Category: German Heritage Talk

What exactly is a Biergarten anyhow?

The generic term of “beer garden” (Biergarten) is identified as an open-air establishment where beer is served. The old traditional characteristics of a beer garden in Germany for instance includes good trees (with no sun patio umbrellas), some sturdy picnic table style wooden benches (not plastic garden tables or chairs), and a gravel bed or cobblestone.

The largest known traditional beer garden in the world is the Hirschgarten, located in Munich, Germany which actually seats around 8,000 people.

Of course in the United States, there are Biergartens that are springing up all over the place such as in German themed restaurants, cafes and bars and some in addition to… neighborhood backyards in almost every region of North America.

After all what you really only need to start a Biergarten environment in your own backyard is only a shade tree, patio, table and a few flowers right?

Pretty much.

The purpose of a biergarten in your backyard is not just another place to drink a cold one, although that can surely be a tangible objective. The main idea is to just start simple.

What you are really creating is a relaxation zone living space outdoors. It is a place where one can become tranquil, comfortable and cozy. It should become a designated area for fellowship and goodwill where family, friends and neighbors can gather and feel welcomed, at ease and accepted with warm friendliness and joviality.

The Germans have a one word description for this type of coziness feeling unlike anything in the English language… it’s called “Gemüetlichkeit” pronounced as ge•müt′lich•keit or sounds like  ga-moot-lick-kite. Very cool word.

Creating a Backyard Biergarten is not really that difficult to start and it can be as simple as you want it to be. In fact most homeowners start small with just a little area to work with initially and then they add something too it continually each year.

Here are a few tips to give you some ideas to think about to get you started…

• If you don’t have a shade tree to start with in your backyard or patio area, plant one or purchase a patio umbrella to accompany your patio table large or small.
• Install a flower bed nearby and if it’s a shady area, consider utilizing flowers that do well in partial to no shade areas like multi-colorful impatients or vinca minor and assorted lilies like a daylily or even water lily. Irises are always a given as they always add a nice touch within a home biergarten area. In partial shady areas to sunlit areas, it’s nice to incorporate a variety of daisies (including gerber daisies) that are available in different colors. Wave running petunia’s are a colorful choice and never forget to add in bright red geraniums. These look great in flower containers all by themselves. Additional flowers to consider for your biergarten include some daffodils, begonias or a variety of hosta plants in there too.
• A regular patio table will due, however a long bench picnic style table enabled with a patio “German beer” umbrella would certainly set the themed ambiance from the start.
• Add the little people within your biergarten. Garden Gnomes are wonderful conversation pieces. Many people give them names for fun.
• Outdoor solar lighting around your Biergarden can be really cool and hanging patio lights and torches would create a great dusk time environment.
• Do you have a spot for a nearby fish pond or fountain? The sound of running water is a great relaxer at the end of every day.
• You have to have a grill set-up nearby too cook the brats. Maybe consider a cooler or tub full of ice to have nearby as well to keep the beverages cold.
• German and/or Bavarian flags are nice accessories to display.
• Don’t forget to add a custom made Bird House or two. A German “Cuckoo Clock” designed Bird Haus may be just the thing for added ambiance to your biergarten not to mention a beneficial living & dining resource for our feather friends.
• Outdoor décor signs are a must to accentuate your new found outdoor oasis. You can now purchase several of these German themed outdoor signs or decor plaques online from select craftsmen within the USA as they are busily creating and getting them on their respective websites to market. I know for a fact that the demand is high because of its German heritage related. As a fun alternative to purchase these signs, it’s also quite fun to actually create, build and paint your own sign(s) with family and friends.Most certainly you would want to create colorful signs that would read like:

  • Biergarten
  • Willkommen
  • Gemütlichkeit Gardens
  • Gnome Sweet Home
  • Oktoberfest
  • Free Bier Tomorrow
  • Got A Little German In You?
  • Prost

A well thought out Backyard Biergarten can become a real conversation piece as it showcases your proud German Heritage to family members, neighbors and all visitors.

By creating your own Backyard Biergarten, you have the freedom to accentuate it in a variety of ways really any way you wish as you time and budget allows.. You are only limited by your imagination… and of course the outdoor living space to put it.

Just remember, once you get your backyard Biergarten all fixed up just the way you want it – you will have it made in the shade.

~ Prost!  (cheers)

Brian Hingst

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