Hidden treasures in Frankenthal: The forgotten rose garden!

Hidden treasures in Frankenthal: The forgotten rose garden!

In Frankenthal, an abandoned building is the focus of local researchers: the former Zum Rosengarten inn, highlighted by its red clinker bricks, is currently a lost place that represents an unexpected destination for many. According to Rheinpfalz, Karl-Heinz Kuhn, a passionate local historian, took a closer look at the origins of Am Rosengarten street. What is striking is that the term “Rosengarten” is not only used in this country, but throughout Germany. The most famous rose garden in the Palatinate can be found in Zweibrücken and some interesting things in Neustadt, where there is also a street with this name at the northern entrance to the city. In Frankenthal, on the other hand, there is no evidence of a connection to a rose garden in any site plan.

Apart from the history of the rose garden in Frankenthal, the current issue of food waste could also make an interesting connection. According to BMLEH, around 10.8 million tons of food are lost in Germany every year. A large part of this comes from private households, where each consumer throws away an average of 74.5 kilograms a year. This is an important social problem that could also affect the preservation of our cities if we think about how many resources there are in what is thrown away.

A remarkable business model

When we talk about failings in the grocery chain, the company Misfits Market comes to mind. Founded by Abhi Ramesh, who, while visiting an orchard, noticed how many apples were being discarded due to their shape or size, the brand specializes in rescuing “ugly” fruits and vegetables. According to Misfits Market, a huge amount of high-quality food is thrown away every year - and usually just because it doesn't fit the picture on the shelves of traditional grocery stores. Ramesh started locally in Philadelphia, but the concept has now grown into a full grocery store and actively fights against food waste.

Combining historical research with the modern challenges of food waste could lead to a fruitful exchange. What if we combine the lost history of places like the Rose Garden with an awareness of sustainable food practices? The transformation of unused spatial resources into places of knowledge about food production and utilization could have not only informational but also practical reasons.

What does this comparison between history and the present tell us? In today's world, when awareness of our environment is growing, it is becoming increasingly relevant to link old and new stories - not only to preserve heritage, but also to find solutions to today's challenges. Frankenthal could take on a pioneering role here, but we all have to pull together to achieve this.