May 22nd is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Biological Diversity. This commemorative day was established by the United Nations in 1993 and marks the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the value and importance of biodiversity. This is because the loss of biological diversity threatens not only individual species, but entire ecosystems and thus our very basis of life. The day of action is intended to encourage people to engage with the issue and support concrete measures to protect biodiversity. It aims not only to draw attention to the problems, but also to highlight perspectives and solutions. Biodiversity is more than just an ecological term – it is an expression of our responsibility towards life on Earth.
Biodiversity also plays a central role in cities, although it is often underestimated there. Urban areas offer a surprising number of habitats for plants and animals – from green roofs to small parks and, of course, in our allotments. A diverse urban environment helps improve air quality, regulates the climate, and provides space for people to relax. Biodiversity ensures a healthier and more liveable environment, especially in densely populated areas. Insects, birds, and microorganisms are not only beautiful to observe, but also fulfill important functions in the ecological balance. Cities that focus on nature-oriented design create refuges for animals and promote better coexistence between humans and nature. Biodiversity in cities is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable urban development.
Allotment gardeners can do a lot for biodiversity in their own gardens. Even small changes, such as planting wildflower meadows or setting up an insect hotel, can have a big impact. Consciously avoiding chemical pesticides and peat-based soil also helps to protect species. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants creates valuable food sources and habitats for many animal species. Composting and leaving leaf piles on the ground over winter also helps small animals and insects. Structural diversity—a mixture of tall and short plants, open spaces, and shady corners—makes gardens particularly attractive to different species. With a little patience, attention, and love for nature, every small garden can become a little oasis of biodiversity.
It is essential to communicate the importance of biological diversity if we want to achieve long-term success. Biodiversity must not only be taught, but also consciously exemplified – in schools, associations, families, and neighbourhoods. Opportunities to get involved are needed: festivals, workshops, community gardens, or walks with nature guides can inspire people to take an interest in the topic. Such events create a sense of community and lower the threshold for getting involved. At the same time, it is important to make successes visible – for example, through information boards or reports on species that have been reintroduced. However, the consequences of a lack of diversity must also be discussed honestly in order to raise awareness of the problem. Only if biodiversity is understood as a common good can we preserve it together.
We allotment gardeners play an extremely important role here and have a responsibility that we must fulfill.
This year's Vienna Allotment Garden Fair took place from 25 to 27 April in the Hirschstetten flower gardens. For those who could not make it to the fair, we would like to offer a short review.
In the two glass houses and the extensive outdoor area, 77 exhibitors could be visited and many ideas for your own garden could be collected. The 23 stations on the “Culinary Mile” catered for everyone's physical well-being, from smoked fish to Cornelian cherry liqueur.
The 21st allotment garden fair officially opened its doors on Friday at 1 pm. The opening was moderated by Klaus Ranger, founder of the EVOTION event management company, who has handed over the organisation of the allotment garden fair to Thomas Winter after many years. The organisers welcomed the guests and thanked the numerous exhibitors.
President Willhelm Wohatschek was the first of the guests of honour to take the floor to thank the organisers and the Hirschstetten flower gardens for their many years of cooperation and to wish the exhibitors every success. As the host of the event venue, city garden director Rainer Weisgram also took the opportunity to offer words of welcome. Finally, Gerhard Spitzer, member of the provincial parliament and municipal council responsible for allotment garden agendas, addressed the guests and exhibitors. He emphasised the valuable contribution that allotment gardens make to a city worth living in.
Even though the weather unfortunately did not play along on the opening day, it was very well attended. The variety of exhibitors covered almost all interests. Several construction companies were present for new builds and conversions. Information on the use of solar energy was also available from various providers. Comprehensive advice was also available on building regulations and financing options.
Those planning smaller garden projects were also well advised. The spectrum ranged from alarm systems to composters, whirlpools and insect screens to fences. Of course, tools for all kinds of gardening work were also on display.
Another focus was on everything that grows and thrives. Flower bulbs, young plants and herbs were on sale. In order to provide plants with the best possible care, there was not only the right fertiliser but also several points of contact on the subject of plant health.
The stand of the allotment garden family was once again a central point of contact this year. The officials of the central and regional federations were happy to answer questions. Our expert advisors held numerous discussions on the care of plants and protection against diseases and pests.
Under new management, the ladies of the Floridsdorf Women's Specialist Group enriched our stand again this year with their delicacies from their own garden. There was also great demand for organic honey from the BieneZ beekeeping group.
In co-operation with our partners, we informed about the discounts for allotment gardeners with the jö Bonus Club (Purchase bonus at supermarket)and offered a competition with the DDSG Blue Danube (Shipping company).
We would like to thank you for the great interest and the nice encounters and look forward to a visit next year!
This is the 41st anniversary of the Day of the Garden!
At the instigation of the Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands e. V. (formerly BDG), the Day of the Garden has been celebrated on the second Sunday in June since 1984 and raises awareness of the importance of the allotment garden movement for the well-being of people and nature in town and country.
A good opportunity to open up allotment gardens and sites throughout Germany to interested parties and invite them to take part in activities, visit the gardens and exchange ideas!
Central festive event 2025 in Schleswig-Holstein
In 2025, the central kick-off event will take place in the GOLD award-winning allotment garden site of the Friedrichsgabe association in Norderstedt. Exceptionally, as the Whitsun weekend is in the way, the Landesverband der Kleingartenvereine Schleswig-Holsteins e. V. will hold the festival on Saturday, 14 June 2025.
The Minister President Daniel Günther has taken over the patronage and thus expresses his benevolence towards our members and our hobby. It is particularly important to us to celebrate this special garden festival where it belongs - with the allotment gardeners. The Friedrichsgabe association, our participant in the last national competition ‘Gardens in urban development’, has agreed to sweep the ‘Pilzhagen 3’ site once again and prepare it for guests from near and far. The modern design is well worth seeing. It is located in a local recreation area, not far from housing and industry. Once you have passed through the garden gate, you will quickly forget the unsettled surroundings. Come and see for yourself!
‘Allotment gardens - We know how green works!’
The motto for 2025 is ‘Allotment gardens - We know how green works!’, which emphasises the importance of greenery for the neighbourhood and at the same time the allotment gardeners' expertise in green and environmental issues. On 14 June 2025, we will focus on specialist advice. Our volunteers will present their knowledge on the topics of specialist advice in a wide variety of ways. In addition to the classic areas, the ‘new’ fields of action will also be presented. Drought, heat, heavy rainfall and the loss of biodiversity can be demonstrably mitigated with the possibilities of our areas and the commitment of our members. We want to show how.
Allotment gardens offer recreation, education and community for people from different social and cultural backgrounds. They are open to all, including non-members, and often serve as venues for training and conservation activities. The allotment garden associations are heavily involved in fairs, festivals and charity events in their communities and towns. They do a lot for the integration of newcomers and gardens quickly become a piece of home. Association means society, society unites! Club-based gardening has been a successful concept for over 200 years. We want to showcase this on the Day of the Garden.
For the nationwide kick-off event for the Day of the Garden, we will be organising a festival not only for local gardening enthusiasts - we will be welcoming guests from all over Germany. We want to offer a colourful programme for young and old. Food and drink will be catered for and there will always be enough space to chat both professionally and privately.
https://kleingarten-bund.de/veranstaltungen/wettbewerbe/tag-des-gartens/
Author: Thomas Kleinworth, federal advisor of the BKD and managing director of the regional federation of allotment garden associations in Schleswig-Holstein
Allotments may sound more like parish council subject matter than something for the corridors of power in Whitehall. But it would wrong to make that assumption when Rotherham MP Sarah Champion is around.
She has tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill - which is part of Government planning reforms - which could see more land for allotments and community gardens being made available.
There is a national shortage of allotments, which have bounced back into fashion after decades in the doldrums. It is estimated there are 90,000 wanting to sign up for a plot, nationally.
She has been working with Mike Farrell, a Rotherham resident and Chair of the National Allotment Society (NAS), to campaign for the changes. Labour’s manifesto committed to promote nature recovery, through large-scale projects like riverwalks and national forests.
Sarah’s amendment seeks to leverage the opportunity on offer in smaller-scale nature recovery projects. Allotments and community gardens are rich in biodiversity, creating green spaces for wildlife and pollinators.
There is also a growing awareness of the role that these sits play in improving physical and mental health, as well as tackling loneliness, as allotment sites frequently have strong communities of gardeners willing to share their skills and help others.
Ms Champion said: “The creation of more allotments and community gardens would generate biodiversity benefits across the country, at relative ease and low cost to the taxpayer.”
“Allotments aren’t just about vegetables, they are about community. They create space for educational and social projects. In Rotherham, the South Yorkshire WH Community use their allotment to host a weekly Cook and Share Luncheon using allotment grown fruit and veg, for new and old residents alike.”
“With so many people on allotment waiting lists across the country, alongside a desperate need for nature recovery, my amendment represents a win-win for the Government.”
Mike Farrell added: “The waiting lists for allotments are a direct reflection of the lack of available land. With more people recognising the health and environmental benefits of growing their own food, it's vital that we expand access to these vital green spaces to ensure that no one is left waiting.”
Zero Waste Day is a global day of action that draws attention to the importance of reducing waste and conserving the earth's resources. The focus is on integrating the principle of "zero waste" into everyday life and promoting alternative lifestyles that are less harmful to the environment. This not only means avoiding plastic waste, but also a more conscious approach to consumption, packaging and waste. Zero Waste Day encourages people to make more sustainable choices, such as avoiding single-use products and striving to recycle and reuse.
One aspect of the zero waste concept is realised in our allotment gardens, which not only offer the opportunity to grow your own fruit and vegetables, but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. In allotment gardens, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is avoided in favour of natural methods and organic cultivation. This promotes biodiversity and helps to reduce the ecological footprint.
Allotment gardens also offer a valuable opportunity to produce food locally and sustainably, reducing long transport distances and the associated CO2 emissions. Having your own garden not only promotes the idea of zero waste by avoiding packaged food, but also contributes to a healthier lifestyle, as you can grow fruit and vegetables in a self-determined way without industrial intervention.
To summarise, Zero Waste Day and allotment gardening go hand in hand when it comes to protecting the environment and making everyday life more sustainable. Both promote a life with less waste, more mindfulness and a close connection to nature.
Let's take the International Day of Zero Waste as an opportunity to remind ourselves of this so that we can leave a world worth living in for our children and grandchildren.
Further links:
https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-zero-waste-2025
https://unhabitat.org/international-day-of-zero-waste-2025
