Demise of the Shrub landscapes
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the focus of front gardens has shifted from purely aesthetic considerations to addressing urban climate, air quality, temperature, protection of nature, and human health. These changes are largely driven by the North Rhine-Westphalia Building Ordinance, which stipulates that non-built-up areas must be designed to be water-absorbent and greened.
Michael Becker, who has led BECKER Garten- und Landschaftsbau since 1999, and his team of 25 employees are at the forefront of this movement, specialising in garden design that incorporates plants, stones, and wood. Meanwhile, Oliver Fink, who has led the GartenBaumschule Becker in Refrath since 1995, regularly informs hobby gardeners about plant-related topics through various media.
The new legal guidelines are expected to bring about changes in popular garden trends, such as the phasing out of "gravel gardens" in favour of more water-permeable and biodiverse planting schemes. Exemptions from the greening requirement are only for areas that require a solid base for their function, such as paths or trash can locations.
The Association of Landscape Architects suggests that front gardens should be planted, and sealed surfaces should only be used if they serve an important purpose. This approach aims to balance aesthetic quality, environmental sustainability, and functional safety.
Small green "islands" together can form a strip in the city that provides shelter and food for insects, birds, and small creatures. This includes the greening of the trash can box. In earlier times, the communicative use of the front garden, such as the house bench for a chat with neighbours, was almost obligatory.
These measures are part of a broader trend towards climate adaptation and urban greening policies. The new regulations may promote more permeable surfaces in front gardens to improve stormwater management, encourage greener, biodiverse planting schemes to support pollinators and reduce urban heat, set standards for barrier-free access or sight lines to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers, and limit the use of non-natural or purely decorative materials that prevent water absorption.
For those interested in implementing these new regulations in their own front gardens, it is recommended to consult local municipal building authorities or state government websites for the most precise and up-to-date legal information.
BECKER Garten- und Landschaftsbau GmbH and GartenBaumschule Becker can provide professional assistance in designing and implementing these new garden designs. Their contact information is as follows:
- BECKER Garten- und Landschaftsbau GmbH: Höffer Weg 10 a, 51519 Odenthal, 02202 981777, [email protected], and website. - GartenBaumschule BECKER: Bernard-Eyberg-Str. 16, 51427 Bergisch Gladbach, 02204 21100, [email protected], and website.
- With the new focusing on urban climate, air quality, and nature protection, BECKER Garten- und Landschaftsbau and GartenBaumschule Becker, led by Michael Becker and Oliver Fink respectively, are at the forefront of the shifting trends in North Rhine-Westphalia home-and-garden landscapes.
- As a result of the new legal guidelines, popular garden trends may evolve, such as the embrace of water-permeable and biodiverse planting schemes that promote sustainable-living and support pollinators, and the phasing out of non-absorbent surfaces like gravel gardens.
- For those seeking professional assistance in implementing these new garden designs, BECKER Garten-und Landschaftsbau GmbH and GartenBaumschule Becker, with their focus on interior-design, lifestyle, and outdoor-living, offer expert advice and services, and can be reached at their respective contact details.
