A living rock garden – the design process for a garden in the Ahr Valley

Designing the Fischer project took two years, with the garden achieving its first full growing season in 2015. The initial plan was to structure the site with rocks and build different terraces. This would create a sound barrier for the noise from the road above. Rocks would be piled up on the higher ground to stop any cars from landing in the garden if they came off the road. The clients ultimately decided they could not live with that design. If possible, they wanted to avoid having any type of fence. Instead, it became important to blur the boundaries and obscure the densely built-up surrounding development. The stone structure is not just about terracing, it also forms paths that are useful for maintenance work and can become permanent pieces of furniture. Among the benefits wine growing has brought to the Ahr valley are an improved microclimate and the absorption of heat during the day, which can be enjoyed in the evening hours.

The next step was to plant large trees. For this we worked with reliable, high quality German tree nurseries. The last tree planting, which was documented by regional new channel n-tv, took place in spring 2015. This was followed by the planting of perennials, using a signature combination of perennials and grasses that Peter Berg created. This special blend of plants was unveiled to the public at the 2011 Federal Garden Show in Koblenz and later, in even greater detail, at the 2014 Regional Garden Show in Zülpich. Another feature is that the trees and perennials are not separated but interwoven.

Finally, the terrace areas were created, although the large terrace is yet to be completed. We introduced the owner to the art of paving, leading to the design of three points of entry and the garage forecourt. Sawn basalt lava is the primary material used for the entrance and three main terraces – one of which is still to be constructed. Finally, the perennial planting was further refined.