A few years ago, insects were still buzzing around the food in the garden. They quickly disturbed the summer ambience. But today, in many cases, it's just one thing: quiet. Nothing buzzes and hums around you any more. Only the occasional insect flies by.
Some people may be pleased to no longer be disturbed by the little "pests" while eating outdoors, but this points to a dramatic development: insect extinction. Just 30 years ago, there were 75% more of them. This is a major problem worldwide.
The causes are manifold. Intensive agriculture, harmful pesticides, over-fertilization and climate change are all contributing factors. The consequences for humans and animals are alarming. For example, insects pollinate a number of plant species and thus provide food for many other creatures - including humans. In addition, the small animals themselves serve as food for birds, reptiles and other animal species. Insects therefore contribute to the ecological balance. Turning a blind eye is therefore not an alternative. Action should be taken - and that is what we are doing.
With wildflower meadows in our gardens. The gardening and landscaping company Tannenhof Petersen has planted wildflower meadows on the lawns of our buildings in Goerdelerstraße, Kanzleistraße and Waldstraße. The flowers bloom in bright colors in the warm season - and as desired, in a wild mix. The large wildflower meadows look beautiful and provide plenty of space for insects.
By sowing the flowers on specially prepared elongated, unused lawns, we can also help the insect population to recover a little. To do this, seeds of various flowers and plants are sown in the previously selected area. We do not use mineral fertilizers, as these flowers require poor soil.
We are also planning to install several insect hotels in which the small insects can live, nest and possibly overwinter.
