Residents of Höxter discovered an unusual living situation: a couple resides in their garden.
In the picturesque town of Brakel, Germany, Ludger and Martina Jochmaring have transformed a family legacy into a vibrant, thriving cottage garden. The garden, a 1,000 square meter idyll located behind their house in Michaelstraße, has been in the Jochmarings' care since 1991, when they took over the property from Ludger's parents.
The garden, one of the 14 most exciting entries in the "most beautiful garden in OWL" competition, is a testament to the couple's dedication to maintaining a balance between aesthetics and edible planting, adapting to the specific climate and regulatory context of Westphalia.
The garden boasts a vegetable garden, a Westphalian cottage garden, an orchard, and a sauna. The vegetable garden still grows carrots, beans, and a few raspberries. The Jochmarings have also added a lounge area, a sauna, and a special garden house to their garden.
The old parental apple tree, now 70 years old and decaying, doesn't bear many fruits. However, the couple leaves the fallen apples for the hedgehogs. A nursery plans to graft a cutting of the old apple tree, ensuring its continuation in a new one.
Ludger, a passionate boxwood enthusiast, has numerous small boxwood hedges in the garden. He follows key tips for managing boxwood pests, including regular inspections, promoting plant health, pruning during dormant seasons, and introducing natural predators or targeted insecticides when necessary.
Martina appreciates roses for their many colours and shapes. Wildflowers bloom in a strip of the garden, attracting bumblebees, bees, and butterflies.
The Jochmarings' garden changes every year, reflecting their love for experimentation and continuous improvement. They enjoy visiting garden events, parks, and open gardens for inspiration.
Online voting for the "most beautiful garden in OWL" competition will be possible in the first week of September. If you're inspired by the Jochmarings' garden, cast your vote and help them win!
[1] These approaches help maintain a vibrant, productive garden that balances aesthetics with edible planting in the specific climate and regulatory context of Westphalia. For more information on maintaining a cottage garden in Westphalia, focusing on boxwood pest management and vegetable growing, consider the key tips provided.
The Jochmarings' garden, a vibrant and thriving example of a home-and-garden lifestyle, beautifully showcases the balance between aesthetics and edible planting in the unique climate and regulatory context of Westphalia. By adopting the given strategies for maintaining their garden, one can strive for a similar lifestyle and home-and-garden setup, especially with respect to boxwood pest management and vegetable growing.
