Mysterious Schrebergärten

Traveling along the streets of Hamburg, and suddenly you see a mysterious cluster of fenced-in tiny houses surrounded by small gardens. At first, they look like mini-vacation homes, she shed villages or fancy housing for seasonal workers. These little plots of land are called Schrebergarten or Kleingarten. Today was the first time I took a walk through one of them and they are amazing artzie labors of love. Sort of a pea patch on steroids Betsy.

A Schrebergarten is a little plot of land away from a person’s home, where they can grow fruits and vegetables. Because so many Germans live in apartments without yards, the Schrebergarten gives them a chance to get out in the fresh air, plant a garden, and in my view display their creativity.

At the beginning of the 19th century in Germany, there was sudden urbanization increasing the population causing widespread poverty. So-called poor gardens were established at the benevolence of the wealthy. To stave off hunger the poor were given the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and fruits in public plots. These first allotment gardens were introduced around 1806 and were successful in saving people from famine.

The name Schrebergarten is traced back to Daniel Gottlob Moritz Schreber born in 1808 in Leipzig, Germany. Dr. Schreber was a professor at Leipzig University specializing in childrens' health. He insisted that athletic fields be built to ensure that children would get exercise and proper socialization. Creating small vegetable plots for the "healthy relief of excessive energy" was the good doctor's concept for stopping the evil temptation of masturbation.  (I am not even kidding)  

Side note: German child-rearing from the 1860's up until the 1950's was loving contact from parents was frowned upon - NO snuggling or kissing with your children. Okay, why does any of that matter?  It doesn't. Just a few curious facts about the radical doctor whose name is attached to all of these little garden collectives. 

In 1865, the first "Schreberplatz" began at Johannapark in Leipzig as a playground where children of factory workers could play and exercise under the supervision of a teacher. Up to this point, the term Schreberplatz has nothing to do with allotment gardens. Heinrich Karl Gesell, a teacher who laid out gardens initially intended as an activity option for children. Before long the gardens quickly developed into refuges for the parents and the entire family. These children's beds became family beds which were later parceled out and fenced off Schrebergarten or allotment gardens. 

During World Wars I and II, the food produced in those gardens became essential for many families' survival. 

Waiting for Spring.

Tidy cottage.

Locked gate closed for the season.

How do you get one of these parcels? There is a long waiting list for getting your own Kleingarten. Being born into a family with a lease would be the easy way. I noticed eBay has several listings of availabilities in Hamburg. WARNING: Be a person who likes following rules because there are many. These highly regulated gardens are not owned, they are leased. Highly regulated might be an understatement.  The list of rules and regulations pertaining to a Schrebergarten is a mile long. Garden huts may not be used as a residence nor exceed a certain size. At least one-third of the plot must be used to grow fruits and vegetables.  Unkempt gardens are frowned upon. Do not even think about mowing your lawn or playing loud music on Sunday or on a weekday's sacred resting time - typically set from 1PM to 3PM also after 7PM on weeknights. Did I mention quiet? Never forget in Germany the most sacred day of all-day quiet occurs each and every Sunday. Once you get your subsidized plot, be ready to face the attached rules. Rules! Rules such as how high your hedge can be, how long your grass can grow, the types of plants allowed, or the number of veggies you can grow. These are strictly enforced. Follow them or lose your land.

Many colonies offer parking, a central clubhouse with a playground, a restaurant for refreshments, and regular social activities.

What difference sunshine would bring to a walk through the Schrebergarten.

Insects are welcomed now in many gardens.

If Insect Hotels attract mosquitoes, Walleye World folks please hang a No Vacancy sign on any future construction projects.