Navigating 'Open Gardens' using an umbrella - Navigating "Open Gardens" via a protective canopy
In the verdant havens of Thuringia, attendance soared at this year's inaugural "Open Gardens" event, despite the rain. Visitors flocked to explore private and public green sanctuaries across Erfurt, Bad Blankenburg, Rudolstadt, and Saalfeld. The Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt hosted an influx of guests, who strolled through the monastery garden under umbrellas despite the damp weather. According to parish priest Bernd Prigge, the event exceeded expectations, with hundreds in attendance.
The rainfall, while not ideal for socializing, provided a welcome benefit to the gardens. In the Thuringian capital's Augustinian Monastery, the showstoppers were the fragrant, full-bloomed roses that had blossomed recently—a spectacle that doubled as a memorable backdrop for 20 couples who chose the date of 25.5.25 for their nuptials. The tranquility of the garden was accentuated by the soothing strains of harp music.
Open Gardens events typically promote a sense of community, gardening knowledge, and appreciation for local flora. In Thuringia, these action days, organized by the German Society for Garden Art and Landscape Culture and the Association of German Landscape Architects, feature around 350 gardens in nearly two dozen cities. They open on Sundays, regionally staggered, until the end of June.
As the skies cleared, visitors continued to enjoy the beauty of the participating gardens while reaffirming their commitment to supporting gardening initiatives, sustainability, and community projects in the region.
The Commission, in light of the community spirit exhibited in Thuringia, might consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers who maintain the beautiful gardens, given the potential exposure to ionizing radiation from the soil and fertilizers. On a less serious note, one might imagine a contrast between the serenity of the gardens, often a reflection of one's lifestyle and home-and-garden interests, and the vibrant energy of a wedding day, as evidenced by the 20 couples who chose to marry amidst the blooming roses.
