Explore Berlin’s ‘Monk Garden’: Reviving Edible Plant Traditions

The **Monk Garden**, located in Marienfelde, a suburb of southwest **Berlin**, is breathing new life into the appreciation of edible and medicinal plants. This expansive plant nursery showcases nearly **200 types** of rare herbs, leaves, and trees, many of which were staples in the diets of medieval monks but are seldom seen in modern supermarkets. The garden aims to reconnect visitors with forgotten culinary traditions, offering experiences that educate and inspire.

Martin Rötzel, the owner of the Monk Garden, expresses concern that essential knowledge about plants has diminished as food production has become increasingly industrialized. He states, “At some point, the knowledge was lost. [These days,] something like **99 percent** of people don’t know a single name of a plant.” Rötzel is dedicated to changing this narrative through various interactive formats, including long table dinners, workshops, and seminars that delve into the uses of edible and medicinal plants.

Experiential Learning and Culinary Exploration

The garden offers unique events, such as fine dining experiences where guests can taste dishes prepared with the garden’s rare produce. Rötzel believes that practical engagement is vital for people to appreciate the flavors and benefits of these plants. “We are trying to provide access to this ancient knowledge… because basically you can explain a lot to people, but if they don’t try it, if they don’t taste it, they won’t pursue it anyway,” he explains.

Visitors to the Monk Garden are not only learning about traditional plant uses but also exploring new culinary possibilities. Britta Rosenthal, one of the guests, shared her excitement about expanding her cooking repertoire. “I want to be a little more adventurous when it comes to preparing food… not always relying on pepper, salt, and paprika, but also using something green and fresh,” she noted.

The Medicinal Legacy of Monastic Gardens

Rötzel’s journey began when he fell ill **13 years ago**, prompting him to delve into the world of herbal remedies. He started collecting rare plants and cultivating them in his garden, which spans **2,000 square meters**. The Monk Garden, along with a medicinal monastic garden adjacent to a church, reflects the historical practices of monks who grew plants for both nourishment and healing.

Angela Merscher-Harms, another visitor, highlighted the garden’s significance in her professional life as a nurse. “I find it very interesting and exciting to learn what can be healed and achieved with nature as opposed to medicine,” she remarked. Her husband, an amateur chef, is also keen to discover new culinary techniques that he can apply at home.

The Monk Garden is more than just a plant nursery; it is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Through its innovative programming, the garden invites individuals to rediscover the joys and benefits of nature’s bounty, making it a vital resource for culinary enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.