Things are about to get WILD in Blankenburg!

– A future you can shape with the Edible Wild Plant Park: Ewilpa® –

July 11, 2023 | Anja

It was a passion project that our managing director, Suzann Heinemann, had been working towards for a long time. From her very first meeting with Dr. Markus Strauß, the initiator of the Edible Wild Plant Parks Foundation – Ewilpa® for short – she was immediately enthusiastic. The Ewilpa® concept involves creating wild plant parks where herbaceous wild plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees are planted and then allowed to naturalize in a controlled manner. With the Blankenburg Wild Plant Park, she aims to raise awareness of the natural resources in the area and the importance of the sustainable use of plants. Hopefully, this will even strengthen the connection between visitors and local residents and nature, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment.

The idea was immediately met with enthusiasm by the mayor of Blankenburg, Heiko Breithaupt, and the project was realized together with the city.

Our head chef, Michael Feige, soon had his first vision of how he and his team could utilize this fantastic project for our kitchen. So, you'll soon be seeing him and his colleagues more often outside, harvesting. You'd hardly believe how many plants, often considered "weeds," are actually edible and nutritious. You'll have to see for yourselves how they're incorporated into the delicious culinary creations of our castle restaurant. It really doesn't get more regional, seasonal, and organic than this!

A few facts about the Ewilpa® Project

The revitalization of a common land between sweet chestnut trees and orchards.

The Ewilpa® principle, developed by the foundation of the same name, involves cultivating edible wild plants—specifically trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs—in a park-like setting. There, visitors and residents can access valuable food sources year-round, in keeping with the concept of the commons. Furthermore, such a biodiverse area offers opportunities for education and recreation, providing a space for plants, people, and animals. Here, time-honored knowledge is combined with innovative ideas. Dr. Markus Strauß, the founder of the Ewilpa® Foundation, is deeply committed to bringing edible and vibrant wild plants back into everyday kitchens.

The Ewilpa® project in Blankenburg revives this fundamental idea. The main attraction here is the collection of enormous sweet chestnut trees, some of which are over 200 years old. In the southern part of the park, its former function of supplying the castle residents with fruit becomes tangible: Extensive orchards stretch across extensively managed meadows between an avenue and picturesque groups of trees. Herbs, wild vegetables, and fruit abound in this area, which the city has deliberately designated as a modern commons.

Later sections will be implemented in the Thiepark and Stadtpark areas, where larger new plantings are also planned. Starting from the train station, these core areas will be connected by a network of "wild" paths through the old town: Smaller areas of urban green space will be designed according to the principles of natural planting. In June 2023, a themed trail through the historic, listed castle park was opened. The starting point is the Kleines Schloss parking lot at the Schlosshotel Blankenburg.

Excerpt from the greeting by Dr. Markus Strauß

"When Suzann Heinemann, the initiator of this edible wildflower park, contacted me in 2020, I immediately envisioned the entire scene with the castles, the castle hotel, and the wonderful trees. I was delighted and agreed right away. That was in 2020 – as you can see, a project like this can take time. It's thanks to Suzann Heinemann's perseverance that we can celebrate today! Thank you, dear Suzann, for your dedication. Mayor Heiko Breithaupt recognized the idea of a city greened with edible wildflowers and connected by walking paths as an opportunity. His administration developed a network of paths that, starting from the train station, links the Thie and city parks, as well as the old town and the castle park. This concept is unique so far. I'm sorry that I can't attend the opening due to illness. I will make up for the originally planned tour of the edible wildflower park with you in 2024. The project will continue, and I will therefore be a regular visitor to Blankenburg." be."

City council chairman Klaus Dumeier told us:

"It was a truly fantastic event and a huge enhancement for our castle park. I think it's wonderful that there are already three of these parks in the area, allowing for ideal networking. There will also be reciprocal events. I was already present at the first meeting with Dr. Strauss and was very impressed then as well, because he radiates such joy, a joy for nature and greenery, and I am absolutely delighted that here in Blankenburg Castle Park, they have succeeded in using an existing park to showcase edible plants."

A visitor to the opening ceremony reports:

“We come from northern Brandenburg, and my wife trained under Dr. Markus Strauß. I always chauffeured her and had to drink those green smoothies every morning. Even back then, I was impressed by the whole atmosphere and Dr. Strauß's team. That's why we were so keen to see this for ourselves today. Unfortunately, we couldn't meet him in person because he's ill. We'll be back in 2024 when he's here. We were already familiar with Ewilpa as a concept, and we're currently working on a new garden design ourselves, following the trend of increasingly incorporating wild plants. I think it's important that we continue with this idea, network, and create lasting memories. We're happy to make the long journey here for that. A trip to the Harz Mountains is always a wonderful experience, and Blankenburg will now always be on our list of places to visit.”

We hope that our new edible wild plant park will attract many visitors and residents, and that we can turn nature lovers of all ages into true experts in wild herbs, shrubs and trees.

We would be happy to show you how good this tastes on your plate and how you can experience our region with your taste buds in our castle restaurant.

Things are about to get wild! See you soon!

Greetings from Anja

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