The community of Wilchingen-Osterfingen in the canton of Schaffhausen began the Garden Path in 2005 with a view to promoting the traditional Schaffhausen culture of cottage gardens. So far the idea attracts about 30 garden owners every year, all of whom make an active contribution to the project by carrying out maintenance, care and even restoration work. The kitchen, ornamental and back gardens add to the appeal of the village and boost tourism. The hard work and creativity that go into these gardens is reflected in the beauty of the village and bestow a special charm on the area. The Garden Path continues the long and widespread tradition of cottage gardens. The basic structure of cottage gardens in Switzerland has changed very little over the centuries. They adjoin houses and farm buildings and they accommodate both useful and ornamental plants on a relatively small area of land. For example, vegetables, herbs and berries might be grown next to flowers, shrubs and bushes. Just as in Osterfingen, many places attach great importance to the aesthetics of these gardens.
Aerial photo of Osterfingen from the south © Staatsarchiv Schaffhausen, 1985
The "Obere Mühle" (1709): The rectangular shape of the garden and its picket fence are typical features of Schaffhausen cottage gardens © B. Linsi, Osterfingen
As well as providing living space and working areas, the imposing "Zum Ochsen" houses built in 1752 accommodate huge vaulted cellars © Emil Wiesli, Schaffhausen
"Alter Sternen" (1819) : to protect the annual and typical cottage garden plants, the garden is enclosed by a picket fence © Barbara Linsi, Osterfingen
The garden in front of the house at "Oberdorf 29" is the most elaborate and beautiful cottage garden in Osterfingen. © Barbara Linsi, Osterfingen
The crossed paths in the garden of "Oberdorf 29" are flanked by neat box hedges which are more than a hundred years old © B. Linsi, Osterfingen
Detailed description
Bauerngärten in Osterfingen (PDF, 462 kB, 01.10.2024)Ausführliche Beschreibung
Category
Oral expressions
Canton
Contact
Kanton Schaffhausen
Fachstelle für Kulturfragen
Interessegruppe Gartenpfad Osterfingen