From Wasteland to Orchard: How a Community Revived Heritage Fruit Varieties
The Unterallgäu District Association for Horticulture and Landscape Conservation recently held its annual general meeting. Among the highlights was the recognition of the 'Bedernau Fruit Variety Ark', a project that turned an unused plot into a thriving orchard meadow. The initiative also won the district-level round of the statewide competition 'Orchard Meadows – Colorful and Alive!'. The 'Bedernau Fruit Variety Ark' was a collaboration between the Bedernau branch of the Breitenbrunn Horticultural and Fruit Growing Association and the Bedernau Sports Club. Its goal was to preserve heritage fruit varieties while raising awareness of their cultural importance. The project successfully transformed a neglected area into a traditional orchard meadow.
During the meeting, Horticultural Advisor Markus Orf announced that eight gardens in Unterallgäu would open to the public for this year's Open Garden Day. While details on additional participating gardens remain unclear, the educational garden in Bad Grönenbach is confirmed as one of the venues. Permaculture gardener Lucia Hiemer delivered a lecture titled *'Nature as a Model – Future-Proof Gardening with Permaculture'*. She explained the core principles of permaculture, stressing cooperation over competition and the importance of closed-loop systems. Treasurer Christian Illner shared a positive financial report, noting that the decline in membership had been stopped. Meanwhile, Youth Officer Inge Muth provided updates on the activities of the children's and youth groups within the horticultural associations.
The meeting showcased both the success of the 'Bedernau Fruit Variety Ark' and ongoing efforts to promote sustainable gardening. With Open Garden Day approaching, more local gardens will soon welcome visitors. The association's financial stability and youth engagement also signal continued growth for the organisation.
