Gravel gardens exacerbate climate and environmental problems – Sustainability officer calls for consistent greening
Claus Günther, Sustainability Officer of the City of St. Ingbert, speaks out decisively against the increasing creation of gravel gardens and calls for the consistent implementation of existing greening obligations. “Gravel gardens are not gardens. They are heat islands that burden our environment and destroy valuable habitats,” emphasizes Claus Günther.
Gravel areas heat up strongly in summer, store hardly any water, and contribute to the overheating of residential areas. At the same time, they neither provide food nor habitat for insects, birds, or other small animals. “In times of climate change and species extinction, we cannot afford to turn front gardens into gray stone deserts,” Günther continues.
The installed fleece also prevents quick infiltration during heavy rainfall events, thereby increasing the risk of flooding.
Günther calls on citizens to choose low-maintenance and nature-friendly alternatives. These include native perennials, wildflower areas, greened front gardens, or climate-resilient shrubs. “A lively garden is not only more beautiful – it is an active contribution to climate protection,” says the St. Ingbert gardener.
The annual St. Ingbert garden competition offers citizens the perfect opportunity to learn about alternative landscaping designs. Sustainability Officer Claus Günther is also happy to provide tips and suggestions for redesigning a gravel garden.
Contact: Claus Günther, nachhaltigkeitsbeauftragter@st-ingbert.de
