Students revive a historic school garden with century-old plants
Pupils from OGS Katterbach Revitalize Historic School Garden at Bergisch Gladbach's Museum
Students from OGS Katterbach have transformed the former teaching garden at the School Museum, breathing new life into the space. Together with the museum team and other supporters, they planted historic plant varieties, learned about horticulture a century ago, and created a place where nature, history, and hands-on learning intersect.
"Out of the classroom, into nature"—this was the motto for natural science lessons around 1900, and it rings just as true for the Katterbach students who recently redesigned the old teaching garden. The Friends of the Bergisch Gladbach School Museum offered this planting initiative during the Easter holidays for children eager to try their hand at gardening.
The young gardeners, alongside Dominik Olbrisch, director of the School Museum, and the author of this article, planted historic varieties that were already well-known 100 years ago. Daffodils, red cranesbill, woodruff, primroses, columbines, and strawberries now adorn the small garden plot. The project also received support from additional contributors.
While teaching gardens of the past prioritized useful crops—such as potatoes and fruit—over ornamental plants, this age-appropriate gardening project focused on hardy, low-maintenance perennials. The garden's shady to semi-shady conditions limit the suitability for fruit bushes, and the space is too small for growing potatoes.
A Community Effort: The New Teaching Garden
Since teaching gardens were traditionally used for self-sufficiency—primarily growing fruit—the young gardeners planted a redcurrant, a blueberry bush, and a "Kaiser Wilhelm" apple tree as symbolic substitutes. The redcurrant was deliberately chosen to match an old instructional chart. Michael Müller of the Bergisches Land Food Council brought the berry bush and, as an expert in heritage apple varieties, helped plant the apple tree with care.
This particular apple variety was cultivated by teacher Carl Hesselmann from Witzhelden, who named it in honor of Kaiser Wilhelm. The children marveled at a photograph of the imperial couple in the museum's historic classroom, linking the old village school's history with that of the garden in a tangible way.
The "Blühendes-GL" (Flowering Gladbach) initiative, which has championed biodiversity in Bergisch Gladbach since 2017, welcomed the museum's and volunteers' efforts to restore the teaching garden with native plants. "We're delighted to support this project by funding the plants," said Markus Bollen, who made the plant donation possible.
Little Gardeners, Big Impact
With the fine weather beckoning, the young gardeners were eager to get their hands dirty, so the introductory lesson—illustrated with artifacts from the museum's collection—was kept brief to match their enthusiasm. They were itching to plant everything at once, but a planting plan and garden sketch helped guide their efforts.
On the first day, the children planted blooming perennials like daffodils and primroses before the sun could wilt them. The next day, they spread large amounts of soil to give strawberries and woodruff a better chance in the heavily rooted ground beneath the old linden tree. Columbines and cranesbill went in last. The children watched with excitement as the little garden took shape, patch by patch. "We'll both be gardeners when we grow up!" two eight-year-old boys declared enthusiastically.
The finished garden now looks far more colorful and beautiful, according to the children, who proudly presented it to their parents. One girl was surprised to discover such a lovely spot near the schoolyard—she had always walked past it before. A young boy experienced firsthand how gardening can distract from gloomy thoughts and banish boredom.
The project has not only revived a piece of history but also sown the seeds for a deeper connection between past and present—one plant at a time.
Many people want to keep gardening through the summer and tend to their small plots—a great idea, as it's the perfect time to plant summer bloomers. Building insect hotels is also high on the list. Some plan to put what they've learned into practice at home, whether helping out in their grandparents' or parents' gardens. One girl hopes to prove her green thumb to her father, dreaming of the day she can finally lend a hand in the family garden.
