Since the second half of the 20th century, the importance of inner-city green spaces has been recognized not only for recreation and edification, but also for the microclimate and for the preservation of biodiversity. At the same time, new forms of urban gardening, known in modern terms as "urban gardening", have emerged and continue to do so. In Lübeck, too, there are various private and institutional initiatives for urban gardening, some of which are documented and networked under the label "Edible City". The approaches are very different; they are about environmental protection and recreation, nature education, the integrative and social power of urban gardening, preserving varieties and simply the joy of doing things. Urban gardening takes place in project groups as well as among individuals.
The exhibition shows where urban gardeners are active throughout Lübeck: In private gardens and allotments, in parks and on traffic islands. Greenery and flowers grow in courtyards and corridors, roses and climbing plants grow as vertical greenery on the facades of many old town houses. Temporary gardening takes place in raised beds on Koberg and Schrangen. There are community gardens for tenants at TRAVE, as intercultural or church projects - here, the interaction is often just as important as the gardening itself. Gardens in Lübeck are places of learning and work that allow children and adults alike to experience the course of the year, the climate and nature. And the production of fruit and vegetables takes place not only commercially, but also in many different ways by private individuals and initiatives.
The exhibition "Gardening in the city - the green diversity of Lübeck" shows the diversity and the social, cultural and ecological value of the green oases in the city that have been created through gardening or landscaping at 14 stations on more than 50 panels. Some committed gardeners are presented as examples. It becomes clear that the post-industrial city is in the process of developing from a gray juggernaut into a colorful biotope for diverse ways of life. This applies not only to diversity in social life, but also in the animal and plant world. Today, cities are home to far more species than regions dominated by conventional agriculture and housing developments. Community gardening overcomes neighborly and cultural boundaries and provides recreation in the local area. In view of the climate crisis, the heat-balancing function of green spaces in the city is becoming increasingly important.
The exhibition was initiated and developed by the Grüner Kreis Lübeck e.V. with funding from the Gemeinnützige Sparkassenstiftung. Dr. Karen Meyer-Rebentisch was responsible for the concept, research, content preparation and the majority of the photos. Graphic design by Manuela Kittner.
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