The 2,500 m2 garden at Wartegg Castle surprises with an incredible variety of shapes, colours, and scents. Here, around 50 different herbs, about 60 vegetable varieties, and over 250 different perennials, shrubs, and trees thrive.
A natural garden
The ProSpecieRara special garden is biodynamically cultivated and Demeter certified. The old and rare vegetable varieties provide more diversity and flavour on the menu and bring a smile to the faces of restaurant guests. Here at Rorschacherberg, the kitchen follows the garden's rhythm, guaranteeing seasonality and freshness. Shrubs and hedges create diverse habitats. Species-rich flower meadows offer a varied food supply for wild bees and other insects. Various meadows are gently mown with a scythe no more than twice a year.
Grisons Oberland Sheep
The four-person team led by head gardener Matthias Thalmann not only cares for the flora in the castle park but also for the Grisons Oberland sheep, an endangered ProSpecieRara breed. The roots of these animals trace back to the already extinct Tavetsch sheep, which was considered a descendant of the Stone Age gate sheep. These small, robust, and shaggy four-legged animals strut through the park, mow and fertilize the lawn, and provide wool, which is also processed here.
Happy Bees
Here at Wartegg Castle, as much as possible is left to nature. This is why the castle bees, which are harvested a maximum of once a year, feel particularly at home. This year, no honey will be harvested, thus strengthening the bee colonies. The industrious creatures build their own combs; artificial combs and chemicals are not used. Meanwhile, the little bees also nest in special clay dwellings and in naturally constructed beehives on the poplars in the park.
Passionate Gardener
In the garden, Matthias Thalmann combines nature and art. But see for yourself.