Last year, citizens were able to apply to have their front garden transformed from gravel or pebbles into a flowering, near-natural garden. The competition was organized by the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer and the beekeepers' association for Kevelaer and the surrounding area and is primarily intended to encourage people to think differently: From gravel and crushed stone gardens to near-natural and insect-friendly (front) gardens. And, of course, the city should be made more insect-friendly. Mrs. Schossarek from Winnekendonk applied with her existing gravel garden in 2023. Now that the renovation work on the house had been completed, the front garden could finally be redesigned.
Thanks to the support of the sponsors, the front garden was transformed within two mornings: Jürgen Kulcke from the beekeepers' association was responsible for designing the garden. The Schlabbers company first removed the gravel, the GASA Group provided the plants and the Steegmann company took care of the planting.
For a low-maintenance and always green front garden, flowering ground cover plants such as creeping groundsel, cranesbill and, for the shady areas, three-leaved golden strawberry were used. These plants form a closed green area between tall washing plants and prevent the growth of wild herbs. They are also a good source of food for insects and their shallow roots prevent soil erosion and promote soil life.
Advantages of near-natural gardens
Natural gardens offer a low-maintenance alternative to gravel gardens. Many people are surprised at how little effort such a garden requires. In contrast, gravel gardens are not necessarily low-maintenance, as plant material accumulates over time and seeds are dispersed by the wind, encouraging the growth of "weeds". In a densely overgrown garden, on the other hand, weeds are hardly noticeable. The growth of weeds can be effectively reduced with a clever choice of plants. When selecting plants, the location is crucial: native plants that are adapted to the existing soil and climate thrive more easily than exotic species.