Prize awarded for "Green Oases in Jena" 2025

This year's "Prize for Green Oases in Jena" goes to committed citizens who have created new green living spaces in Jena with a wealth of ideas and a lot of passion. On behalf of all the award winners, Dirk Lange, Head of Urban Development, presented a certificate to the main award winner at a ceremony on site today.

"It is impressive to see how many people in Jena are contributing to making our city liveable and improving the urban climate with small and large projects," emphasized Dirk Lange. "These green oases are not just beautiful to look at - they provide habitats for plants and animals and promote coexistence in our neighborhoods."

These green oases were awarded prizes:

1st main prize (€600): Christina Zaubitzer, Friedenstraße 67

At a block of flats in the Saaletal housing association, a formerly monotonous lawn was transformed into a colorful, insect-friendly planting area - with over 40 native wild plants and a variety of flowering aspects. Rainwater from a new barrel is now available for dry periods. Many local residents followed the transformation with great interest. The project is regarded as an exemplary model for nature-oriented redesign in residential areas.

2nd prize (€400): The Scheller family, Felix-Auerbach-Str. 18

The balcony in the 11-storey building in Lobeda-West sets a striking green accent in the large south façade. Flowering plants, wild shrubs and useful plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and beans grow there in the smallest of spaces. Even a small pond provides a habitat. This project proves that urban diversity is possible even in the smallest of spaces.

3rd prize (€300 + planter with wild vine): Johanna Donat and Renate Haschke, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 2:

The roof of the AWO multi-generation house was transformed into a versatile roof garden with extensive greenery and a covered outdoor seating area. This is used jointly by residents and neighbors. The project impressively demonstrates how unused gravel roofs can be transformed into green meeting spaces.

Recognitions

Three further projects were each awarded €100:
- Anja Wahlmann, Westbahnhofstr. 11: for a generously landscaped inner courtyard that is open to both residents and employees.
- The Hörhold family, Lützowstrasse 7: whose green façade received an award 13 years ago and today shows how well-tended gardens can become more beautiful over the years.