Compared to other countries, façade greening was relatively common in Germany, at least according to the many images that have been preserved. This collection will be published gradually. However, it is striking that greening is concentrated in some places and hardly found in others. How can this be, and what factors influenced this?
Greening took place in rural areas, i.e. in villages, monasteries, manors, inns, schools and vicarages, in agricultural suburbs and small towns (‘farmers’). In densely built-up, larger towns, greening was rather disruptive, except in wide, sunny squares such as the market square. Or in the courtyards behind the street: craftsmen cultivated sweet grapes on trellises in their workshops there.
From around 1900 onwards, many new climbing plants came onto the market, and the greening of façades became more diverse. This was accompanied by a major change, as not only yield but also flowers or leaves could now be the guiding principle for greening. Since around 2010, climate issues have become the main motivation for new greening projects. Even warehouses, industrial buildings and office blocks in Germany are now to be greened on a large scale. This requires a completely new way of thinking, with only limited recourse to tradition and experience.
And what about the desire to grow your own espalier fruit? A lot has changed in this area too. Fruit is available all year round and is no longer “grown” at home; in rural areas, there are hardly any vine espaliers left. Cars have conquered densely populated cities, and there are eager attempts to establish greenery there to improve the air quality. However, the main focus is on leaf mass, and other plants are used for this purpose instead of grapevines.
Climbing plants need a good location. This is not available in all regions of Germany; in some places there are restrictions, especially in higher and coastal areas with strong winds. In general, however, it can be said that in regions where edible ‘wine at home’ used to be grown, all the plants described by FassadenGrün can be used without hesitation! Evidence of historical vine trellises in a region is therefore helpful for today's plant selection.
However, it is not only climate zones that are decisive, but also people's mentality. In ideally located but sober-minded cities, there is often not a single green space for miles around, and the same is true of ‘well-maintained’ suburban settlements. Then again, there are small towns that focus on tourism and beautify their buildings – there, entire streets are greened. One example is the so-called ‘rose towns’. And sometimes, one person has to take the first step, and soon the neighbours follow suit. Then the vine arbour may regain the appreciation it once had: the pride of a family and a popular backdrop for photos of all kinds!
At FassadenGrün, we are happy to help with new greening projects, both in urban and rural areas. This includes reflecting on proven methods and presenting examples. In the image archive, sorted by federal state, you will soon be able to explore your region. A lot has already been published for Saxony, and other areas will follow from 2026 onwards.
Fassadengrün is a commercial supplier of stainless steel wire rope systems in Germany, Europe and overseas. Information about: Which plants are suitable, are climbing aids necessary, should they be made of wood or metal? Here at FassadenGrün you will find all the information you need from a single source.
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