October 2004 Guest Feature

GaLaBau 2004 - The 16th International Fair for Urban Green and Open Spaces in Nuremberg, Germany, September 15-18

By Janet Faust, Environmental Horticulturalist & Greenroof Product Manager
All Photos Courtesy Janet Faust

My husband, Doug, and I traveled to Stuttgart last month to attend the International Green Roof Congress in beautiful Nuertingen, and greatly enjoyed ourselves during the Congress and visiting many other cities and viewing the verdant landscapes of this lush area of Southern Germany. Immediately following the International Green Roof Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, the 16th International Fair for Urban Green and Open Spaces (GaLaBau) was held in Nuremberg, on September 15-18, and off we went to see the approximately 850 exhibitors.

World class exhibitors display the latest trends and developments in the garden and landscaping trade here, including greenroof systems and components. Attendees include landscape contractors, architects, and trade professionals, from both the private and public sector. The complete product spectrum at GaLaBau ranges from massive construction and maintenance machinery to unique plants and specialist sectors like grassing and planting in/on buildings. In other words, a landscaping and green roofing paradise!

This year, two fresh, lush green fern leaves in close-up decorate the brochures and advertisements for the trade show. The design reflects the overall aesthetic and modern feel of the contemporary trade show halls bustling with involved participants and filled with interesting and useful product information. GaLaBau is also attracting specialist markets in environmental protection and nature conservation, which is evident with the number of green roofing companies present. At least a dozen vendors had complete green roofing systems, another two dozen included related green roof products.

In between the dazzling array of hand tools and soil amendments in the brightly lit halls was an extraordinary exhibit titled ‘Swiss Alpine World’. The Swiss Master Gardeners Association (VSG) and the Institute for History and Theory of Landscape Architecture at the Technology Polytechnic in Rapperswil (Switzerland) jointly demonstrated a large display of alpine plants. The display provided an insight into the history of alpine gardens and their culture-historical significance. Countless sedum varieties were among the alpine gardens which could represent new opportunities for applications in the green roof market.

‘Swiss Alpine World’ by The Swiss Master Gardeners Association (VSG) and the Institute for History and Theory of Landscape Architecture at the Technology Polytechnic: A special display of common and rare Alpine plants, included are many Sedum varieties

GaLaBau is a horticultural cornucopia for the American eye filled with the latest equipment, helpful advice, and excellent materials to serve the green industry. Vendors from Europe to Asia welcome you into their booths with enticing baskets of cookies and cold refreshments. Better though are the readily accessible tables and chairs, which provide respite for the weary attendee. Clean, colorful, modern, and very hospitable is the feeling you get walking through the wide aisles of the many halls.

If you would like to know more about the international market and how the rest of the world is greening their environment through landscape and green roofs, GaLaBau 2005 might be well worth the trip and experience!

Janet Faust is the Environmental Horticulturist and Greenroof Product Manager for JDR Enterprises, Inc., and is a LEED Accredited Professional. JDR manufactures a Green Roof Drainage System (J-Drain GRS). She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Housing from Florida State University and Diploma in Environmental Horticulture from North Metro Technical College, Atlanta Georgia.

Janet's responsibilities at JDR include general greenroof market development and new product development for both the greenroof and landscape application markets, involvement in all phases of greenroof projects including promotional, design, development, and installation phases. She provides technical support to landscape architects, architects, contractors, and installers for greenroof projects.

Janet welcomes your educational outreach ideas and solutions; e-mail jfaust14@earthlink.net or call 770.442.1461. Publisher's Note: Read Janet's Student Guest Feature article from last summer here.