In the search for sustainable solutions in times of climate crisis, the gardening concept of permaculture is an important topic. We spoke with gardener Marie Louise Troll. She takes care of about 25 hectares of land, 2,700 square meters of vegetable garden, and 500 square meters of herb garden for the sustainable hotel Gut Sonnenhausen (south of Munich). She also gives regular seminars. Here she explains what permaculture is all about and shares some practical tips for you at home.

Permaculture Garden and it’s Contribution to Sustainability

Green Travel Blog: Hi Marie Louise, Permaculture is often seen as a kind of ecological model garden. Is that the case?

Marie Louise Troll:  I think so. Because permaculture is creating healthy relationships within the overall system of the garden; therefore it is inherently sustainable and ecological. The concept was developed by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in 1978. It includes 5 dimensions: the two horizontal dimensions, the vertical dimension, the dimension of time as the fourth, and the above-mentioned fifth dimension of relationships; everything is interdependent.

Green Travel Blog: It’s also about imitating cycles observed in nature, right? Could you give an example?

Marie Louise Troll: With pleasure! Due to the effects of climate change on water resources and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, we have been working intensively for several years on solutions to mitigate the effects on our horticulture. To this end, we spent the last year using permaculture principles to observe our property and trace the watercourses. Based on our observations, we developed our own water system consisting of rainwater cisterns, ponds, and underground waterways. We also use certain techniques in growing vegetables, such as mulching, to minimize water use.

Green Travel Blog: The environmental benefit is that resources (in this case, water) are conserved?

Marie Louise Troll: Yes, we make the most of the environment. Working with nature, not against it.

Permaculture at Gut Sonnenhausen

Green Travel Blog: What is the significance of the gardens around Gut Sonnenhausen to the hotel business?

Marie Louise Troll: Health, regional and seasonal cuisine, aesthetics and well-being are important to us at Gut Sonnenhausen. To this end, we live in harmony with nature and the cycle of the year, which is reflected in our garden. We see ourselves as a team, with each department reflecting our common philosophy.

Green Travel Blog: Please describe your garden in more detail so that our readers can better imagine it.

Our certified organic agriculture is divided into four areas that complement and develop symbiotically.

1. Our culinary and medicinal herb garden, approximately 500 m²: Just outside our front door, guests are greeted by a colorful world of herbs and flowers. Our naturopath (Kirsten Walter) and our chefs pick fresh, aromatic herbs for healing treatments and culinary delights.
2. Our vegetable garden, about 2700 m²: Following the “Farm to Fork” principle, we grow our organic vegetables sustainably, regionally & according to the principles of permaculture. We also think in cycles. Anything not used for processing is added to our compost and later returned to the soil. Once harvested, the fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables go straight to our kitchen for quality processing. In addition to cultivation, the vegetable and herb garden is a decelerating, colorful, and grounding relaxation area for our guests.
3. Our ornamental plants decorate, accent, beautify, and romanticize the old monastery garden. They also encourage the biodiversity of insects, birds, and amphibians.
4. Our outdoor area, about 25 ha under nature protection: About 4600 perennial, shelter, and ornamental trees have been planted here. Our focus is on old varieties of fruit and nut trees. The peaceful forest completes the experience at Gut Sonnenhausen.

Permaculture at Home – Tips from the Gardener

Green Travel Blog: How could you use such a large-scale garden concept at home? Do you have any special tips for our readers?

Marie Louise Troll:  My advice to amateur gardeners is to explore and perceive the garden first and foremost as a space of experience. Through curiosity, supportive intervention, fun, and passion, your own garden will develop naturally and profitably.

Green Travel Blog: You also offer a “Gartentreff” and seminars on “Seasons in the Kitchen Garden” at Gut Sonnenhausen. What exactly happens in those?

Marie Louise Troll: In my seminars, we build community, gather and share knowledge, and experience the vegetable garden through the seasons, and of course, there is plenty of training input for the individual garden at home.

Green Travel Blog: Finally, is there a flower or plant that you particularly like or should be planted for sustainability?

Marie Louise Troll: What I like most is the variety, the bright colors, and the many different shapes. And it is this diversity that is ecologically valuable.

Green Travel Blog: Thank you for your time and best wishes for your gardening year.

If you want to experience the garden at Gut Sonnenhausen live, you can find the dates of Marie Louise Troll’s seminars in the calendar of events at Gut Sonnenhausen.

If you are staying longer, the building itself has a lot to offer. The carefully renovated stud farm consists of stylishly renovated rooms with a mix of modernity and tradition. For example, some of the rooms still contain farmhouse cupboards over 100 years old. The owner, Georg Schweisfurth, is also an avid art collector and displays a wide variety of works throughout the property. There is something to see around every corner.

Save this post for the coming gardening season!