The flowering splendor of the flower island is no coincidence: 60 gardeners ensure that the tree and plant treasures thrive every day, which includes loving care and a love of nature as well as extensive expertise. If you are a garden lover, would you like to look over the shoulders of the Mainau gardeners as they work in the unique world of plants on the flower island and lend a hand yourself? Then make this dream come true now!
Offer "Be a Mainau gardener for once"
The "Be a Mainau gardener" offer can be booked for one day (€ 280). The time, location on the island and main topics can be chosen individually. You will be involved in the daily work of the Mainau gardeners and work closely with the respective team.
Location and period
March, April, June, July, August, September
Monday to Thursday, 9.30 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. or 1.00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.
The day-to-day work of a gardener responsible for perennials on the island of Mainau is varied and diverse. The tasks include the care of the perennial garden as well as the care of the (perennial) peonies(Paeonia). Benefit from the extensive knowledge of our gardeners and learn all about the creation of beds, a year-round flowering sequence, the correct planting distances within a planting and the succession of a planting area. Work in the perennial garden begins in March with removing the winter protection of frost-sensitive plants such as torch lilies(Kniphofia) and hook lilies(Crinum) and cutting back sensitive species. This is followed by corrections to the planting and dividing grasses. In summer, the work consists mainly of weeding, supporting and remontant pruning, which allows many plants to flower a second time. From July to August, the daylilies(Hemerocallis), which, as the name suggests, only bloom for one day and then wither, need to be pruned. In addition to active cooperation, you will also receive tips on fertilizing, weeding and pruning your herbaceous favourites.
Tuesday and Thursday, all year round, 7.00 - 9.30 a.m.
Experience the everyday life of the gardeners in the butterfly house and take a look behind the scenes of the second largest butterfly house in Germany. You will actively help to prepare the butterfly house for daily operation, support the gardeners in cutting out large plants and pruning the food plants of butterfly caterpillars and be involved in caring for the butterflies as well as the birds and fish that also live in the butterfly house. Learn all about the development from egg to caterpillar and pupa to butterfly and the tropical nectar plants. A special feature of the Mainau Butterfly House is that some of the butterflies are propagated by the butterflies themselves. Our expert gardeners will also inform you about the cultivation of the tropical house and plant control and give you tips on cultivating exotic plants in your own home.
Monday to Friday, all year round, 9.30 am - 12.00 pm or 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm
The work in the Italian Rose Garden and the Promenade of Wild and Shrub Roses is very varied. The tasks change constantly throughout the year. The rose year begins in January to February with pruning the climbing and shrub roses. The bedding roses are then cut back from the end of March. April is the time for fertilizing. In June, the rose garden is in full bloom. From then on, pruning takes place, which, like the flowering phase, lasts until September. Withered flowers are removed to preserve the splendor of the bloom for as long as possible. From August, in addition to pruning the flowers, the climbing roses need to be tied up. At the end of November, the roses are wintered and the first rough pruning of the bedding roses takes place. Experience the varied everyday life of a Mainau rose gardener and learn all about fertilization, plant protection and plant strengthening agents as well as the work involved. There will be practical tips and tricks for native roses.
Tasks arising in the course of the year:
| January | Pruning climbing roses Pruning shrub roses |
| February | Pruning climbing roses Pruning shrub roses |
| March | Pruning bedding roses |
| April | Fertilization |
| June | Flower cut |
| July | Flower cut |
| August | Flower pruning Tying up the climbing roses |
| September | Flower pruning Tying up the climbing roses |
| December | Flower pruning Tying up the climbing roses |
Monday to Friday, all year round, 9.30 am - 12.00 pm or 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm
Everyday work in the Mainau nursery is characterized by tasks such as propagation by sowing and cuttings, potting and general cultivation work such as watering, pruning and pest control. But the planting of boxes, tubs and bowls and the production of Christmas decorations also take place here. You benefit from the Mainau gardeners' extensive specialist knowledge and can pick up tips and tricks for green plants at home or varied planting ideas for balcony boxes.
Tasks arising in the course of the year:
| January | Seedlings Cuttings propagation Pricking out |
| February | Seedlings Cuttings propagation Pricking out |
| March | Seedlings Cuttings propagation Pricking out |
| April | Planting bowls Planting tubs Planting boxes |
| June | Planting bowls Planting tubs Planting boxes |
| July | Cultivation work |
| August | Cultivation work Potting |
| September | Potting |
| October | Winterizing |
| December | Making Christmas decorations |
Obtain information and make an appointment
If you are interested in "Be a Mainau Gardener" and would like more information, would like to give a gift voucher for the offer or have already set a preferred date, please contact the Mainau Service Center at info@mainau.de or 07531-3030.