In Berlin, Christiane Habermalz has become a prominent figure in the fight against insect decline through unconventional—and sometimes illegal—methods. Her approach, known as “guerilla gardening,” involves covertly planting native wildflowers in urban spaces to create habitats for pollinators. This grassroots movement highlights the tension between municipal regulations and ecological necessity, offering a model for urban biodiversity conservation1.
Guerilla Gardening: Tactics and Impact
Habermalz’s work focuses on transforming sterile urban landscapes into “insect islands” using native plants like wildflowers and deadwood (Totholz). These efforts, though technically illegal, are often tolerated by local authorities due to their ecological benefits. Her book, Anstiftung zum gärtnerischen Ungehorsam (Heyne, 2020), details strategies such as nocturnal planting in roadside strips and repurposing neglected public spaces2. Similar initiatives have emerged in Lübeck and Eutin, where community gardens and balcony projects demonstrate the scalability of small-space gardening3.
The Insect Decline Crisis
Urban gardening efforts like Habermalz’s respond to alarming data: a 75% decline in flying insect biomass since 1989, as documented by the Krefeld Study4. Invasive species such as Kirschlorbeer further threaten native ecosystems in regions like Schleswig-Holstein. Tagetes flowers, which repel pests while attracting pollinators, exemplify low-tech solutions gaining traction among activists5.
Legal and Policy Challenges
Conflicts arise between ecological goals and urban aesthetics. A 2025 BGH ruling relaxed height restrictions for hedges, but debates persist over “wild” gardening styles. In Lübeck, redevelopment of Kleingartengelände Buntekuh was complicated by asbestos contamination, illustrating the intersection of environmental and public health concerns6.
Community and Mental Health Benefits
Beyond ecology, urban gardening fosters social cohesion. Leipzig and Hannover report reduced isolation through shared gardens, while Eutin’s volunteer-driven plots integrate multicultural plant varieties. Studies cited by HAZ link gardening to measurable stress reduction7.
Conclusion
Habermalz’s guerilla gardening exemplifies how grassroots activism can address systemic ecological challenges. While legal ambiguities remain, the movement’s success in Berlin and beyond suggests a growing public appetite for redefining urban green spaces. Future policy shifts, such as stricter biowaste regulations effective May 2025, may further legitimize these efforts8.
References
- Wie eine Guerilla-Gärtnerin gegen das Insektensterben kämpft. LN-Online, 2025. [Link]
- Habermalz, C. Anstiftung zum gärtnerischen Ungehorsam. Heyne, 2020. [Excerpt]
- Tiny Gardening: Was Gärtnern auf kleinstem Raum ausmacht. LN-Online, 2025. [Link]
- Krefeld Study. Insektensterben in Naturschutzgebieten. 2017.
- Tagetes planting guide. LN-Online, 2025.
- Asbestos in Kleingartengelände Buntekuh. LN-Online, 2025.
- Gartenromantik Fair promotes native plants. LN-Online, 2025.
- Stricter biowaste rules. Die Harke, 2025.
