Peine. As part of the Open Garden Days 2026, Annett Heineke's garden in Ilsede-Bülten (Herderstraße 17) will once again open its gates to the public this coming Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to tours of the richly designed private garden, visitors can look forward to a special highlight: plant expert René Wadas, known as the "plant doctor," will be on site to offer insights into his work. This was announced in a press release by the Economic Development and Tourism Agency of Peine District (wito GmbH).
Ilsede-Bülten's hidden garden opens for Open Garden Days 2026 with flax workshops
Since its creation in 2016, the garden has stood out for its diverse design and wide variety of plants. In the front garden, a wooden terrace beneath the canopy of London plane trees forms a central gathering space, surrounded by grasses, lavender, and insect-friendly perennials.
Spring Bloomers and Hydrangeas
Further into the garden, visitors will find spring-flowering plants, bee balm, magnolias, shrubs, and hydrangeas. The landscape is enhanced by unusual species such as gunnera and hardy bananas, as well as a small pond area. Another key focus is promoting biodiversity: a newly planted bee tree, a deadwood corner, and bat nesting boxes have been introduced to create habitats for insects and wildlife.
Plant Expert in Attendance
On this day, René Wadas, a seasoned plant specialist with over 30 years of experience in plant care and health, will be available to answer questions and provide personalized advice. Visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their own plants for consultation, though physical plant samples should not be brought to the event. The Open Garden Days thus offer not only horticultural inspiration but also direct dialogue with an expert.
Reviving the Ancient Crop: Flax
In conjunction with the event, the European crowdfunding project "1 Square Meter of Flax" (1qm Lein) invites participants to rediscover the historic flax plant and get hands-on—from cultivation to processing. In the Peine region, a local partner supports the initiative by sharing expertise and planning small workshops, such as building a simple drop spindle (for beginner spinners) or a small flax brake. Flax is sown between April and May, and associations, initiatives, or individuals can still join while starter kits remain available: https://1qmlein.de/mitmachen/.
