Catherina Merx
The content on this page was translated automatically.
Diversity in the plant world
Catherina Merx - Diploma I Organic Agriculture, graduated in 2004.
Currently: Horticulturist and consultant for Education for Sustainable Development in the Tropical Greenhouse at the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences.
My way to Witzenhausen
What the vast majority of people who have ever had anything to do with organic farming experience also applies to me: All roads lead to Witzenhausen!
After a disappointing start to my studies of agroecology in Rostock and a subsequent apprenticeship as a gardener on a Demeter vegetable farm, I switched to the course of studies in organic agriculture and finally found the content and the environment in Witzenhausen that I wanted: an almost familiar faculty, practical courses, a rural area and actually the first home garden in my life in which I could let off steam. And last but not least, the fellow students and lecturers with their different backgrounds and ideas. The variety of suggestions and professional opportunities encouraged me to try things out and gave me the confidence to find my professional niche.
Diversity in study - in the plant kingdom - in the job
Speaking of "diversity": My enthusiasm for plant diversity was able to grow and flourish during my studies - not so much through the compulsory courses, but rather through internships, project work and my acquaintance with the tropical greenhouse, part of the department in Witzenhausen, where I first got a job as a student and then as a gardener.
And I still like this position today because of its diversity: The areas of responsibility included (were), in addition to the purely horticultural activities, biological plant protection, maintenance of the plant database, public relations and educational work, generative propagation of the plant collection and, last but not least, the conception and management of the teaching and learning garden next to the tropical greenhouse. The inspiration for this teaching and learning garden came from my 3-year management of the Threshing Flail Show Garden in Schönhagen, through which I gained valuable experience, including working with associations and fundraising.
Today, I see the purpose of my work primarily in creating a platform for students to try out the teaching and learning garden, whether as an intern, as a participant in my course "Seed Production" or in carrying out project work. I also find it very satisfying to be able to arouse the interest of visitors in the diversity of cultivated plants in public events.
And here the circle closes again: I can now pass on a piece of the diversity that inspired me on all levels during my studies in Witzenhausen, without ever stopping learning myself.