The redevelopment of the park is the most recent step in a series of long-planned renovations, the ground work for which was set out in a thorough study by Frau Silke Sievers. Even though other repairs and restoration had to take priority - be it the restoration of the tapestries or preservation work on the structure or bridge - the need to renew the park was obvious. The old stock of trees had passed its critical lifetime.

 

A “Hartz IV” initiative suggested and financed by Kreis Schleswig-Holstein has been launched to help unemployed people obtain a qualification in landscape gardening in the park of Glücksburg castle. The Kreis is supported by the Foundation as well as the agency “Neue Arbeit Nord” and the association for landscape gardening. The primary aim of this ambitious project is to get as many long-term unemployed as possible back into the job market with the help of a new training. Initial results have been positive and the special environment seems to have a motivational effect as well.

 

As one would expect, the aim of the Foundation is to present the park like it used to be 20 years ago. Glücksburg Castle has always seen itself as a “living” house where everyone can meet and experience culture first hand. This is an excellent reason for reviving traditional craftsmanship in a very special environment and showing it to the public.

 

The the 5-year project has been planned by Herrr Tölke from “Natur & Kultur”, while Herr Garske is responsible for its implementation. The work is done in conjunction with the Schleswig-Holstein office for the preservation of monuments.

 

The work started in October 2005 with the fortification of the embankment, as the water level of the lake had been drained to enable the restoration of the facade. Then in autumn and winter, preparations for the planned vegetable garden started below the parking area; trees were treated and cut, a circular rose bed was planted and the new Arboretum (a tree garden) prepared.

 

Although the restoration of the park is being done in accordance with the old plans, the process has also taken into account the modern use of the park. In the coming years exhibitions like “LebensArt” (25-27 August 2006) and open-air events like the musical “Phantom of the Opera” on 18 August 2006 are planned.

 

The realization of the project is ensured financially by Hartz IV funds but also through sponsorship by Fielmann AG in Hamburg, the Danisco Germany GmbH in Niebüll, as well as the Glücksburg Castle Foundation.

 

During a press conference on 27 June 2006, the Chairman of the Foundation, Christoph Prinz of Schleswig-Holstein, thanked all the partners involved for their excellent cooperation. It was agreed across the board that the social challenge of countering unemployment with special projects has been met.

 

The icing on the cake has to be the demonstration of traditional gardening methods such as the pruning and care of fruit trees or the cultivation of melons, which, despite the Northern climate, thrived in the Glücksburg garden in the old days.