Thomas Lorenz celebrates 40 years of service
Thomas Lorenz has been working at the Institute of Horticulture for four decades and has been able to accompany its development from then until today.
After completing his training as a gardener's assistant in 1985, Thomas Lorenz began his career at the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) on 17 March 1986. At the then Institute of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition at the State Institute of Horticulture in Weihenstephan, his responsibilities at the time included the creation, supervision and subsequent evaluation of experiments on the nutrient supply of ornamental plants, including some vegetable plants, the preparation of soil samples for analysis and general watering and maintenance work.
The spatial reorganisation of the Institute of Horticulture, i.e. the demolition of the old greenhouses and the construction of new office buildings and laboratories, is a particularly memorable point in Thomas Lorenz's time at the HSWT. Not only was he involved as an active staff member of the institute in advising on the planning of the initial equipment - particularly with regard to practicability - but he was also able to witness the step-by-step development towards a more modern way of working at the institute.
Change with enrichment
The affiliation of the former institute with the University of Applied Sciences changed the way Thomas Lorenz worked considerably. The area of research expanded and there was also a change in the people working in the greenhouses and laboratories: more research assistants and, due to the context of the University of Applied Sciences, also students can now be found. For Thomas Lorenz, the exchange with young people is a particularly enriching part of his working life: „Passing on practical experience to the next generation while gaining new impetus and discovering new topics myself leaves no room for boredom in my day-to-day work.“
Pioneering work in sustainability
Thomas Lorenz and his colleagues began working on the topic of sustainability and Renewable Resources in Horticulture at an early stage by conducting studies and plant trials on peat replacement and composting. What was initially not taken very seriously by politics and society received more and more attention over time and the industry's interest in sustainability in Horticulture also increased. Today, in addition to politicians and industry, it is mainly amateur gardeners who are interested in peat-free substrates and benefit from the groundwork done back then.
Passing on enthusiasm and knowledge
Thomas Lorenz is particularly enthusiastic about balcony planting. He supervises demonstration trials and is particularly pleased when he can share his knowledge of balcony plants with interested visitors at the balcony flower show.
