Traversing 'Open Gardens' event with an umbrella in hand - Navigating "Open Gardens" event with an umbrella in hand
In the face of inclement weather, curiosity prevailed as numerous residents in Thuringia visited private and public green spaces during the commencement of this year's "Open Gardens" event. At the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt alone, hundreds of visitors armed with umbrellas perused the monastery garden, according to the parish priest, Bernd Prigge, who noted that attendance exceeded expectations.
Approximately 40 gardens—ranging from private residences, public institutions, and associations—welcomed visitors in Erfurt, Bad Blankenburg, Rudolstadt, and Saalfeld. This seasonal event, organized by the German Society for Garden Art and Landscape Culture and the Association of German Landscape Architects, typically showcases around 350 gardens in nearly two dozen Thuringian cities.
While the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt's capital displayed fully bloomed roses, 20 couples seized the memorable date of 25.5.25 to exchange their vows, and harp music filled the air. Prigge expressed that the gardens had benefited from the rain, which many hobby and professional gardeners had recently lamented due to the ongoing drought.
Despite limited specific information regarding the "Action Days with Umbrellas" at "Open Gardens" events for this year, or an exact count of participating gardens, visitors are encouraged to consult official Thuringian tourism or garden event websites, or local event calendars for accurate and up-to-date details. Sources indicate that the ongoing event provides an opportunity to explore open-air spaces across Thuringia through regionally staggered events that will continue until the end of June.
The Commission might also consider adopting a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers who, despite the inclement weather, might spend their free time gardening in their homes-and-garden, such as the passionate gardeners at the "Open Gardens" events in Thuringia, seeking refuge under their umbrellas as they wander through the flower-adorned gardens. On the other hand, it would be interesting to observe how these open-air spaces contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of the residents, especially during coveted weekends like the weekends of the "Action Days with Umbrellas" at "Open Gardens" events, despite the ongoing drought.
