Home Guard Garden Award This is what it looks like, the Garden of the Year

The Verein Kulturkloster Altdorf in the village of Altdorf, Uri, has won the Schulthess-Garden Prize 2026 awarded by the Swiss Society for the Protection of Local Heritage. The award recognizes the group’s efforts in maintaining and enhancing the historic garden area surrounding the former Capuchin monastery, which dates back to 1581 when the monks settled north of the Gotthard Pass. This site, located slightly elevated above the village center, was chosen for its sunny exposure and existing vegetation. The garden features terraced landscapes with dry stone walls, a traditional building technique still visible throughout Altdorf. The garden lies just below the former Capuchin monastery, which is now owned by the municipality of Uri. The last six Capuchin monks left the monastery in 2009. Since 2020, the Verein Kulturkloster Altdorf has taken responsibility for the upkeep of the public garden and the entire property. In addition to gardening, the association hosts cultural events, organizes seminars and weddings, and operates a café within the monastery complex. The prize marks the culmination of this multifaceted work, highlighting the organization's commitment to preserving both natural and cultural heritage. Fabian Ziegler, who leads the garden maintenance, emphasizes the ecological value of the space. “The garden is a valuable habitat, especially for biodiversity,” he says. “We cultivate rare plants here and create optimal conditions for wildlife.” Ziegler lives in the former monastery with his partner Johanna Brücker and their two teenagers. Both are actively involved in the association, with Brücker overseeing the coordination of the association’s programs and guest services. The Schulthess-Garden Prize celebrates gardens that demonstrate outstanding design and botanical qualities. While the focus is on aesthetic and ecological aspects, the award also highlights community engagement and historical preservation. Previous winners include the Alpine Botanical Garden in Meyrin, Geneva, praised for transforming a neglected space into a vibrant public area; the Bally-Park near Aarau, recognized for its industrial and horticultural significance; and the English-style gardens in Bern, restored to reflect their historical importance. The 2025 winner was the Kannenfeldpark in Basel, noted for its thoughtful adaptation of historical green spaces to modern needs. The 2022 recipient was the Association of Chestnut Growers of Italian-speaking Switzerland, which promotes the conservation of chestnut groves through collaborative efforts among private individuals, institutions, and businesses. The Verein Kulturkloster Altdorf’s win underscores the ongoing role of local communities in safeguarding heritage sites. Their work reflects a broader trend in Switzerland, where historical gardens and agricultural landscapes are increasingly valued for their cultural and environmental contributions. As the society continues to recognize such efforts, the future of these spaces depends on sustained public and institutional support. The garden in Altdorf stands as a living example of how past and present can coexist in harmony.