The charm of Gerhard Stelzhammer’s sculpture garden consists of the fact that the sculptures are located in an old olive grove. It was probably created around 80 years ago. The olive trees are around 10 – 15 metres high. Back then, the trees were planted 8 to 9 metres apart. This creates light-flooded spaces that are lined up like avenues. These old trees create a very special atmosphere, which has a different effect depending on the position of the sun. Many birds, bees and other animals can be spotted there.

In recent years, many of these old trees have been cut down because the new varieties appear to be more productive and can be harvested with machines. The old olive trees can only be harvested with nets. They don’t need to be watered as they have very deep roots.

In November 2020, a friend told me that an old olive grove was to be cut down. There had been some beautiful, ancient olive trees. They were estimated to be 500 – 800 years old. According to him, they could be the oldest olive trees in Paleochora.

This place was magical. These beautiful old trees radiated a wondrous atmosphere. Gerhard immediately had the idea of giving two of these old trees a retirement home in the sculpture garden. When he spoke to some friends about his idea, they were immediately willing to support the project by sponsoring an olive tree. Around 20 friends came together to finance the move, which took place at the end of November.

It was a moving moment when the two giants, each with a circumference of over 4.5 metres, were brought to the sculpture garden in Anidri using heavy equipment.

Afterwards, all wounds were treated and the trees were watered regularly. We then waited eagerly to see whether the old olive trees would sprout. But the first leaves appeared in January 2021. It was a great joy that the old trees had made it and had now found a new home.

During this period, we watched a documentary entitled “Our forests – the language of trees”. Highly recommended!