Gartenschau

Gartenschau is a horticultural show or garden exhibition held in German-speaking countries. It presents garden and landscape design, plant collections, and related cultural activities to the public. The event can be part of urban development projects aimed at renewing parks and open spaces, or it can be a standalone festival focused on gardening, environmental topics, and community culture.

The tradition dates back to botanical and horticultural exhibitions in the 19th and early 20th centuries in German-speaking regions. Today Gartenschauen are often organized by municipalities in cooperation with horticultural associations and public authorities. Larger national events are typically designated as Bundesgartenschau (BUGA), while regional or state-level shows are called Landesgartenschau (LAGA).

Typical features of a Gartenschau include show gardens and themed planting displays, educational programs and workshops, plant sales, and demonstrations of landscape architecture and sustainable design. Visitors can expect seasonal plantings, water features, and sometimes concerts, markets, and other cultural activities. The focus increasingly emphasizes biodiversity, climate adaptation, and environmentally friendly horticulture.

Organization and impact: Gartenschauen are usually funded by a mix of public funds, sponsorship, and ticket sales. They are meant to stimulate urban renewal, expand or improve green spaces, and boost tourism and local economies. In many cases, parts of the created or renovated gardens remain as permanent parks or facilities after the event.

See also: Bundesgartenschau, Landesgartenschau. Gartenschau is used in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland to describe these horticultural and garden-focused exhibitions.