Berliner Gartenfreunde

What Berliner Gartenfreunde does

Berliner Gartenfreunde is the trading name of the Landesverband Berlin der Gartenfreunde e. V., a nonprofit registered association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 1901 in Berlin, Germany, that serves as the umbrella organization for the city's allotment garden movement. It represents approximately 67,000 individual allotment gardeners through 18 district associations (Bezirksverbände) and approximately 400 affiliated garden clubs (Kleingartenvereine), providing representation, garden consulting (Gartenfachberatung), environmental and climate education, member publications, training of garden advisors, and political advocacy for the preservation of allotment garden land. The organization is governed by an elected board led by President Gert Schoppa and Vice President Thorsten Fritz, with a small staff of approximately 6 employees at its headquarters on Spandauer Damm in Berlin, and is registered at Amtsgericht Charlottenburg under Registernummer VR 16 B.

The association's core products are member publications and consulting services rather than software. The principal publication is Der Gartenfreund, a monthly magazine produced in partnership with Verlag W. Wächter GmbH with approximately 72,000 copies per month, of which about 69,000 have been distributed digitally as ePaper since January 2023; the printed version is sold at €22.80 per year (2026 rate). Supporting publications include the annual historical yearbook Der Berliner Kleingärtner (Band 10, 2026, marking 125 years of organized allotment gardening), informational brochures such as Berlins Grüne Oasen, and monthly information sheets for club notice boards. The digital footprint is modest: a website on the Gartenbund.de platform provided by 20Media GmbH, with self-hosted Matomo analytics, CleverReach for email newsletters, YouTube video embedding in a Mediathek, and a dedicated Klimagärten.de climate campaign site. There is no AI, no proprietary software IP, and no public API.

The revenue model is that of a federated nonprofit: annual membership dues flow primarily through the 18 district associations and approximately 400 clubs rather than directly to the Landesverband, supplemented by magazine subscriptions and one-time publication sales. The Berlin Senate administration for environment and transport is a key stakeholder, particularly following the March 2026 enactment of the Berliner Kleingartenflächensicherungsgesetz, which provides legal protection for allotment garden areas. Partnerships with the national BKD, Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung, Humboldt-Universität, Stiftung Naturschutz Berlin, BUND Berlin, the Botanischer Garten Berlin-Dahlem, and others support the organization's consulting, biodiversity, and climate adaptation programs, and the association participates in flagship events such as Tag des Gartens, Umweltfestival at Brandenburg Gate, and Grüne Woche.

Name

Berliner Gartenfreunde

Legal name

Landesverband Berlin der Gartenfreunde e. V.

Website

https://gartenfreunde-berlin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1901

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Landesverband Berlin der Gartenfreunde e. V. is a 125-year-old nonprofit umbrella association representing approximately 67,000 Berlin allotment gardeners across 18 district associations and 400 garden clubs, providing representation, garden consulting, publications, and political advocacy for the city's allotment garden community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Allotment Garden Association Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

Keywords

• Allotment garden association
• Membership organization services
• Garden advisory services
• Association magazine publishing
• Community gardening advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues collected through the network of 18 member district associations and approximately 400 individual garden clubs across Berlin, serving approximately 67,000 allotment gardeners.
2. Magazine Subscriptions: Revenue from Der Gartenfreund magazine, available as ePaper (included in membership since 2023) and printed subscription at €22.80 per year (2026 rate) through Verlag W. Wächter.
3. Publication Sales: Sale of special publications including yearbooks (Der Berliner Kleingärtner), climate special editions, educational brochures, and historical documents through the publisher.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Berliner Gartenfreunde (Landesverband Berlin der Gartenfreunde e. V.) is the state-level umbrella nonprofit association representing approximately 67,000 allotment gardeners across 18 member district associations and around 400 garden clubs in Berlin. It delivers the monthly Der Gartenfreund magazine (ePaper included with membership; print subscription available), the annual Der Berliner Kleingärtner yearbook, garden consulting (Gartenfachberatung), training of garden advisors, climate-adapted gardening programs (Klimagärten), and political advocacy for allotment garden preservation.

Product overview

Berliner Gartenfreunde operates as a non-profit association (Landesverband Berlin der Gartenfreunde e. V.) representing Berlin's allotment garden community rather than a traditional product company. The core offering consists of the 'Gartenfreund' monthly magazine (delivered as both print and ePaper digital versions), published by Verlag W. Wächter. Supporting publications include the 'Der Berliner Kleingärtner' annual yearbook documenting the history of Berlin's allotment gardening movement, and various brochures such as 'Berlins Grüne Oasen' for prospective gardeners. The web presence is powered by the Gartenbund.de platform provided by 20Media GmbH, featuring the klimagaerten.de climate garden initiative, a video mediathek, and monthly information sheets for display in club notice boards. The association provides garden advisory services (Gartenfachberatung) and organizes events like the annual Tag des Gartens (Garden Day).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Der Gartenfreund (Association Magazine) Monthly association magazine for Berlin's allotment gardeners covering Berlin allotment life, association news, and gardening tips. Available as ePaper (included with membership since 2023) and as print subscription at €22.80 per year. Circulation approximately 72,000 copies per month.
• Der Berliner Kleingärtner (Annual Yearbook) Annual yearbook series published by the association chronicling the history of Berlin's allotment garden movement, compiled by the Commission's Chroniclers.
• Gartenfachberatung (Garden Advisory Service) Specialist garden consulting service for members covering plant protection, sustainable gardening, climate-adapted gardening, plant diseases, and gardening seminars. Delivered by trained garden advisors, with approximately 1,720 advisors trained over 40 years.
• Allotment Garden Membership Program Annual membership program representing approximately 67,000 Berlin allotment gardeners across 18 district associations and around 400 garden clubs; includes magazine delivery, advisory services, advocacy, and event access.
• Klimagärten Climate Program Educational initiative and campaign portal focused on climate-adapted gardening practices for Berlin allotment gardeners, including project information, trailers, and educational resources.
• Mediathek (Video Library) Online video library containing documentary content about allotment gardening, climate campaign trailers, and films about transforming allotment gardens.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,720 garden advisors trained in plant protection over 40 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stiftung Naturschutz BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Cooperation agreement signed in early 2018 for biodiversity preservation. Joint efforts include wild plant conservation, old crop varieties, peat-free gardening, compost management, and environmental education. Focus areas: wild plants, crop plants, wild animals, compost/peat use, and nature experience education.
• Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und UmweltcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Berlin Senate administration responsible for green space policy regarding allotment garden areas. Key stakeholder in implementing the Kleingartenflächensicherungsgesetz (2026) and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Wilhelm-Naulin-StiftungminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation named after Wilhelm Naulin, split equally between Berlin and Brandenburg. Provides awards and support for the allotment garden community in both states.
• Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScientific cooperation began at Grüne Woche 2017 with sociologist Dr. Fritz Reusswig. Collaboration on climate change research relevant to urban gardening.
• Deutsche Schreberjugend, Landesverband Berlin e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth organization for allotment gardeners. The Landesverband supports their activities financially and collaboratively develops environmental education and nature pedagogy programs.
• Stiftung für Mensch und UmweltminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns Berlin summt! and Deutschland summt! initiatives for bee protection. Long-standing cooperation with the association on biodiversity and pollinator protection in allotment gardens.
• Berliner Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Naturschutz (BLN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental umbrella organization. Association joined in 2016. Collaborative work on urban nature conservation and environmental policy.
• Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), Landesverband Berlin e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint advocacy for nature preservation and environmental protection. BUND Berlin conducts the Flächenschutzkampagne (area protection campaign) with garden association participation.
• Lenné-Akademie für Gartenbau und GartenkulturminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 1997, promotes scientific, artistic, and practical horticulture education. Institutional member since several years. Sven Wachtmann, board member for garden consulting, serves as advisor on the academy's board. Collaborative school garden competitions.
• Grüne Liga Berlin e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint activities in urban development and environmental protection. Shared involvement in 'Urbane Klimagärten' project with Humboldt-Universität. Association sponsors and exhibits at Grüne Liga's Umweltfestival at Brandenburg Gate.
• Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-DahlemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing cooperation. Garden advisors participate in the Staudenmarkt plant fair. Joint opening ceremony for training year 2014/2015. One of the world's largest and most significant botanical gardens with 22,000 plant species.
• Verlag W. Wächter GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublisher founded 1978, family-owned. Produces Der Gartenfreund magazine (72,000 copies/month) since 1981. Also publishes yearbooks and educational materials. Joint Sonderpreis Schulgarten (special school garden prize) awarded annually.
• Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (BKD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational umbrella organization of German allotment gardeners. Member of 20 state associations with 13,310 clubs managing ~900,000 gardens for 5 million users. Germany's largest hobby gardener association. Located in Berlin.
• Pflanzenschutzamt BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDecades-long cooperation. Approximately 1,720 garden advisors trained in plant protection over 40 years. Provides online training materials, 35+ fact sheets, and two online handbooks 'Berliner Pflanzen'. Newsletter 'Berliner Gartenbrief' available.
• Grüne Liga Berlin e.V. (Umweltfestival)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation participates annually as sponsor and exhibitor at the Umweltfestival am Brandenburger Tor, with approximately 250 organizations showcasing environmental initiatives.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Royal Horticultural Society: The UK's leading gardening membership charity, operating shows, gardens, publications, and horticultural advisory services at national scale. Comparable to Landesverband Berlin as a long-established civic gardening organization offering publications, member education, and policy advocacy, but operating at substantially greater scale and across a much broader remit.
• National Garden Clubs, Inc. The largest US volunteer gardening association, federating thousands of local garden clubs. Comparable as a long-established, federated civic organization delivering member education, publications, and community programming around gardening — though at significantly larger national scale than Landesverband Berlin.
• Bundesverband der Kleingartenvereine Deutschlands (BKD): The national umbrella federation for German allotment gardeners, of which Landesverband Berlin is itself a member. BKD represents roughly 900,000 gardens used by around 5 million people nationally, providing overarching advocacy and standards. Comparable as the larger, broader incumbent that sits above the subject organization's tier.

Others

• Stiftung Naturschutz Berlin: The Berlin Nature Protection Foundation, which has maintained a formal cooperation agreement with the Landesverband since 2018 covering biodiversity, old crop varieties, peat-free gardening, and environmental education. Comparable as a Berlin-based civic/environmental institution working on overlapping themes, though structured as a foundation rather than a membership association.
• BUND Berlin (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland, Landesverband Berlin): The Berlin state branch of BUND, a formal cooperation partner of the Landesverband. Overlapping interests in urban nature conservation, pollinator protection, and climate policy; collaborates with the Landesverband on joint advocacy such as the Flächenschutzkampagne. Not a peer in membership-organization terms but a closely adjacent civic actor.
• NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland) e.V. Germany's largest environmental association, with which the Landesverband shares overlapping membership and partnership interests around biodiversity, climate adaptation, and urban green space. Not a direct competitor but a thematically related civic/environmental actor whose mission substantially intersects with the Landesverband's Klimagärten and conservation work.

Direct peers

• Landesverband der Gartenfreunde Baden-Württemberg e.V. The Baden-Württemberg state-level umbrella for allotment gardeners, structurally analogous to Landesverband Berlin. Both organizations federate district associations and garden clubs, deliver member services and consulting, publish a member magazine, and advocate to state-level government. Direct comparability in mission, structure, and revenue model.
• Hessischer Landesverband der Kleingärtner e.V. The Hessian state association for allotment gardeners, with the same role and structure as Landesverband Berlin: federating local garden clubs, providing consulting and publications, and representing members in state-level political processes. A directly comparable peer in a different German state.
• Bayerischer Landesverband für Gartenbau und Landespflege e.V. The Bavarian state-level federation for garden and landscape stewardship associations. Comparable to Landesverband Berlin as a state-tier civic membership organization serving hobby gardeners, offering consulting, publications, and political advocacy — operating in a different state but with the same core functions.

Regional players

• Zentralverband der Kleingärtner und Siedler Österreichs: The Austrian national federation of allotment gardeners and smallholders. Operates an essentially identical membership-association model for allotment gardeners in Austria — same target constituency, same recreational-gardening value proposition, same consulting/publication/advocacy mix, but in a different national jurisdiction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LV.GartenfreundeBerlin
• Instagraminstagram.com/gartenfreundeberlin/?hl=de
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/berliner-gartenfreunde

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berliner Gartenfreunde