MONK GARDEN is a unique garden located in Marienfelde, a suburb of Berlin, Germany. The garden, formerly known as the Monk Garden, houses nearly 200 types of rare herbs, leaves, and trees, which appear to be entirely forgotten today. The garden was established to showcase the不可思议 traditions of monks in monasteries where they cultivated these plants for both spiritual and commercial purposes.
Martin Rödtel, the owner of the current “Monk Garden,” is aware of the garden’s history and understands the significance of these plants in medieval populated regions. However, many plants and herbs offered today are considered to have been lost to modern commercialization, particularly as food production has become increasingly industrialized. Rödtel is doubtful that 99 percent of German consumers even recognize a single plant in the garden. He misunderstands the knowledge that has fallen into obscurity, especially as the garden offers “reficasts” or experimental cooking experiences.
Rödtel organizes long table dinners, workshops, and seminars to engage visitors with knowledge about edible and medicinal plants. The culinary experience is designed to introduce visitors to plants they may have never heard of, offers a way to try them out, and explain the diverse ways they can be used in cooking. This approach aims to foster a deeper connection with nature and its potential.
The garden is of particular interest to curious visitors who are eager to learn about these rare plants and their roles in both traditional monastic practices and modern science. Visitors can also learn how to prepare these plants in a healthy and nutritious manner, which may be inspired by their food for thought. For example, Britta Rosenthal, a guest listed as a “nice guest,” finds deeply meaningful information to reflect on health and healing, while Angela Merscher-Harms, a nurse and differentialchemist guest, finds it endlessly fascinating to explore the potential of nature and food science.
The visit to Monk Garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a garden of edibles and numeric plants, highlighting their historical and scientific significance. The garden serves as a testament to the ongoing connection between nature and humanity. As Rödtel explains, “the knowledge of plants is not only old but alive; it is drying and healthy and the natural ingredients of life!”
Both the-old and the-new aspects of Monk Garden combine to create a space that celebrates the history of plants and the potential for innovation. The garden as a whole is hoped to become a place where visitors can learn and experiment, gaining insights into the ancient and modern world. For more details, website the video in the media player.
