Catherina Merx
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Diversity in the plant world
Catherina Merx - Diploma I Organic Agriculture, graduated in 2004.
Currently: Gardener and consultant for education for sustainable development in the tropical greenhouse at the Department of Organic Agricultural Sciences
My way to Witzenhausen
What most 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 in agroecology in Rostock and a subsequent gardening apprenticeship on a Demeter vegetable farm, I switched to the organic farming course and finally found the content and environment I wanted in Witzenhausen: an almost family-like department, practical courses, a rural area and actually the first home garden in my life where 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 career options gave me the courage to try things out and gave me the confidence to find my professional niche.
Diversity in studies - 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 job today because of its diversity: in addition to purely horticultural activities, the areas of responsibility included 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 design and management of the teaching and learning garden next to the tropical greenhouse. The inspiration for this teaching and learning garden came from the 3-year management of the flail show garden in Schönhagen, through which I was able to gain valuable experience, including in 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 "Seed Production" course or in carrying out project work. I also find it very satisfying to be able to arouse visitors' interest in the diversity of cultivated plants at public events.
And here the circle closes again: I can now pass on some of the diversity that inspired me at all levels during my studies in Witzenhausen, without ever having to stop learning myself.