Schriften zu Genetischen Ressourcen - Genres

The neglected diversity of immigrant gardens in Germany - examples from Bonn
The neglected diversity of immigrant gardens in Germany -
examples from Bonn
TH. GLADIS 1
Abstract
In the region of Bonn (Northrhine-Westfalia, West Germany), typical gardens of
immigrant families were visited and periodically checked regarding their plant
composition and cultivation techniques. As a first step of inventorying these gardens,
a preliminary checklist of crop plants is presented and discussed. In addition, the
following results were obtained regarding the criteria for establishing a foreign garden
culture in Germany:
• Most gardening immigrants originate from farmers’ families; they like this work
and know seed production techniques very well.
• Arable land is easily available; rents for gardens are low and allow the immigrants
to continue their traditional farmers’ work.
• Personal preferences to familiar or local varieties let them transfer these seeds or
plants to new settling areas.
• Tight neighbourhood to German gardeners and farming immigrants from other
nationalities allow exchange of seed and experience.
• Missing opportunities to consume traditional food in Germany lead to the
establishment of special markets and restaurants, preferably used by immigrants
not originating from farmers’ families.
This way, at the level of gardens, Germany developed into a tertiary gene centre for
many crops within the past few decades.
1 Universität Kassel
FB 11, FG Agrarbiodiversität
Steinstr. 19
D-37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
Zentralstelle für Agrardokumentation und –information (ZADI)
Informationszentrum Biologische Vielfalt (IBV)
Villichgasse 17
D-53177 Bonn, Germany
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