The desire to let nature take its course

“Renate is in the garden” says the sign on the front door. A weathered flagstone path leads around the house and opens up a view of a very special realm: forget-me-not islands protrude from a sea of ​​daisies. The flowering meadows are surrounded and interspersed with lush bushes, hedges and trees.

What smells so good there? Is it the lilac or the camellia? A dragonfly whirrs through the air, toads croaking from the pond and birds chirping in the treetops. Suddenly, an unbelievable calm spreads in this green paradise. Time seems to stand still. In the midst of the green oasis, landlady Renate Koblinger sits on a bench under an ivy-covered apple tree and reads a novel. Her garden secret: “Patchwork, a little bit of everything. As it comes, it’s allowed.” Letting nature take its course means violets will sprout between flagstones or wood anemones will suddenly be there one day.

Currants instead of roses

The woman from Linz has planted many things, some have spread, like wild garlic, and shot up like a tree that has seeded itself. In addition to decorative items, there is also a lot of edible items: herbs such as parsley, rosemary, chives or savory find just as much space as sour cherries, rock pears or currants. Other things have passed: “Most of my places are not suitable for roses.” In her refuge, the artist not only likes to welcome all kinds of animals, but also guests. To do this, the 79-year-old arranges her best crockery and silver cutlery on white lace tablecloths.

It’s not just chatting, eating and resting – talented amateur musicians give their best in the Lusthaus, which is reached by a few steps. A friend recites a spring poem. And the twelve-person literature group – “with a surplus of men”, as the lady of the house emphasizes – also meets in the garden. Twice a year, the meadows are transformed into a work of art: drawing and painting is done under supervision.

Children in particular like to wander through the terrain and go on a journey of discovery. “A garden needs secret corners,” Koblinger is certain.

Take part in the OÖN garden election

For the sixth time this year, the OÖ Nachrichten has chosen the most beautiful garden in the country – owners of balconies and terraces are also cordially invited to take part. How to choose a garden:

1 | Participate: Take photos of your garden and upload the most beautiful pictures to nachrichten.at/gartenwahl – don’t forget your address and telephone number!

2 | The vote: A jury headed by organic gardener Karl Ploberger will once again choose the most beautiful gardens.

3 | Choice of winners: Winners will be announced at the closing event on October 19th. You can win vouchers from Biohort and Seca; In addition, the “organic gardener of the nation” comes to the most beautiful garden.

4 | Looking over the garden fence: Be inspired by the magnificent gardens of the OÖN readers and visit the photo gallery at nachrichten.at/gartenwahl