Kohlrabi grows at the foot of the St. James’s church in Reuthe where a decorative vegetable garden clings to the picturesque, protected niche nestled on the wooded hillside. Bezau’s Gemeinschaftsgarten communal garden is situated between a long range of hills and the street leading towards Bizau. During the summer, a hiking trail leads past the plot and in winter there is a cross-country ski trail.Spread across 2,300 square metres, more than 70 people makes use of this space to garden. The diverse group comprises young families and widowed retires, who plant much more than just kohlrabi here. There are also beans and broccoli, carrots and potatoes, pumpkins, berries, tomatoes, zucchini and salad.
“Urban Gardening,” as the trend is called, has really taken off all over the world in the last few years in response to the question: “How can I grow my own vegetables on terrace?” Admittedly, the gardening in Bregenzerwald isn’t particularly urban, though the sight of farmer’s garden has become increasingly rare even in rural areas. And so it is that the idea of getting back to the roots has struck a nerve, be it in Berlin or Bezau. People are attracted to the ability to grow food locally, from a tiny seed to a plant, and to be able to enjoy the fruits of this labour free from poisons and artificial fertilizers.