Seminar with Sonja Schürger | garden and landscape architect | Stralsund & Dr. Angela Pfennig | garden historian | Stralsund
Paths to a lively relationship between humans and nature
Perception of nature in the St. Jürgen monastery outside Rambin
Intact gardens and landscapes are the basis for biodiversity, fertile soil, clean water and a balanced climate. Many people appreciate the relaxing, healthy and stimulating effect of spending time in nature. However, a diverse, regionally typical cultural landscape can only be created today if people consciously connect with their surroundings and act responsibly as a result.
Based on a sensitive sensory perception of the landscape as a whole, the plants, animals and rocks, a lively inner experience and familiarity with the character of a place can gradually develop. Consciously experiencing natural phenomena also leads to a recognition of our own impulses and opens us up to a deeper encounter with other people.
In the harmony of individual perspectives, in the encounter of inner and outer experiences, a flexible and yet characteristic wholeness is formed in which the "genius loci" can express itself. In this way, we develop new abilities to act in harmony with the nature of a place that are urgently needed for a future worth living.
In addition to the intensive study of the history of the site, the arduous administrative activities to found the association and the takeover of the site from the Hanseatic City of Stralsund through a lease agreement in 2023, as well as a wide range of public relations work, the first very concrete practical work has already been carried out, such as the repair of park benches, the cultivation of fallow kitchen gardens, hedge trimming and wood maintenance, clean-up work and maintenance measures on buildings.
The cultural activities to date have given rise to questions that will be addressed during the nature awareness seminar. The main aim is to trace the qualities of the area from the entrance to the monastery complex to the chapel, including the landscaped park on the south side. What is special about each of these places? How is the current state perceived? How can these spaces be developed for the future in harmony with their respective character? Are there any options for practical action arising from the seminar?
The task will consist of perceiving the places and moods in small groups, sensitively observing structures, plants and animals and then exchanging experiences. A comprehensive overall picture can then emerge from the individual contributions. In this way, the individual observations are integrated into a coherent whole of what is specific to these garden spaces in the monastery and it becomes possible to experience how every detail makes the essence of the places clearer.
Finally, the old lime trees will be pruned as part of a maintenance project. Please bring your own tools (pruning shears and handsaw).
The seminar is aimed both at people who are directly involved in the project at Rambin Monastery and at people who enjoy being in nature, are interested in plants and animals and want to deepen their experience of nature by sharing it with others.
