1. insect hotels

Bees and co. like to check in here. The wooden structures usually consist of drilled logs, pieces of beef, pine cones and cozy straw and are very easy to build yourself. The drilled logs, holes and openings are perfect breeding grounds for endangered insect species such as wild bees. They also ensure that the ecological balance in the garden is maintained.

2. raised beds

Raised beds are great and one wonders why they are only now having a real "high". Not only are they extremely easy on the back and knees, they also make it possible to plant crops on terraces and balconies. They also offer the plants protection from slugs and snails crawling on the ground. Raised beds are easy to build yourself, less talented hobby builders can also buy ready-assembled ones from DIY stores or garden centers.

3. ornamental cabbage

Sure, you can find colorful flowers in pretty much every garden. What is new, however, are colorful and exotic-looking ornamental cabbages. Not only do they look pretty and are robust against environmental influences, they can actually be eaten, e.g. in soups or stews. As the brightly patterned plants are real eye-catchers, they are currently even being planted in many public green spaces.

4. vertical gardens

The "green walls" were invented by Patrick Blanc. The French botanist and garden artist was inspired by the green rock faces in tropical regions of South East Asia. There are now countless ways to create a vertical garden at home - especially if you have little space for planters. For example, discarded shoe organizers can be transformed into hanging herb gardens.

So-called Euro pallets can also be converted into a green wall.

Even easier is a hanging bed made from plastic bottles. Upcycling deluxe, so to speak. Even the dullest concrete wall becomes a colorful eye-catcher and kitchen garden at the same time. Simply cut open one side of the bottle, fill with soil and sprinkle with seeds, water and your new mini garden is ready.