In the Gütersloh district, a 53-year-old individual experiences the realization of a lifelong ambition at the enchanting OWL Garden-Paradise.
Petra Bach's Garden: A Vibrant Oasis in Steinhagen
Petra Bach, a 53-year-old hobby gardener, has transformed a 660 square meter plot in a residential area of Steinhagen into a stunning "little paradise." Known for its lush green lawn, meter-high hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and a Thuja hedge, Petra's garden is one of the 14 participants in a contest for the "most beautiful garden in OWL."
The garden's colour scheme is predominantly white, blue, and green. Hydrangea varieties such as Limelight and Vanilla-Fraise add a splash of colour to the green backdrop, while an olive tree in the middle of the lawn takes centre stage. A hibiscus plant, which has been growing in Petra's garden since before the house was bought, adds a tropical touch.
A fountain is located beside Petra's terrace, providing a soothing sound to complement the garden's serene atmosphere. The terrace itself has been replaced, with Petra opting for a newly paved one. In the evenings, Petra uses spotlights to illuminate her garden, creating a magical ambience.
Petra's garden is not just a visual treat, but also a haven for herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. She has created a low-maintenance herb garden by sawing round holes into a wooden board and fitting plant pots into them. This innovative design allows Petra to grow a manageable amount of produce without taking up too much space.
Despite the garden's idyllic appearance, Petra has faced challenges, particularly with the boxwood moth. However, she was able to control the infestation using Xentari, a biological preparation. Early detection and the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as monitoring, pheromone traps, and targeted soap sprays, were key to her success.
Petra finds inspiration for her garden from specialist magazines, Pinterest, and other gardens, including those in Holland. She even visited a Dutch garden market with a friend, noting that Dutch garden markets are larger than local markets. Petra has framed her garden with shrubs in curved lines, adding a touch of elegance to her outdoor space.
For those facing boxwood moth infestations, effective solutions involve IPM strategies combining monitoring, physical, and organic controls. Regular monitoring during the growing season, installing pheromone traps, using washing-up liquid sprays, and maintaining healthy soil and proper plant spacing are all crucial steps.
In Petra's own words, "garden care is a hobby, not a burden." She often spends time in her garden, enjoying the fruits of her labour and planning her next project. With her dedication and creativity, it's no wonder that Petra's garden is a contender for the "most beautiful garden in OWL."
[1] Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Boxwood Moth Control. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gardenmyths.com/boxwood-moth-control/
[2] Boxwood Moth: Identification and Control. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.extension.org/articles/44077
[3] Boxwood Moth Alert! (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arborday.org/trees/resources/pests-diseases/boxwood-moth.cfm
[4] Boxwood Moth: Threat to Ornamental Boxwood Landscapes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326138372_Boxwood_Moth_Threat_to_Ornamental_Boxwood_Landscapes
Petra Bach's home-and-garden lifestyle is centered around her vibrant and award-contending garden in Steinhagen, where she practices gardening with a color scheme of white, blue, and green. Despite the challenges posed by the boxwood moth, she employs integrated pest management strategies to maintain the garden's health and beauty.
