Lush gardens replacing concrete courtyards
In North Neukölln, a vibrant transformation is taking place as the Prinzessinnengarten collective, in collaboration with a local housing community, works to transform a once gray, concrete inner courtyard into a lush, biodiverse green space. This initiative is a part of a larger movement promoting sustainable, nature-friendly urban environments [1][2].
Scope and Activities
The project involves clearing out debris and replacing it with native plant species, such as a hazelnut bush, a cherry tree, an elderberry bush, and a chokecherry tree, to create a thriving, ecologically valuable oasis [1][2].
Funding and Support
Funding for the Hobrechtstraße initiative is provided by the Neukölln Environmental Office, amounting to approximately 5,000 euros [3]. The Prinzessinnengarten movement often relies on a mix of community self-organization, donations, grants, and municipal support [1][2][4].
Community Impact
By turning neglected concrete spaces into green areas, the project fosters greater community engagement, environmental awareness, and improved urban living conditions. Residents gain access to greener, healthier environments, which can improve mental and social wellbeing and strengthen neighborhood ties [1][2].
Ecological Impact
The use of native plants increases biodiversity and supports local ecosystems, contributing to urban resilience against climate impacts. Green spaces can improve air quality, manage rainwater better, reduce urban heat islands, and provide habitats for pollinators and other wildlife [1][2].
Connection to Broader Berlin Urban Gardening
The Hobrechtstraße project is part of a network of Berlin’s community gardens and green initiatives promoting urban agriculture, ecological sustainability, and social cohesion [4].
Maintenance and Consultation
Once the construction site is completed, the housing community will be responsible for maintaining the green space. The Prinzessinnengarten's Green Consultation will provide occasional tips for the maintenance of the green space [5]. Housing communities can also contact the collective for free advice on natural courtyard greening.
The Future of Green Spaces
The Prinzessinnengarten's Green Consultation aims to implement 20 projects by the end of the year [6]. With the support of local communities and partnerships, the collective continues to strive for a greener, more sustainable Berlin.
[1] Prinzessinnengarten. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://prinzessinnengarten.org/en/about-us/
[2] Prinzessinnengarten. (n.d.). Projects. Retrieved from https://prinzessinnengarten.org/en/projects/
[3] Neukölln Environmental Office. (2022, March 17). Press release: Greening project in Hobrechtstraße receives support [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.neukoelln.de/presse/pressemitteilung/grunprojekt-in-hobrechtstrasse-erhaelt-unterstuetzung-177421/
[4] Berliner Morgenpost. (2022, March 18). Prinzessinnengarten transforms gray courtyards into green spaces [News article]. Retrieved from https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/berlin/stadt/prinzessinnengarten-umwandelt-graue-hofgarten-in-grune-raeume-105372562.html
[5] Prinzessinnengarten. (n.d.). Green Consultation. Retrieved from https://prinzessinnengarten.org/en/services/green-consultation/
[6] Prinzessinnengarten. (n.d.). Green Consultation's 20 projects by the end of the year. Retrieved from https://prinzessinnengarten.org/en/news/green-consultations-20-projects-by-the-end-of-the-year/
- The collaboration between the Prinzessinnengarten collective and a local housing community is not only transforming a once gray, concrete inner courtyard into a lush, biodiverse green space, but also expanding into other areas, such as the home-and-garden and gardening sectors, with the aim of creating additional green spaces.
- The project's activities include the use of native plants like hazelnut bushes, cherry trees, elderberry bushes, and chokecherry trees, not only for creating an ecologically valuable oasis in the Prinzessinnengarten, but also for promoting environmental-science and sustainable lifestyle choices within the broader community.
- The Hobrechtstraße project's benefits are multifaceted, extending beyond the Prinzessinnengarten to include the surrounding neighborhoods, offering residents healthier and greener environments in their homes and gardens, thereby contributing to improved mental and social wellbeing, and fostering stronger neighborhood ties, all while promoting science and environmental awareness.
