ONE OUT OF 50: HAMM

Located right on the banks of the Rhine, Hamm has retained its village character to this day. This is despite directly bordering the Medienhafen, Bilk and Unterbilk, which are more industrial and urban districts. In the past, the main crops grown here were vegetables; the name 'Kappes Hamm' still refers to the Low German word for cabbage. Until the 1950s, the area was also renowned for its asparagus cultivation. Today, commercial horticulture predominates. Cut flowers and balcony plants are partly cultivated in open fields, under plastic sheeting or in greenhouses. The open fields play a vital role in providing the city with fresh air.