An idea becomes reality
The Reformation that Martin Luther started in Wittenberg spread worldwide. The upcoming Reformation anniversary celebration will effectively bring out this aspect in the town of Wittenberg. In preparation for the 500-year Reformation celebration, the Luthergarten will emerge on town grounds through 2017.
The Luthergarten will be an oval garden in which 270 trees will be adopted by churches from around the entire world. It has the shape of an ellipse with a width of 70 meters (7x5x2=70 prime numbers); the distance between the foci of the ellipse is 95 meters (for the 95 Theses). Hopefully, an additional 230 trees will be planted in the area near the town fortification grounds so that the total number of trees planted will be 500. (500 trees stand symbolically for the 500 years of the Reformation, 1517 -2017.)
In the middle of the garden, there is a plaza in the shape of the Luther Rose. Plans are to use polygonal natural stone pavers with grass in between. In the center of this plaza, there will be a raised cross (raised about 20 inches/50 cm.), which will be covered with the same material.
Small granite cobblestones form the outer edge of the Luther Rose, separating it from the surrounding area. The central plaza is bordered by a hedge of privet.
Between the petals of the Luther Rose are planted 5 linden trees. (The linden tree is the tree from the German village square that stands for community, justice and assembly.)
From that place, seven paths are symbolically leading into the world. A primary path, lined with a row of linden trees, traces a heavenly bow through the garden. Here again, the measure of 95 meters is evident (the distance from the center to the edge of the ellipse). Five additional paths lead south toward the Elbe River. On these paths, different tree species from 5 continents are consciously mixed, emphasizing the ecumenical character of the project.
Between the avenues will be mixed fruit-tree orchards made up of local fruit trees, planted more randomly in contrast to the orderly avenues.
The existing area of grass will be developed into a year-long flowering meadow. The surrounding elliptical border will be constructed as a self-binding gravel path. The same materials will be used for the paths ("the heavenly bow," "the international avenues"). The path widths will be between 5 and 8 feet. The breadth of the upper bow will be about 8 feet.
The existing network of paths on the site will be integrated into the project. This connects the Luthergarten with the Town Center, especially with the Castle Church and the Town Church.
The entire construction process will be completed in several construction phases from 2009 through 2017.
To see how the Luthergarten is developing and for further details about the project, see the following links:
