On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the first “Water-Saving Gardening” workshop took place. We were guests at the Quartier Napoleon allotment garden complex in Berlin-Wedding. 

With about 20 participants, the event was pleasingly well-attended. The group was a diverse mix: It included allotment gardeners from the Quartier Napoleon, the Rehberge and Plötzensee allotment garden complexes, and Lehrter Straße. A few participants did not have their own allotment garden but, for example, a planted balcony.

The event began with a general introduction to the topic of water—ranging from water on Earth and the natural water cycle to the impacts of climate change and the importance of soil as a “sponge.” The discussion also covered the special role of community gardens and how they can contribute to climate-resilient and water-efficient urban green spaces.

Another key focus was the specific characteristics of the Berlin-Brandenburg region: low precipitation, sandy soils, and the resulting unique challenges for plant irrigation. We therefore took a closer look at what constitutes good, water-retaining soil—including humus formation, compost, mulch, and green manure. Topics such as hoeing, digging, and soil compaction were also discussed.

Next, we took a practical look at watering: What should be watered, with what, when, for how long, and how much? Among other things, we focused on the lawn and also considered alternatives such as an herb lawn. Other topics included drip irrigation, rain gauges, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and the question of how to retain water in the garden for as long as possible.

Plant selection also played a role (adapting plants to dry sites), as did shade and windbreaks as water-saving measures. And how can we design a garden that is as diverse and natural as possible while using less water?

The conclusion of the event was: The more diverse and natural a garden is designed, the better it can cope with the challenges of climate change and the more resilient it becomes. Not only do plants play a role here, but also—and in particular—a living soil, a conscious approach to water use, and as much diversity as possible.

I particularly enjoyed the lively, interactive exchange. Many participants were able to share their own experiences, and the event also fostered dialogue among the various allotment garden associations.

To wrap things up, we worked together to make ollas (porous clay pots that can be used for water-saving plant irrigation). It was a lovely, hands-on way to conclude the workshop.

My conclusion: The more diverse and natural a garden is, the better it can cope with the challenges of climate change and the more resilient it becomes. Not only do plants play an important role here, but so do—in particular—lively soil, mindful water management, and as much diversity as possible.