Natural garden in the after-school care center: A paradise for children and insects!

Natural garden in the after-school care center: A paradise for children and insects!

The conversion of the “Hortgärtchen” in the Neutraubling municipal daycare center into an attractive natural garden shows how important it is to promote biodiversity for the young generation. With its integration into the schoolyard of the Josef Hofmann Elementary School, the garden not only serves as a place for learning, but also as a habitat for numerous insects, birds and wild plants. This initiative is part of a larger trend described by the Naturgarten.org, where natural gardens are viewed as a solution to current ecological challenges.

In the new garden, those responsible are relying on heat-resistant wild plants such as teasel, pure fern, daisies, evening primrose and knapweed. Children learn in a playful way by properly labeling the plants and looking for the insects they photograph in the garden. In addition, the garden encourages children to discover culinary delights that they can harvest themselves, be it by preparing herbal teas, spreads or cakes from freshly harvested fruit.

A positive contribution to biodiversity

The “Hortgärtchen” project is an important step towards sustainable urban development in Neutraubling and promotes the settlement of wild bees. The specially deployed insect hotels are part of a broader plan to boost biodiversity on the doorstep. Positive observations of leafcutter bees, golden wasps and bumblebees confirm the successful settlement of various insect species.

To increase the attractiveness of the garden, a concept is being developed for the upcoming autumn. The commitment to maintaining the garden as a living place of learning and deepening children's experience of nature is also supported by the Thousands of Gardens initiative, which provides information about natural gardens and their positive impact on the environment.

Review of the Nature Garden Days 2025

Another important aspect in the discussion about biodiversity and climate is underlined by the Naturgarten.org. The Nature Garden Days 2025 addressed the effects of natural gardens and the focus on ecosystem protection. Experts pointed out that creating habitats is necessary not only in large landscapes, but also in small gardens on your own doorstep.

The Nature Garden Days, which are planned for 2026 from February 5th to 8th, will provide important podiums for the exchange of ideas about the challenges and solutions in the area of ​​biodiversity. Lectures and workshops are intended to further raise awareness of the importance of natural gardens and emphasize the positive role of these habitats for the environment.