© Achim Mende
The magic of light, cloud moods, and the reflections of the lake
"Magic Islands of the Gardeners" served as the slogan for the prominent feature of the Regional Garden Show Überlingen 2020. Überlingen, with its 1,250-year history, has maintained a deep-rooted association with water. The city's affluence and success historically thrived on commerce and the transportation of goods across the lake. This garden exhibition marked a significant milestone as the first in a series of state horticultural shows in Baden-Württemberg, beginning in 1980, to be hosted in close proximity to a substantial international water body, namely, Lake Constance.
The Floating Gardens have been thoughtfully laid out in a fan-shaped pattern on the lake, designed to guide visitors gently from the shoreline towards the water's expanse. This arrangement allows individuals to establish a more profound connection with the water, complete with the rhythmic motion of the undulating waves. Cozy seating resembling beanbags beckons visitors to relax, encouraging them to contemplate the serene views, gaze upward at the lake and the sky, and perhaps even indulge in some daydreaming. These garden islands, integrated into the Floating Gardens, have been carefully curated and designed by four local VGL companies: Heasum, van Elzen, Gropper, and Grimm.
DREISEITLconsulting GmbH
Artistic Design, Urban Planning, Construction Supervision
Location
Überlingen, Lake Constance, Germany
Client
Landesgartenschau Überlingen 2020 GmbH
Engineer
Technus KG (GmbH & Co.)
Garden Designers
Paul Saum, Van Den Elzen Garden Design, Gartengestaltung Gropper, GRIMM garten gestalten GmbH
Timeline
Design: 2018-2019
Construction: 2020-2021
Status
Completed
Visitorship: Approx. 700,000 people
Publication
Taspo Garten Design
SÜDKURIER
"In order for what is possible to arise, the impossible must be tried again and again." This quote from Hermann Hesse, who lived on the Untersee for some time, was the motivational quote for Herbert Dreiseitl
The current state of the Lake Bodensee shoreline in the location of the site
The current pathway that runs lengthwise along the shoreline
Herbert Dreiseitl, renowned for his artistic expressions and landscape architecture deeply intertwined with water themes, introduced the "Floating Gardens" project. His inspiration for pursuing the seemingly impossible endeavor came from Hermann Hesse, who resided by Lake Constance at Untersee and once said, "To create new possibilities, the impossible must be attempted again and again."
The planning process was conducted with extensive knowledge and profound respect for the lake and its occasionally unpredictable weather, acknowledging the potential dangers of sudden storms and brief yet powerful waves. Furthermore, they had to consider the significant seasonal fluctuations in water levels and currents due to the influence of Alpine waters. Those who lived through the recent storms in 2019 and 2020 can appreciate the diligent efforts of the planners and local experts to find the most suitable solutions for connecting and securing the jetty and the islands.
Situated prominently in front of the "Haus des Gastes," the Floating Gardens occupy a unique location. A shoreline pathway that runs parallel to the lake converges with a jetty extending into the water, seamlessly integrating with a semicircular platform. This platform warmly welcomes visitors, encouraging them to pause and fully immerse themselves in the grandeur of the lake while enjoying dynamic perspectives.
Conventional floating body systems (pontoons) were borrowed for the time throughout Landesgartenschau and then taken back by the bidder or reused when the event is over.
The overall construction consists of a galvanized steel structure with a variety of different PE plastic floating elements. The bridge system is non-positively connected to the metal scaffolding by means of joints in order to be able to react dynamically to the changing water levels. The entire platform is covered with Siberian larch and nourishes the longing to enter the facility. The garden islands are partly docked to the jetty or fixed in front of the jetty at some distance by means of anchor stones. All islands are enclosed with a sheet steel collar, because at Lake Constance as a drinking water reservoir it must be ensured that no substrate is washed into the lake.
From the shore path running parallel to the lake, one steps onto the footbridge, which protrudes into the lake and flows harmoniously into a semicircular platform. The Floating Gardens are arranged in a fan shape around this footbridge, gradually drawing visitors from the shore outwards onto the water, where every wave sets the footbridge swinging and this movement is transferred to the people as a close-up experience of nature. The vastness of the lake can be experienced in generous dynamics. Each of the floating garden islands is carefully curated, planted and designed with different themes such as lifestyle, resilience and sustainability.
These garden designers are breaking new ground in the landscape sector. “The cooperation with the gardening companies was extremely fruitful and enriching”, says Dreiseitl. “During the planning phase, the countless sketch meetings and discussions with the landscape designers helped me to mature and refine my ideas”.
The themes encompassing life and the immersive experience of the lake, alongside water conservation and sustainability, hold significant prominence in the concept of this endeavor.
Among the numerous attractions, the 13 show gardens presented by the Association of Gardening, Landscaping, and Sports Field Construction take center stage. These gardens showcase the latest garden trends, the artistry of garden design, elements of water, well-being, and serenity. Notably, this marks the first occurrence of accessible floating gardens at a state horticultural show.
The garden and landscaping show exhibits not only illustrate trends and diverse expressions of garden design on solid ground but also extend their creativity to the water. A total of nine Land Gardens and four Floating Gardens will be on display, each a remarkable standout in its own right. All participating exhibition companies are affiliated with the Association of Gardening, Landscaping, and Sports Field Construction in Baden-Württemberg (VGL-BW).
This temporary arrangement carries informative and educational significance for the public, and it is expressly designed to serve the public interest. These enchanting gardens are poised to stand out as the focal point of the State Garden Show, be it in 2020 or 2021.
The Landesgartenschau Überlingen projects, on one hand, thoughtfully considered the historical context of the location, and on the other, provided an opportunity for both visitors and residents to reacquaint themselves with the lake features and gardens of their city.
