Landscape gardeners from Saxony to compete in the WorldSkills Competition in China

At the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, Germany's hopes also rest on two landscape gardeners from Saxony. According to the German national team, 20-year-old Lennard Weitzmann and his colleague Marc-Aurel Spalek are currently preparing for the competition. On September 17, they will travel to the Chinese metropolis along with 34 other representatives from various trades. The 48th WorldSkills competition, featuring 64 non-academic trades, will take place there from September 23 to 26. 

Currently studying Chinese garden art

Weitzmann completed his vocational training in July of this year and has held the title of German Champion in Gardening and Landscaping since September 2025. Together with Spalek, he won the Landscape Gardener Cup in Berlin as a team, thereby securing both of their spots in Shanghai. “Currently, both Spalek and Weitzmann are immersing themselves in the art of Chinese gardening,” the report stated.

22 hours to create a garden with Chinese flair

“I’m trying to get into the mindset, watching YouTube videos, and our company now even has books on Chinese gardens,” Spalek reported. The final training session focuses on quality and speed. The national coaches have allotted 22 hours for this task—exactly the same amount of time available for the competition site in Shanghai. “Our goal for Shanghai is to definitely complete the competition garden and give it our all every day,” the two Saxons agree.

Natural landscapes in miniature

The competition task, however, remains a big unknown until the very end. All that is known is that it involves drawing inspiration from historic Chinese gardens, which are to be interpreted in a modern way. “Traditional Chinese gardens recreate the essence of natural landscapes in miniature and establish an emotional connection between people and nature,” explained the experts from the German World Cup team. The entire garden is never revealed at a single glance.

In addition to team spirit, precision is required

“Winding paths, moon gates, framed viewpoints, reflective water surfaces, and carefully placed stones create constantly changing perspectives,” they continued. The competition garden should not only replicate traditional elements but also embody harmony, balance, craftsmanship, and spatial storytelling. The goal is a contemporary interpretation of the horticultural tradition. In addition to team spirit, absolute precision is required.

Competitors are not allowed to use their own tools

The competition kicks off on September 22. Not only will the materials and machinery provided for building the garden be introduced then, but the competition task will also be presented in full detail. For the first time in the history of WorldSkills, competitors are not allowed to use their own tools. Everything will be provided on-site by the organizer. This is intended to ensure a level playing field.

There is no room for error

Spalek and Weitzmann will be challenged not only physically but also mentally. The competition task must be completed within a tight timeframe, technically correctly and precisely according to the dimensions specified on the plan. The work steps are organized into modules. At the end of each module, they are evaluated by experts from other nations. “You can’t afford to make mistakes here—there simply isn’t enough time. The ability to solve difficulties confidently and independently as a team is crucial to how things go,” emphasized coach Georg Kahsnitz.

Participants from more than 70 countries expected

More than 1,400 participants from over 70 countries are expected at this year’s WorldSkills. The German National Skills Team is competing with 36 young women and men in 31 disciplines. In the “Landscape Gardening” competition, 20 two-person teams from 20 countries will compete.

Contestants were trained at a Chemnitz-based company

Weitzmann and Spalek were trained at the Chemnitz-based company Wirth & Wiener. To support the two landscape gardeners in their preparation, a regional beverage manufacturer created a special cucumber-lemon-flavored lemonade. In addition, the Free State of Saxony, represented by State Parliament President Alexander Dierks, contributed 1,500 euros. This has brought the total raised so far to 7,000 euros. The funds were handed over to the training company to cover its expenses during the preparation phase.