With the Silver Lilies at the Rosenhöhe

„Did you know that there’s exactly one spot in Darmstadt from which you can see all four floodlight masts at the Böllenfalltor?“ This anecdote caught the attention of some right at the beginning of the Silver Lilies tour on the Rosenhöhe. That this spot is located on the Rosarium’s viewing platform—a place many probably associate with picnic blankets and wedding photos—was a surprise to some.

At the beginning, several stone lions stand. They gaze languidly into the day, as if they’ve already experienced too many of them. Here, at the Lion’s Gate, the Silver Lilies‘ Walk begins. The group is in a good mood, talking, laughing, and joking—everyone knows each other. And those who are new will no longer be new in a few minutes. Chris and Bernd are already ready; they organised the outing, like so many others in recent months.

Rosenhöhe is still somewhat reserved in the middle of spring. The roses seem shy, their time to bloom hasn’t yet arrived. But that hardly registers. Too many other things attract attention: a beautiful avenue surrounded by many apple trees swaying back and forth in the wind, with a worn path that many generations have probably walked on. Hidden insect spots that provide a home for numerous small creatures. A third of the historic buildings in the park no longer exist, but anyone who walks attentively through the grounds will discover traces of the past everywhere: old foundations, inconspicuous steps, or even an old teahouse.

A particularly fascinating stop was the artists‘ settlement – ​​a deliberate contrast to the famous Mathildenhöhe. The houses built here once offered artists affordable housing amidst greenery.

The fact that such places are discovered is also thanks to Chris and Bernd Hennrich. The two manage the SilberLilien and do so with noticeable commitment and great attention to detail. They organise over 100 events a year together, yet their project doesn’t feel like a strictly scheduled volunteer effort, but rather like an extended family project with heart and mind – including breakfast meetings at the kitchen table.

Bernd is more of a strategist: an early riser who takes care of the accounting and office work. Chris brings a feel for people and a wealth of organisational experience. Both are passionate Lilien fans, even if they usually follow their games separately: Bernd in the stadium and Chris on the couch at home as „Bernd’s personal video assistant,“ as she herself says with a smile.

The park has now become a fully developed organism. Some trees seem to strike a pose, others cower almost shyly into the bushes. A branch cracks, someone stops. „There used to be a palace here, right?“ – the question is accompanied by a slightly ironic sideways glance. The answer comes from city guide Matthias Lohhammer. Relaxed, competent, with a raised index finger and always a fitting saying on his lips. In fact, only the location and the remaining gatehouse remain as reminders of the historic building, which was destroyed in World War II.

At first glance, the park appears to be a natural landscape, but in reality, it has been carefully planned down to the last detail. Each tree was once deliberately planted, many of them telling their own story. The climb to the Rosarium viewing platform was particularly impressive. Slightly uphill and a bit uneven – no problem for the still-fit Silver Lilies tour group. And then you stand there on the Rosenhöhe, about 180 meters above sea level, with a view of the Bismarck Tower and the university and, indeed, of all four masts of the Böllenfalltor.

Although it was still a little too early this year for the roses to bloom, that didn’t dampen the group’s spirits. Instead, the focus shifted to other special features – such as the more than 10,000 rose plants from more than 200 varieties that will bloom there in the coming weeks.

At the end of the tour, which was spontaneously extended from 90 to 120 minutes to allow for more in-depth exploration of the park, the path led past the tombs of the former Grand Dukes. Here, things became quieter; many paused, others let their gaze wander. A reverent silence reigned except for the voice of the tour guide Matthias and the chirping of birds.

What’s special about events like this isn’t just the program, but above all the camaraderie. New participants are immediately integrated, familiar faces are greeted warmly. Conversations arise naturally – about Darmstadt, old times, or even the SVD every now and then. Sometimes there’s discussion, sometimes there’s laughter, and at the end, everyone takes something new home with them.

For Chris and Bernd, it’s clear: The SilberLilien are much more than a series of events. „We live the Lilien family,“ says Bernd. „It starts with the informal „du“ among ourselves and extends to the support we receive from the club.“ Chris adds: „What we’ve built only works because so many people participate. Everyone contributes what they can, and that’s what makes the Lilien family.“ That’s precisely the goal and probably the reason why the SilberLilien are now more than just a group for many. It’s a place for exchange, curiosity, and shared wonder at things you might never have discovered while simply passing by.