Climate change has left its marks on the English Landscape Garden
About 80% of the plants in the palace gardens are suffering from heat and drought stress caused by climate change. The outdoor exhibition shows with 16 stations how biodiversity helps with climate adaptation. It also explains the causes and appropriate measures, such as new planting concepts, in-house propagation and adapted maintenance management. It also highlights regional participatory projects. The exhibition is designed with sustainability in mind, using borrowed construction site materials and recycled banners.
In the form of deadwood pyramids, old tree trunks serve an important function in the park: they provide a habitat for plants, animals and fungi. But it is not only numerous plants and animals that thrive there; fungi do as well. Some of these fungi are bound to various tree species through a symbiotic relationship.
Climate change meets Baroque court culture: As part of the “Vivaldi x Climate Change” project, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” have been reimagined based on climate projections for Schwetzingen in 2050. “The [uncertain] Four Seasons” evoke a future transformed by climate change—featuring different bird species and extreme weather events. The documentary of the rehearsals and performance can be viewed during the exhibition and beyond in the southern Zirkelbau.
Old and new trees in the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens.
During the tour “Wenn das Gleichgewicht kippt”, guests see what happens “when the balance shifts.” This gives them a vivid impression of the effects of climate change on the historic grounds, while also learning about the protective measures being taken. The tree experts guide guests to the oldest trees in the palace garden as well as to the “nursery” of the Schwetzingen tree school, talking about how to care for the ancient trees and the future of the palace gardens.
Maintaining the facility used to involve a lot of manual labor.
The tour of the exhibition “Historische Garten- und Arbeitsgeräte” reveals what garden maintenance looked like in the past. Visitors will learn about the purpose of unusual—yet ingenious—tools and how garden maintenance was carried out without modern technology. Those interested in “organic gardening” will be in good hands on the tour with the palace gardener: She shares her experiences with the organic cultivation of over 25,000 plants for the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens.
The palace garden invites you to relax.
The palace gardens have been considered an oasis of tranquility ever since the days of the electors. If you’ve always wanted to combine history and relaxation, “garden bathing” is the perfect fit. As you stroll through this green work of garden art, the grounds unfold their relaxing effect, appealing to all the senses: During the walk, accompanied by birdsong and the scent of flowers and fresh hay, short meditation and relaxation sessions promote inner peace. All three short guided tours take place as part of the exhibition in the palace gardens.
What is behind the bassin with the water-spouting bird?
The Schwetzingen Palace Gardens have long been home to numerous bird species. On the “Birds in the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens” tour, guests learn about the rules that once governed interactions with birds, where to find stone sculptures of them and how these animals are protected today. The “Walk and Talk: Climate Awareness Step by Step” program addresses a specific aspect of climate change: During the tour, psychologically trained experts explain the effects of climate change on the human psyche—and offer valuable insights that instill confidence.
