a new park arena. Urban development measures in the city center were also undertaken to enhance the cityscape. Soeder emphasized that these investments have long-term benefits, going beyond mere seasonal impact.
A central motif of the show is the dragon, a symbol deeply rooted in the historic play "Further Drachenstich." Performed for over 500 years, this play, a German rarity, was declared an intangible cultural heritage in 2018. The dragon can be found in various forms across the show's grounds, from dragon-scale-shaped beds to a dragon's blood red bridge railing. The high-tech robot dragon, famed from the open-air play, is also regularly showcased.
Since its inception in 1980 in Neu-Ulm, the Bavarian State Garden Show has become a fixed format in the state. The next editions are planned for 2027 in Bad Windsheim and 2030 in Nuremberg, marking the jubilee edition.
Garden shows such as this one often highlight the importance of green spaces in urban settings, promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. They demonstrate innovative gardening techniques and sustainable practices that can be adopted by communities. In addition, they influence urban planning by showcasing how green spaces can be integrated into city designs, enhancing aesthetic appeal and functionality. Community engagement is fostered, and recreational spaces are provided. Garden shows can become significant tourist attractions, drawing visitors and boosting the local economy.
The Bavarian State Garden Show, with its focus on flowers, waters, bees, and art, extends its scope to include environmental science, as it promotes urban development, ecology, biodiversity, and species protection. Furthermore, the show's meticulous planning, incorporating 2,600 shrubs, 240 trees, and 150,000 perennials and bulbs, reflects a lifestyle that harmonizes home-and-garden aesthetics with environmental sustainability.
