The nominated projects 2025 are:

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

Category 1: Gardening focussed on community

Joint commitment strengthens society. Selfless people are often happier and more successful than egoists. Economists also confirm that a willingness to help pays off in the long term.

Whether gardens at kindergartens or schools, or green spaces in communal housing projects, whether intergenerational or intercultural gardening or the "neighbourhood oasis" around the corner: This category highlights innovative, ecological gardens that focus on community and social aspects with model character.

Regardless of their size, they can be used in a variety of ways by young and old alike and integrate the region or the surrounding area. Environmental justice and climate protection-related aspects should also be reflected in the projects submitted.

SOSNA Natural garden - place of beauty, health, and care for our planet

5,000 m² of flower meadow as a neighbourhood project: with orchards, wild hedges and a nature trail, biodiversity, education and social interaction are growing here, thereby forming a genuine community role model.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: SOSNA
Year of project implementation: since 2010
Location: Družstevná pri Hornáde (SK)
Website: www.sosna.sk

Blumenwiese Glanzhügel

A community garden on an area of 0.5 hectares combines nature, inclusion and education: a pond, green roofs and wild zones promote climate, diversity and participation as a model for climate gardens.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Association "Die Blumenwiesler"
Year of project implementation: since 2018
Location: Neumarkt (AT)
Website: blumenwiese.home.blog

Gemeinschaftsprojekte des Kleingärtnervereins Weiße Rose e.V.

'Weiße Rose' e.V. is engaging in many community garden projects, networks and in their adventure garden so that allotment garden associations are regarded as green spaces worth preserving.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Kleingärtnerverein Weiße Rose e.V.
Year of project implementation: since 2017
Location: Rostock (DE)
Website: https://www.kga-weisse-rose.de

Garden of the Five Elements

This educational, experimental and community space for the promotion of ecological and chemical-free horticulture serves as a model in many respects in and beyond the city of Brno.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Zuzana Rezacova Lukaskova
Year of project implementation: since 2022
Location: Brno (CZ)
Website: http://www.zahrada5elementu.cz/

ElisaBeet - ein solidarischer Lehrgarten mit klimaneutralem Kiez-Gemüse

Upon the initiative of the non-profit organisation himmelbeet GmbH, residents from the neighbourhood have created an organic vegetable field on a former cemetery area in the heart of Berlin.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: himmelbeet gemeinnützige GmbH
Year of project implementation: seit 2019
Location: Berlin (DE)

Gemeinsam wachsen mit der ObstStadt Wien

ObstStadt Wien, an association for the promotion of fruit diversity for ALL, has planted organically cultivated orchards in 10 public areas – with more information about them to be found on the digital Fruitmap.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: ObstStadt Wien - Verein zur Förderung von Obstvielfalt für ALLE
Year of project implementation: since 2018
Location: Wien (AT)
Website: www.obststadt-wien.at

Lehr- und Kräutergarten Dreieich mit Naturlehrpfad und Familiengarten

An educational and herb garden with an insect-friendly model front garden, a nature trail and family garden have been established for the biotope association in the Baierhansenwiesen nature reserve.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Lehr- und Kräutergarten Dreieich e.V.
Year of project implementation: since 2018
Location: Dreieich (DE)
Website: https://www.kraeutergarten-dreieich.de/

Gosling Sike - a community hub for people and nature

This community centre for people and nature is driven by a passion for wilderness and sustainability and is open to everyone interested 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Year of project implementation: since 2021
Location: Carlisle, Cumbria  (GB)
Website: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/explore/gosling-sike

Gärtnerei "GrünReich" Gemeinsam verwurzelt- fit für die Zukunft!

The company-run training centre for organic horticulture provides socially disadvantaged young people with sound, practice-oriented training at eye level.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: NÖ Sozialpädagogisches Betreuungszentrum Hollabrunn
Year of project implementation: since 2004
Location: Hollabrunn (AT)

Europa Minigärtner „Verständnis säen, damit Nachhaltigkeit wachsen kann"

To raise awareness for ecological gardening, the community of Hohe Börde offers a free programme for children aged 8 - 12 in the Europa Minigärtner groups.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Community Hohe Börde
Year of project implementation: 2023-2026
Location: Hohe Börde (DE)
Website: www.hoheboerde.de

Naturnah bewirtschafteter Kleingärtnerverein
"ARONIA" e. V. Dresden

The allotment garden site "ARONIA" is the first garden in Dresden to be entirely organically cultivated and transformed into a near-natural garden landscape to improve the urban climate.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Kleingärtnerverein "ARONIA"
Year of project implementation: since 2023
Location: Dresden (DE)

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Growing for All: A Therapeutic Garden that Bridges Town and Gown

The campus of the University of Perugia located on former monastery grounds is an ecological and therapeutic garden for the organic cultivation of food, for recreation and the observation of nature.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: University of Washington/University of Perugia
Year of project implementation: since 2022
Location: Perugia (IT)

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

Category 2: Biodiversity and climate change adaption in gardens and green spaces

Biodiversity means diversity – the variety of different habitats and the richness of species of animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. Nature and species conservation begins right on our doorstep. Climate change continually presents us with new challenges. Therefore, intelligent ways to adapt gardens and green spaces are needed.

Projects submitted in this category ranged from renaturalized commercial areas, urban parks, school gardens, and public green spaces to open spaces around corporate or residential buildings and private gardens.

All projects promote biodiversity, demonstrate adaptation options to climate change, and inspire others to follow suit – through inventiveness, new solutions, or innovations. They have the potential to spark new projects.

Innovationscampus, dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst

36,348 m² of campus connect nature, economy and humans: with trees, retention areas and green roofs, a future-proof model for climate-active cities is being created.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Bryum GmbH
Year of project implementation: 2018-2024
Location: Kaiseraugst (CH)
Website: www.bryum.org

Living Lab Dropie for Climate Education

On an area of 6.5 hectares, the eco-centre combines the protection of Bengal floricans, environmental education and climate adaptation – with revitalised water areas, a living lab and barrier-free, sustainable technology.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Slovak Environmental Agency – Centre of Environmental Education Dropie
Year of project implementation: 2018–2024
Location: Zemianska Olča (SK)
Website: dropie.sazp.sk/en

The Rejuvenation of a Park - for Everybody, for the Future

This revitalised park located in Southern Austria combines biodiversity with social inclusion: wild meadows, snack gardens and a nature trail promote climate, education and community.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Grüne Werkstatt Ingenieurbüro für Biologie
Year of project implementation: 2023-2024
Location: Gratkorn (AT)
Website: www.gruenewerkstatt.at

Anlage eines Naturgartens nach historischen Prinzipien

The past meets future: On 2,200 m² of damaged soil, a historic garden has been transformed into a living learning and natural space through rainwater infiltration, wild structures and recycling.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Prvorepubliková zahrada Alena Zelenková
Year of project implementation: 2020-2023
Location: Janovice nad Uhlavou (CZ)
Website: www.prvorepublikovazahrada.cz

Hortus Aquis - Trachtfließband Dachterrasse

This natural miracle shows how diversity can also grow in planters on just 15 m²: a living biotope has been created high above the rooftops using wild plants and cyclic maintenance.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Andrea Jaschik
Year of project implementation: seit 2020
Location: Aachen (DE)
Website: www.hortus-aquis.de

Forestline: A Sanitex Office Rooted in Nature

From an industrial site to a nature park: 2.3 hectares with a large number of native species, rainwater management and education show what green infrastructure is capable of achieving – in both a lively and a smart way.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: UAB Gruta
Year of project implementation: since 2024
Location: Kauno m. sav (LT)
Website: www.grutalandscape.lt/

Perchtoldsdorfer Biodiversitätshotspots & Insektenhighway

Near-natural areas improve the microclimate, water retention and climate resilience. It is great that so many people are working together to build this green future.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Marktgemeinde Perchtoldsdorf in Kooperation mit Heideverein (HV) und Landschaftspflegeverein (LPV)
Year of project implementation: seit 2000
Location: Perchtoldsdorf (AT)
Websites: www.perchtoldsdorf.at, www.perchtoldsdorfer-heide.at

hollu Natural Recreation Park

A company area is becoming a green oasis: 5,000 m² of parkland with a forest garden, wild meadows and a pond prove that biodiversity, climate resilience and environmental education are successful here.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: hollu Systemhygiene GmbH
Year of project implementation: 2021-2023
Location: Zirl (AT)
Website: hollu.com

Urbane Biodiversität und Klimaanpassung in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

The district brings urban greenery to life: With sheep, compost and dialogue with citizens, the innovative biodiversity strategy is bringing climate, nature and education into harmony.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Bezirksamt Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf von Berlin Abteilung Ordnung, Umwelt, Straßen- und Grünflächen
Year of project implementation: seit 2021
Location: Berlin (DE)
Website: www.berlin.de/ba-charlottenburg-wilmersdorf/verwaltung/aemter/strassen-und-gruenflaechen/gruenflaechen

Biodiversum

With its habitat project on 15 hectares of institute grounds, the Max Planck Institute is literally giving a sign of life, thereby promoting biodiversity, climate protection and education.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Wette + Küneke GbR, Wette + Gödecke GbR
Year of project implementation: 2019-2023
Location: Göttingen (DE)
Website: www.wgk-planung.de/

Urban Ecology Implementation Programme Linz

The provincial capital is strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience with a number of ecological measures. Public participation and the provision of information make the project sustainably effective.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Magistrat der Landeshauptstadt Linz
Year of project implementation: 2023–2024
Location: Linz (AT)
Website: www.linz.at

We learn in nature

The 6.5 hectare site of the vocational secondary school in Pruske was designed in a variety of ways with respect for nature as a natural environment, free from barriers, in which creative thinking is allowed to flow.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Stredná odborná škola Pruské
Year of project implementation: since 2018
Location: Pruské (SK)
Website: https://www.sospruske.sk/

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

Category 3: Trends for the future: new knowledge - new diversity

In 2025, for the first time, the European Award for Ecological Gardening will also honor products, processes, and services that sustainably enhance ecological gardening through innovation and progress.

This new award category recognizes forward-looking solutions that open up new possibilities for ecological conscious gardening practices. Innovations have always been a driving force behind positive change—improving and enriching the lives of diverse target groups. With this in mind, the award shines a spotlight on pioneering developments that contribute to greater ecological diversity, practical applicability, and long-term sustainability in gardening and landscape management.

LITE-NET BAUM Bio1 und LITE-STRIPS Bio1: Luft & Wasser für Bäume und Pflanzen

The nets or strips made of 100% cellulose store 10 litres of water/kg. They are internationally patented as underground irrigation systems, have received numerous awards and are biodegradable.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Lite-Soil GmbH
Year of project implementation: since 2018
Location: Wien (AT)
Websites: www.lite-soil.com, www.lite-soil-shop.com

Frag den Bodenpapst zum besseren Gartln

The Database LLM Wrapper connects AI technology with scientific databases and prepares information on soil health and sustainable cultivation in a fast, affordable and easy-to-understand way.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: AGAi FlexKapG
Year of project implementation: since 2024
Location: Wien (AT)
Website: www.bodenpapst.at

OSOGO-Apfelhecke

An apple hedge which is unique in Europe and is made up of knipp trees with robust, mostly old apple varieties from the association's variety preservation project brings healthy fruits even into the smallest gardens.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: OSOGO, Obst-SOrten-Garten-Ohlsdorf non-profit association
Year of project implementation: since 2017
Locaiton: Ohlsdorf (AT)
Website: www.osogo.at

DNA-Check Insektenvielfalt: Erfassen von Artenvielfalt ohne Tiere zu fangen

The innovative test makes it possible to record the insect diversity of a green space using the DNA traces of flower visitors and to assess measures for promoting biodiversity.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Sinsoma GmbH
Year of project implementation: 2024
Location: Völs (AT)
Website: https://sinsoma.com/

RegenZukunft – Anpassung an den Klimawandel durch Wassermanagement

In the Pielach Valley, a public garden demonstrates how biodiversity and the knowledge of medicinal plants can be combined with inventive rainwater management to create a sustainable learning space.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: TEH Kräuterschaugarten Weinburg
Year of project implementation: 2023
Location: Weinburg (AT)
Websites: www.weinburg.gv.at/Kraeuterschaugarten_2, www.filmchronisten.at/filme/gruenes-klassenzimmer

Berliner Biodiversitätsbaumscheibe

The volunteer initiative of Fritschestrasse has developed an integrated model for tree grates that protects trees, promotes biodiversity and integrates the needs of dogs.

Project description (Download PDF)
Submitted by: Initiative Fritschestraße
Year of project implementation: since 2024
Location: Berlin (DE)
Websites: www.fritschestr.de, www.einfach-beeten.de

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