Harmonious haven along Herkenfelder Way, painted in verdant hues
Experience Your Daily Dose of Lush Greenery: "The Green Side of GL"
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Subscribe to our Free NewsletterThe allotment garden on Herkenfelder Weg, nestled between Paffrath and Katterbach, has been a charming, self-sustained community for 40 years. It's open to all, offering a playground, orchard, educational trail, and communal gardens.
Take a stroll along Herkenfelder Weg, as we embark on our "MoreGreen" series. Hidden in the protection area near Paffrath combined baths lies thekleingartenverein Herkenfelder Weg. Its 63 vibrant plots showcase a kaleidoscope of color, even under heavy rain, with peonies standing tall and proud.
Uwe Rieckhoff, the association's chairman, ponders, "If not for our devoted allotment gardeners, what would this green area look like?" He explains, "Although we may not bring more green to the city, we nurture and preserve a natural sanctuary on the outskirts of Bergisch Gladbach."
Spanning 21,854 square meters, this verdant space offers a harmonious blend of public green for all citizens. Throughout the leased gardens, visitors can unwind on benches scattered across the communal and publicly accessible green areas. Nature lovers seek solace and tranquility while kids enjoy the self-constructed, TÜV-approved playground, and adults bask in the city park-like atmosphere.
Visitors can sample herbs from the walkable herb spiral, fruits from the orchard, and learn from the old water boiler in a flowerbed or the large insect house for wild bees. Two beehives grace the beekeeper's garden.
What sets the herkenfelder Weg garden apart is its communal beds, orchard, and walkways, all accessible to the public. This include paths leading past the allotments, providing glimpses into the picturesque ambiance, and numerous inviting seating areas.
The harmonious mix of vegetable and ornamental gardens in the privately tended gardens captivates every visitor, even in rainy weather. It's a delightful glimpse into a miniature garden city with charming front gardens. Most of these garden cabins boast cozy terraces with a homely vibe. As soon as warmer weather arrives, everyone heads out to enjoy the verdant haven. Whether it's for breakfast on the terrace or a cozy dinner in a group, the garden becomes an extension of one's living room.
With around 1,600 allotment gardens in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Kleingartenverein Herkenfelder Weg e.V. remains a cherished green oasis. On June 28, the association marks its 40th anniversary. One wonders what may have become of this plot if the association hadn't leased it from the city of Bergisch Gladbach. A parking lot or a residential complex are possibilities that come to mind.
Greenery for All and All for Greenery
For four decades, garden enthusiasts have tended to this land. Among the 143 club members, a few original small gardeners still remain, albeit in fewer numbers. Many are over 80 years old, with the oldest being 93, who still works diligently in his beloved plot. Gardening seems to be the secret to longevity and fitness.
To rent a plot, one must be a member and have a preliminary meeting. The application form can be found on the club's website. All that gardeners create, design, or plant on their plot remains theirs, as these dedicated greenkeepers cultivate their tiny green haven independently.
A Thriving Community
Community is emphasized and fostered within this garden complex. Four times a year, the small gardeners gather for "community work." Their efforts focus on maintaining the communal areas. The festival committee contributes to the community by organizing this year's summer and anniversary festival. Even in winter, gardening tasks remain, and after a job well done, one might gather for a mulled wine evening and barbecue in the snow.
Garden advice is offered by a garden consultant, with climate-friendly gardening frequently being a topic of discussion. Group workshops are challenging to organize due to the absence of a meeting house. On sunny days, garden enthusiasts might meet outside on the shared flower meadow near the playground or gather within someone's garden house.
In a WhatsApp group, the small gardeners regularly exchange information. When there were break-ins in 2022, everyone could discuss it quickly. Since then, every plot has been monitored by video cameras. "If we all speak up, then they're here. You can count on it," says Detlef Zielke, deputy chairman.
Neighbors know each other and help each other. "Watering commissioners" are often spotted, ensuring the communal areas stay green and thriving during droughts. Others keep an eye on things within the complex, which frequently results in casual conversations among gardening enthusiasts.
A World of Green Delights
The garden is a cherished haven for the leisure gardeners. It's the love for nature, the immersion in the garden, the pride in a few square meters of green.
"Our garden is a little green sanctuary, providing a permanent vacation all year round. Sitting on the terrace in a warm summer rain is a joy," enthuses Mrs. Rieckhoff. Mr. Zielke's small pond evokes a vacation feeling. Some garden houses are more like holiday studios than garden sheds.
"In the media, it's mostly about violence and negativity. Here in my garden, it's serene, a whole different world that nourishes my soul," says Mr. Rieckhoff. Mr. Zielke agrees, "My garden is a soothing balance to work and brings me a lot."
A gardener always discovers their garden afresh, as it's a perpetual show throughout the year. Gardens always offer something back, like the feeling of satisfaction. "It's so rewarding when I can harvest vegetables, the reward for my gardening efforts," says Mrs. Rieckhoff.
People with ideals and understanding for coexistence gather here. They respect the basic rules of the Federal Allotment Garden Act, which includes the following division: at least 1/3 of the allotment garden for fruit and vegetable cultivation, a maximum of 1/3 sealed surfaces with garden houses and terraces, and 1/3 for free, green design.
"Taking over a garden means taking responsibility for one's garden in the spirit of community and allotment gardening. Allotment gardening is work that brings relaxation and joy, but requires regular maintenance," explains Mr. Rieckhoff, "the essence of an allotment garden colony."
Open Garden Areas and Community Gardens
In the entrance area, there's an approximately 420-square-meter "open garden" featuring a flower meadow, small blooming green islands, and a walkable herb spiral built from Bergischer graywacke without any mortar as a dry stone wall. Not only various herbs grow here, but also rock garden plants have found a home in the cracks.
Allotment gardeners are often thought of as traditionalists. In a garden that's constantly evolving, gardeners must adapt to new things, such as planting and growing in a climate-friendly manner.
On 200 square meters, there's an orchard with seating, surrounded by rose bushes and various apple, pear, and plum varieties. Information boards on each tree provide insight into origin, care, and use.
On this fruit trail, numerous old apple varieties can be discovered, appealing to allergy sufferers. "You can indulge in the sweet fruits in moderation, making sure there's still something left for others," emphasize the gentlemen from the board.
Near the currant bushes, there's a bee hotel for the "tireless little garden helpers." Directly at the currant corner, there's another seating area, perfect for playing Skat, resting, and enjoying the fauna and flora. A bench under a tree can be a cozy retreat. This isn't just a place to sit; it offers a sense of comfort.
Old-fashioned or Modern?
Gardening in an allotment garden is a collective gardening that emphasizes rules and community life structuring. Similar to any community garden or communally used city garden in the public realm, allotment gardens belong to this category. Likewise, community-based gardening movements such as urban gardening, garden sharing (land sharing), or mobile community gardening promote diversity, transform spaces through gardening, and foster human interaction.
Although often perceived as traditional, urban gardening, gardensharing, or mobile community gardens are considered modern gardening concepts.
More information about KGV Herkenfelderweg e.V.: Uwe Rieckhoff, [email protected]
- The garden at Herkenfelder Weg is not just a home for plants, but also a community hub that offers a variety of attractions for all interests, blending home-and-garden lifestyle and gardening in a Picturesque setting.
- Enthusiasts of lifestyle, home-and-garden, and gardening can find a sanctuary in the communal areas of the Kleingartenverein Herkenfelder Weg, where they can enjoy a harmonious blend of self-sustained gardens, educational trails, and nature immersion while networking with fellow gardeners.
