Rostock's greenhouses remain closed: there is no permanent renovation!

Rostock's greenhouses remain closed: there is no permanent renovation!

The Loki Schmidt greenhouses in the Botanical Garden of the University of Rostock are closed. This is not only a bit of a shock for plant lovers, but also raises questions about the future of this traditional institution. The reason for the closure is the structural and technical condition of the greenhouses, which has been known to be inadequate for years. The administration has finally reacted, but it remains unclear when visitors will be allowed in again. Currently, only employed university employees are allowed to enter the greenhouses to care for the plants under safety precautions, as NDR reports.

There will also be no courses in the greenhouses in the coming semesters. An action plan to secure the greenhouses has already been drawn up, but currently only a number of modernization measures are pending. These include installing external shading and sealing the roof. Scaffolding will be erected in the tropical and succulent compartment for ceiling work to ensure both the safety and future of the greenhouses. The work is expected to begin in autumn 2025 and should be completed by spring 2027.

The Botanical Garden as an important place of education

Botanical gardens, like the one in Rostock, play an important role in science and teaching. These facilities not only provide space for a variety of plant species, but also provide valuable educational opportunities. They are places where biological diversity is preserved and promoted, and artistic and ecological approaches to connecting people and nature come into play. There are almost 1,800 botanical gardens worldwide, and the Rostock Garden is one of the many that specialize in the conservation and research of plant species, as can be found on Wikipedia.

Despite the closure of the greenhouses and the financial hurdles to a full renovation, there is still hope. In the long term, the planned modernization measures could help ensure that the Botanical Garden remains an attraction for students and the public. Retrofitting with modern LED technology and installing circulating air fans could significantly improve the conditions for the plants and increase the attractiveness of the entire area.

A long road to renovation

It is unfortunate that there is a lack of financial resources for the necessary renovations, which cannot be taken into account in the current planning. The Loki Schmidt Greenhouses opened in 2009 and are now showing deficiencies that can no longer be ignored. To ensure that the Botanical Garden can fulfill its important role as a research and educational venue, these challenges must be urgently addressed. Responsibility for plant care remains assured, which in itself is a ray of hope.

The coming years will bring big changes. It remains to be seen whether the long wait of visitors and the challenges of plant care will ultimately result in a major renovation. One thing is certain: a closure is always an opportunity for improvement - and the Rostock greenhouses could soon be reopened with fresh shine and innovative concepts to continue their tradition.