Eppingen Garden Show 2022

Over the summer of 2022, the idyllic half-timbered town of Eppingen in the Kraichgau region hosted the Baden-Württemberg Garden Show. Initiated by the garden show, a central, contemporary park was created for citizens and visitors, which is characterized by a high diversity of design and use for all age groups. The sustainable concept has created lasting elements that provide positive impulses for the quality of life, the social environment, the infrastructure and the urban climate in Eppingen.



The approximately 5-hectare site already refers to the historical context through its course along the former town wall: the green structures of meadow areas and kitchen gardens that were once so typical of Eppingen and were located in front of the old town can be seen and experienced again through the design. By cleverly connecting the urban sprawl, a continuous green park strip was created along the old town, which repeatedly widens out to the renaturalized Elsenz riverbed. In addition to generous recreational spaces, this also created the long-awaited direct access to the water. By freeing the Elsenz and Hilsbach from their narrow, straightened corset and renaturalizing them, the lost connection between the streams and their floodplains has been restored and ecologically valuable retreats created. The redesigned open space is accentuated by taking historical references into account, while climate and sustainability requirements are integrated into the concept as a matter of course.



The permanent complex can be roughly divided into three areas: the so-called "Bachwegle" in the west, the centrally located Weiherpark and the area where the Hilsbach and Elsenz rivers meet in the east. These very differently designed sub-areas are connected barrier-free by the new old town promenade.

In the "Bachwegle" area, restored allotment garden structures along the old city wall bear witness to the former importance of supplying fruit and vegetables close to the city. Spacious park meadows extend to the Elsenz river with its now flat, green banks.

In Weiherpark, at the foot of the Wilhelminian-style railroad station building, the new city pond with its fountain is the centerpiece of the site. The large wooden terrace flanking the pond provides an appropriate stage for Eppingen's magnificent half-timbered panorama. The old town can now be reached via the flight of steps and a pedestrian bridge via a new pathway through the park.

A special detail was created at the site of the former mill canal, which diverted water from the Elsenz to operate the town mill. Around 290 meters of the old town promenade are lined with 14 individually shaped fountains made of Portuguese granite, reminiscent of this historical element. Sometimes splashing, sometimes calmly reflecting, each of the fountains displays a different water feature. The large water playground on the edge of the old town also provides cooling and action.

To the east of the Weiherpark, the confluence of the Hilsbach and Elsenz rivers has been restored to its original, natural atmosphere by widening the estuary. The striking, geometric platform forms a contrast to this. Seating steps and fords with stepping stones make it possible to experience and cross the course of the stream.