In the volunteer editorial team, Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture.
Irmgard, who is retired, has been dancing with the "Dancing Neighbours" since May 2024, has been involved in the volunteer programme since autumn 2024 and, as a member of a networking group, organised a meeting of senior citizens from Chemnitz's European twin cities here in the European Capital of Culture in September 2025. She enjoys all the activities very much.
„Rotgestreifte Schafsnase, Schnabelsapfel, Siebenkant, Schweizer Renette, Süße Große Schafsnase, Glanzrenette, Grüner Englischer Pepping, Scharlachrote Parmäne, Gelber Sommerkalvill, Kalterer Böhmer, Roter Wintertraubenapfel, Süßer Kurzstiel, Gelber Winterstettiner, Ostfriesischer Kalvill, Wohlschmecker aus Vierlanden." Who still knows these melodious names of old apple varieties today? Probably only pomologists.
But in keeping with the motto of the Capital of Culture "C the unseen", they are now being brought back to the fore. on 20 October 2025, 30 young apple trees were planted in the existing orchard on Schenkenberg in Chemnitz-Reichenhain.
Numerous volunteers and members of NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e.V. gathered at Schenkenberg for the occasion. After a friendly welcome from the commercial director of Kuha, Mrs Pier, and an expert introduction to the correct planting technique by a representative of NABU, all the volunteers set to work - despite the very cool wind that swept over the Schenkenberg - and grabbed their spades.
In small groups, they began to dig planting holes - carefully and deep enough to give the young trees a firm foothold later on. The protective vole net was then laid out at the bottom of the hole before the tree was carefully placed in the ground. Together they filled in the planting hole again, making sure that the grafting point remained above the ground. The vole net was then closed, the soil carefully compacted and finally a watering ring formed.
The planting campaign was rounded off by the NABU experts placing the trefoil to stabilise the young trees and attaching the netting to prevent deer bites, who will also keep an eye on how the young apple trees grow and thrive next year. Planting was expressly encouraged. A young family also responded to this call and did not miss the opportunity to lend a hand and learn something in the process.
This planting event was a lot of fun for everyone involved.
