CampusGarten 2.0
The new CampusGarten (also known as Hortus Herbipolis) is a volunteer-organized, student-run urban-gardening project on the campus of the University of Würzburg. Since February 2022, the new CampusGarden has been developed based on a 3-zone concept and is intended to replace the old CampusGarden by the end of 2024, as the latter must make way for a university construction project
The area provided to the students is located on a former Military base site, which is being gradually developed by the university. The space, measuring 1400 m² (approximately 15,070 sq ft), was essentially a large, monotonous meadow, lacking shade, wind protection, and soil suitable for vegetable cultivation. Therefore, using permaculture design principles, a 3-zone garden was conceived from scratch, consisting of a buffer zone, a yield zone, and a hot-spot zone.
Further explanations of this concept can be found here.
Three embankments and depressions are being created as windbreaks and for rain retention. These are planted with wild fruit shrubs, fruit trees, and nut trees to provide shade. An undersowing of legumes is intended to accumulate nutrients and stabilize the embankments. Special attention was paid to climate resilience when selecting the woody plants. For example, oleasters and sweet chestnuts are being used here. In total, over 200 trees and shrubs have been planted. The south side of the embankments is being developed as a dry stone wall and planted with Mediterranean herbs. The buffer zone with its fruit and nut trees and herbs is considered common property (commons).
The yield zone is located between the embankments and consists of 2x4-meter garden plots that are individually managed by students. Students are encouraged to experiment with their plot designs. The only requirement is the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Currently, a total of 60 such garden plots are available.
The Hot-Spot Zone is being created at the western end of the embankments. It is situated on nutrient-poor sandy soil. In addition to sowing a regionally certified sand grassland mixture, a drained perennial bed with special steppe grassland planting is also being established. A sand habitat, a Lizard Habitat, and two ponds are also present in this area.
