Erfurt has long been renowned as a city associated with flowers and horticulture. A former mayor of the city, Christian Reichart, established the principles of commercial horticulture in the 18th century. Numerous local nurseries produced successful varieties and seeds in the 19th century, helping to establish Erfurt’s reputation as a "city of flowers". Erfurt is home to the extensive egapark, known locally as the "Garden of Thuringia", the only German Horticultural Museum and various horticultural businesses.