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Bronze at WorldSkills: Landscape Gardeners from Saxony Win a Medal for Germany
A huge success in Shanghai: Lennard Weitzmann and Marc-Aurel Spalek, two landscape gardeners from Saxony, won the bronze medal at WorldSkills 2026. BUGA Dresden 2033 is delighted to have been able to support the two on their journey to Shanghai and congratulates them on this fantastic achievement!
Four days, 22 hours of competition, and the highest standards of precision, creativity, and teamwork: At the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, Lennard Weitzmann (20) and Marc-Aurel Spalek (22) took on the world’s best in gardening and landscaping. With 732 points, the German team secured third place. Gold went to France with 743 points, and silver to the team from China with 740 points.
A Garden Under Competitive Conditions
The task was no easy feat: In the “Landscape Gardening” competition, the participating teams had to build a challenging Chinese garden according to a specified plan within four days. The project included, among other things, natural stone walls, a moon gate, planting areas, paths, a pond, and a wooden bridge. This required more than just technical skill and a flair for design. Time management, precision, and teamwork also played a crucial role. Weitzmann and Spalek rose to the challenge and completed their garden on time. Their work was evaluated daily by an international jury.
Emotions at the Finish Line
After four intense days of competition, the tension finally lifted from the two young landscape gardeners on September 26. About 25 fans who had traveled from Saxony had, at the team’s request, waited until the final five minutes to cheer—then there was no holding them back: Wearing BUGA T-shirts, waving flags, clapping loudly, and even singing the “Steigerlied,” they cheered on the German team.
When the garden was finally finished, Marc-Aurel Spalek threw his arms around his teammate Lennard Weitzmann. It was an emotional moment after days of intense focus, physical exertion, and teamwork—and even before it was clear that their efforts would be rewarded with a bronze medal.
BUGA Dresden 2033 Supports Up-and-Coming Talents
On their journey to WorldSkills, Lennard Weitzmann and Marc-Aurel Spalek received support from BUGA Dresden 2033. To help them prepare for the international competition, BUGA provided the two up-and-coming talents with tools.
These two young landscape gardeners exemplify the quality and sustainability of gardening and landscaping in Saxony. It is precisely this combination of craftsmanship, design, support for the next generation, and enthusiasm for green spaces that also plays an important role in the lead-up to the 2033 Federal Garden Show in Dresden.
The team was prepared by national coaches Johannes Gaugel and Georg Kahsnitz. Wirth & Wiener GmbH of Chemnitz, where the two landscape gardeners are employed, also supported their intensive preparation for the international competition.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lennard Weitzmann and Marc-Aurel Spalek on their bronze medal and this outstanding international achievement!
About WorldSkills 2026
From September 22 to 27, 2026, the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, China, became the global gathering place for top vocational talent. The 48th WorldSkills Competition, the world championship of vocational skills, took place at the state-of-the-art National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC). Up to 1,500 participants from around 70 countries and regions competed for medals in more than 60 disciplines—ranging from gardening and landscaping to high-tech professions.
The event brought together the world’s best young professionals—talented young people who demonstrated, through passion, creativity, and technical skill, just how modern vocational training is today. Running parallel to the competition week, the WorldSkills Conference brought together experts from the fields of politics, business, and education. The focus was on topics such as green skills, artificial intelligence, and the future of vocational training.
Image source: AuGaLa/Reidel
