Allotment Gardens Areas of Experience for Children

Allotment gardens Areas of experience for children

Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux 1

Preface

PREFACE

t is a very special pleasure to con- e are convinced that the e would like to congratulate gratulate the Office International activities in the allotment your association on the pub- Idu Coin de Terre et des Jardins Wgardens, where people of Wlishing of this brochure, and Familiaux for editing the brochure different generations cohabitate, can we are convinced that it will not fail to "Areas of experience for children". teach children a respectful and have a beneficial influence on the tolerant behavior towards mankind education of our youth, in which ike the Office International, we and nature. The gardens provide future we strongly believe. believe that allotment gardens them areas of discovery, giving them Lare a perfect means to enhance the essential motivation for their both the aesthetic and the social qua- personal, psychological and physic lity of our lives. In addition they con- development. tribute to the improvement of our natural environment.

Octavie MODERT Fernand BODEN State Secretary, Ministry for Agriculture, Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development Viticulture and Rural Development

Octavie MODERT Fernand BODEN

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Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS

t is with great pleasure that I am ment, the embellishment of our cities, with the children to pass on their writing this foreword to the the participation in social life, handi- knowledge, their experience, their Ibrochure “Allotment gardens – a crafts or simply leisure time to relax in patience and their pleasure to culti- place of discovery“. I share the ambi- nature. vate the garden to them. tions of the Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Fami- can only welcome and encourage y special thanks go to the liaux. Spaces around the family hou- the initiative of the International authors and photographers ses, in our towns and around our IOffice to pass on the lead to the Mof this beautiful book and I cities are precious treasures: growing young generations, to have children would like to wish much success to delicious vegetables, harvesting (re) discover allotment gardens, the the editors. tasteful fruit, cultivating flowers with miracles to be observed, the adven- many scents and colors, a space to tures to be lived and the discoveries play, to rest under venerable trees, a to be made there. place to meet and help each other… o make this a success, it will Marie-Josée JACOBS he heritage past generations are frequently be necessary to use Minister of Family passing on to us offers multiple Tthe knowledge and know-how of and Integration Tpossibilities when it comes to the our grand parents, who with talent appropriate management of family and assiduity knew how to cultivate budget or the concern for healthy the art of gardening. They will be able food, the protection of the environ- thanks to their privileged relationship

Marie-Josée JACOBS

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Congratulations

t is with great joy that I have taken Jardins Familiaux a.s.b.l., are one of for “prevention purposes”. You allow and read this issue. It reflects the the five bases of the Council of them to experience and learn about Ivery humanity, which is also Europe together with the Parlia- nature and to evolve together with advocated by the Council of Europe. mentary Assembly, the Committee of other people. An experience, that Yet, what do allotment gardens and Ministers, the Congress of Local and shows, that be it alone or together, the Council of Europe have in Regional Authorities and the one can contribute to growth, will common? Quite a lot, as democracy European Court for Human Rights. It have an impact on their entire life. and human rights, which the Council is our task to make sure that expe- And this is future. of Europe has been defending with its riences, suggestions and hopes of 46 member states for 55 years now citizens influence the political are not lived and taught in an empty decisions at the highest level so that space but there where people meet. what children are planting in the Anneliese OESCHGER Thus, in cities and their densely allotment gardens bears its fruit in the President of the Liaison Committee populated areas, in schools and in meeting rooms. of non-governmental organizations of allotment gardens. the Council of Europe hat makes your activities e, the 400 international non- with children and adoles- governmental organizations, Wcents particularly valuable is Wof which the Office Inter- that you are doing it to allow children national du Coin de Terre et des to become free human beings and not

Anneliese OESCHGER

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Leisure gardens: an opportunity for children LEISURE GARDENS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN

hile encouraging sustainable ur common goal is to offer -either the garden is mainly used for development we work for young people a suitable place playing and leisure time, Wour children; but in their own Oin the "garden of the family" interest, it is important that they which family, however, is only com- -or the garden is mainly used for participate in this effort from an early plete once it covers at least three educational purposes. age on. generations. oth concepts are based on the or this purpose, leisure gardens n the name of this family, adults playing aspect of gardening. are a perfect means. have to guarantee the "living and BNevertheless, I would like to F Ifeeding". Gardening may fulfill point out particularly the educational this objective; children are not aspect, which might be less known herefore, the Office International responsible for managing the garden, and more complicated. We therefore du Coin de Terre & des Jardins but have to play their part according want to encourage the initiatory and TFamiliaux decided to discuss to their age, thus learning new skills. educational aspect of gardening in that topic during its study session held close relation to the school system in on 17th, 18th and 19th June 2004 in ith regard to the relationship which it is integrated. Warsaw and this brochure was between the leisure gardens written on that occasion. Wand children, two concepts are possible:

The garden: a place where children play and learn

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Leisure gardens: an opportunity for children

ncouraging children who grow y taking part in gardening hanks to the experience of 15 of up in cities for gardening work activities, they also learn to our national federations, this Emeans enabling them to dis- Brespect other people, the Twork will hopefully attract the cover the world of living species, to environment and nature, as being attention of public administrations and learn about life and take part in its basic values of education. other competent authorities, and lead creation. Thus, they are not passive to their necessary support in order to when dealing with green areas, as eisure gardens are therefore an create and develop leisure gardens. they have contributed to set them up. opportunity for children. Many Lactivities are carried out in all t the same time, children learn countries that are a member of the how to be patient and develop Office International du Coin de Terre Bruno RAJAUD Aa sense for work and continuity et des Jardins Familiaux; a reason for President of the Office International because plants need care during their which they wanted to collect their du Coin de Terre et entire life. experience in a largely distributed des Jardins Familiaux brochure.

Bruno RAJAUD

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The allotment and leisure gardens – spaces of discovery for children The allotment and leisure gardens – spaces of discovery for children

f we look back at the years they can have direct contact with for their personal development. following the end of the war we nature and discover the numerous Iremember that in the cities there mysteries of plants and animals. In his brochure aims to motivate us were many hidden places and open this way they can watch the ripening into safeguarding and paying areas where children could have of fruit and vegetables and see the Tmore attention to these adven- direct contact with an untouched miracles of nature. ture grounds in our gardens for our nature. There was as well enough children. Because the children of space where children could give free oday the ecological conscience today who spend a happy time in the way to their fantasy and experience of our children is much more allotment and leisure gardens will be nature. Tdeveloped than our’s in the past the leisure gardeners of tomorrow. and the allotment gardens offer a his adventure grounds have practical area to get active that can disappeared due to the sprea- not be found elsewhere. Wilhelm WOHATSCHEK Tding of the communes, the president of the executive board density of the housing developments n the allotment gardens children and the efforts to plan completely all also learn to know the rules of the open country. Iliving together among children of their age. he allotment and leisure gardens represent now for our children a t has not to be forgotten that here Tcompensation for this lost they learn some manual skills by paradise. In the allotment gardens Iplaying, which are very important

Wilhelm WOHATSCHEK

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The allotmentKleingärten and leisure gardens– Erlebnisraum – spaces für of discoveryKinder. for children

he Council of Europe has found in a Convention of the United Nations. them aware of the meaning of words out that of the 800 million people These texts are based on the princi- like democracy, solidarity and Tliving in its member states, 160 ple of the “superior interest of the tolerance through life in community million are children under 18, half to child”. and protect them from many dangers three quarters of which are living in of the city life. urban areas in our industrialized he interpretation of these con- countries. ventions is based on three key he French poet Jean de la Trules: Fontaine made a dying farmer he consequences of industria- Tsay to his children, whom he lization on the structure of our -The right of children for protection, wanted to stimulate to cultivate the Tfamily and society as well as on i.e. abuse and criminality land and leaving them a plot of land the urban outlook are well known to “there is a treasure hidden in it”. all of us, -The right for specific advantages and services: i.e. education, social f after reading this brochure, all Yet, what are the impacts of this security readers agree that putting at the industrialization and urbanization for Idisposal an allotment garden is a our children and adolescents? -The right to participate in social life: treasure for adults and children alike by their own activities and listening and if this value can be communica- From the children and adolescents’ to their needs ted in a convincing way, the brochure point of view, what are the elements “allotment gardens, areas of expe- that make a residential area a “good” ven though these texts directly riences for children” has reached its residential area to grow up in? address the member states, we aim, which is all I could hope. Emay not, as a movement with uch was said and written social character, remain inactive over the past years regarding observers. Malou WEIRICH Mthe social function and the Secretary general of the Office environment protection role of the Does the allotment garden have International du Coin de Terre et des allotment garden movement. The some positive impact on children? Jardins Familiaux aspect “children and allotment And if yes, what would this be and gardens”, however, was no longer how can this be achieved? directly dealt with despite the fact that today’s children will be governing the his brochure is meant to provide world tomorrow and that they will be an answer to this question. It is taking our place in the associations in Tclearly underlining that allotment order for them not to disappear. The gardens are areas of discovering for aim of this brochure is to fill this gap. children and contribute to their identification, make them become respect- ince 1961 children’s rights are ful with regard to human beings and anchored in the today revised nature, make them aware of genera- Sversion of the social Charta of tion, growth and death in the garden the Council of Europe and since 1989 thus teaching them about life, make

Malou WEIRICH

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Children

CHILDREN

Children

.... are movement .... need visual supervision .... are active, thinking and acting human beings .... may leave their own visual and sound marks .... have the right to make their own experiences .... may be unexpected .... are not small adults .... are children! and

.... need adults, who are defending an environment, in which children have an important part to play

Young children have great fun in the garden

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Preface: Children are our future...

Children are our future... hus, while playing children may llotment gardens offer spaces learn about the secrets of nature with many possibilities to learn herefore we should do all our Tand get to know the relations Aand discover, favouring the possible to create areas for them which exist between humans and development of children and prepa- Tin which they can evolve and nature. This is necessary for the emo- ring them for their future life as adults. develop in a positive way. Our allot- tional and social development of a Most of the parents who are active in ment gardens are such areas of child. our allotment gardens are aware of experience. Children can discover this positive influence of the garden and learn about nature, they can feel atisfying these fundamental on the harmonious development of a secure in a natural environment. They needs of children is not only a child. It is therefore important to can satisfy their curiosity and plea- Stask of the State but of the entire extend this awareness to other sure of adventure. Contact with society. A task to which we, as allot- mothers and fathers, which is also the nature is a primary condition for the ment gardeners are also contributing. object of the present publication. good psychological development of a child.

Nature's mysteries

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Introduction

lays and games of children and all the positive impacts on the evolu- s shown by the examples in allotment gardens go together tion of a child but also in the social life this brochure, there are many Psince the creation of allotment of the community of allotment garde- Amore possibilities in addition to gardens. Even more, the latter have ners, thus of the association. the usual activities for our children. It appeared with the implementation of is most important to open our playgrounds for children to which n general, children participate in allotment gardens and allotment and garden plots were added. This all associative events during the leisure garden sites to children in the eventually lead to the creation of Iyear: during garden feasts, they Kindergarten and primary school as “workers’ gardens” synonymous of parade through the allotment and areas of adventure with a diversified allotment gardens. Thus, and until leisure garden site with decorated toy and precious pedagogical value. now, allotment gardens and children vehicles or take part in various still go together. games. A culminating event is certainly the visit of Santa Clause at ven today, children of allotment the end of the year, which many of gardeners are involved in the them still expect with some Eevolution of the garden and this apprehension. Special proposals for not only regarding growth and devel- specific events are also very popular opment of nature in this garden, with with children.

Some plants are beautiful and smell nicely

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Allotment garden as catalyst for communication

n general the allotment garden is ommunication within the house- he allotment gardener however used by the entire family, thus hold has a tendency to disap- needs to find a way to attract the Iincluding the simultaneous pre- Cpear as computers, television Tyounger generation into the sence from family members of and video games give the subjective garden. Promising garden work is different generations. This will also be impression of communication but definitely not appropriate, but the use the case if families do not live in the actually lead to increased isolation of of the gazebo as a cool place to same house. The allotment garden the individual. The garden thus, is the organize a party will be a message therefore frequently is the only place, ideal place to meet and exchange quite easily understood. Both sides where generations will communicate ideas for the entire family. Even therefore need to make an effort. with each other. though discussions in the garden will necessary center around the work in the garden, it is the exchange of experience of any kind, which is truly important. The garden offers an ideal place to become aware about the needs of others, their concerns and problems but also to share their successes and joys.

A meeting place for all generations

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Working in the garden reduces aggressions

ecently many chocking reports ficantly contribute to reduce aggres- towards other people or objects. on the aggressive behavior of sions. The garden is, in this case, Observing how plants evolve and Radolescents have increased also an excellent means of socializa- grow in the allotment garden shows concerns among the population. tion. that building makes more sense than Reports regarding mistreatment of harm and destruction, that planting pupils have made the public aware dolescents may not be expec- and harvesting is more sensitive than about the growing problem of ted to work in the garden on spraying graffiti. The garden may thus violence among adolescents. There Atheir own initiative. Yet, if young become a more or less conscientious are of course no figures as to what children can establish a relationship means to promote respect of fellow extent children from allotment with the garden through their family, citizens. gardeners are involved. It is yet sure this can have a positive impact on that providing young people with an their teenager life. Children, who have outdoor occupation, as for instance had an experience in nature, will be working in the garden, can signi- less inclined to become violent

Gardening together is a marvellous way… ...of learning how to behave in society

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Possibilities to learn about nature

eing in nature in the middle of a them. They like to touch, observe, llotment gardens offer areas city – what other place is more smell, taste and use. They learn where children can discover Bappropriate than allotment and about the life of plants and animals, Anature while playing and hav- leisure garden sites? they observe insects, bees and but- ing fun. terflies and everything that is moving he land on which the allotment on the ground and in the air. herefore: Preference given to and leisure garden site is loca- families with children! Tted is a protected area on which hus, children can learn, while T children may freely move – they can playing, about nature and how to play, squabble with other children Torganize their leisure time in the away from the road traffic. exterior. These children have also, later on in their adult life, a different et, there is always something attitude towards the environment, happening in the garden. Every- plants and animals as those children Ything is moving and changing who discovered the world mostly with the seasons and children love through television and computer. everything that is changing around

Through games… ...children learn how to respect nature

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Sensorial experience

hildren discover their environ- sing their hands to put plants bserving birds, insects, frogs, ment with all their senses – in the ground is a sensorial ants, woodlouses and worms in Csmelling, tasting, touching, hea- Uexperience that all children Otheir environment allows chil- ring and listening. will enjoy. Watering too is particularly dren to discover and get to know their interesting. Water from the rainwater environment. lready young children like to container will be used herefore. discover the various scents of Aplants, the smell of wood and of ating berries and fruit from the freshly cut grass, to blow a dandelion garden is a truly pleasant expe- and watch the seeds carried away by Erience even more so if this fruit the wind. is the result of the children’s own work.

All their senses are needed… ...to appreciate the fruit of their own work

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Leave a corner in the garden to the children so they can make their own experiences Leave a corner in the garden to the children so they can make their own experiences

hildren want to act and not only hildren are impatient and want to hildren can follow how “their” be the assistant of adults. rapidly see results. Fast growing plants develop to become fruit CAllocating them a small part in Cplants as tagetes can satisfy Cand flowers and find themselves the garden allows them to dig, plant these expectations. marvelling at a sunflower, which has and water plants, to grow flowers and grown more than one meter high. vegetables while discovering the life adish and watercress are also of worms, ladybirds and fleas. They appropriate. As to vegetables, it experience the garden “live”, and Ris important to make the right collect souvenirs of the summer sun choice. Children love fresh carrots, and hands full of mud which will juicy tomatoes and sweet corn, thus accompany them during their entire vegetables they can eat directly in the life. garden.

eave a corner of the garden to your children and only intervene Lif it is really necessary.

Work on the children's plot… …an experience they'll never forget

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Creativity in the allotment garden

n their plays and games, children uilding a heap with wood, rom the collection to the drying look for generosity, multiplicity leaves and branches is an of leaves for decorations and Iand fantasy. Badventure especially if this Fgifts made out of branches, heap is rapidly attracting all kinds of bark and stones, the garden offers o toy however refined it may animals as hedgehogs and lizards. many possibilities. be will replace the experience Nchildren can make with natural esting houses for birds, which material such as wood, plants, they have made themselves, animals and natural elements. Noffer a place to birds where they can make their nest. “Insect hostels” are also much appreciated. Made out of wood they rapidly attract solitary insects.

Natural materials from the garden… ...turned into artistic creations

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“Be your own gardener“

Holiday activities in the allotment hey got to work in small groups Radish grown in the own garden had garden. and it is with great enthusiasm a quite different taste with bread and Tthat the children have prepared butter as the one from the super- o our great surprise, many chil- the ground to then plant and water market. dren wanted to work in the their seeds. Another group has Tgarden during the month of July planted tomatoes and peppers or any children came back even and August. would “cut” rhubarb, while others after the school had started again have “cleaned” the various Magain to visit “their garden” his is why the association of current bushes and prevented the and see the result of their work. allotment gardeners “Waides- cherries from falling on the ground. Tgrund” together with the youth he children also showed great department has put at the disposal an hese activities took place once a interest in the allotment garden allotment garden which is currently week during the holidays and Tmovement, its evolution and not used. Some allotment gardeners Tthe number of young gardeners importance for society, etc. offered to help the children as only a always remained constant. Some few of them had already worked in a harvesting could take place already garden. on the last days of the holiday period.

Working with enthusiasm...... for a common harvest

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Allotment gardens for nursery schools Allotment gardens for nursery schools

Hurray, we have an allotment e start early in the spring n our garden, children not only garden! with the work in our garden learn how to take care of plants Wand our harvest is quite Ibut they can also observe how e have an allotment garden, important. Potatoes and kohlrabi are they grow. which is located close to our used in our kitchen. Apples are sold to Wschool. The short distance to the children’s parents and the money ur garden is very diversified go there is no hindrance even for the collected is used to buy garden tools, with a self-made hammock, a youngest children. In this garden which are appropriate for children. Oslide, a sand tub and a tree to there is a wooden hut with a separate climb on which are all much appre- biologic toilet and a small room for nce a week, the groups of chil- ciated by the children. gardening tools, benches under a dren take part in a joint break- sheltering roof, a pit with a hand Ofast. At the time of the harvest hildren can make experiences in pump and a connection to the water we use our own fruit and vegetables. many different domains in our supply. The pump allows children to Most of the time the children would Cgarden; they can experiment, play with and in the water. already like to eat what they have relax, find a quite and calm spot to be planted the day before. We remedy to on their own, play, and leave all free- here is of course also a large this by growing plants in the class- dom to their imagination while buil- lawn of which one part is used to room that they can then plant in the ding landscapes with water and sand. Tplay and the other to grow garden in the spring. flowers. n the quite atmosphere of the he children like to be in the allotment and leisure garden site, n our garden we grow strawber- garden in any season, whether Ichildren feel as secure as in the ries, raspberries, bushes, fruit Tthe sky is blue or grey, whether it building of the school. They can make Iand herbs. We have built a is cold or hot (this also allows them to friends, intensify relationships or stonewall behind which children can get to know the cycles and inter- simply enjoy themselves. hide or observe bees collecting the actions existing in nature). Even in pollen from flowers. They can also the winter and with adequate clothes observe birds eating the berries from we can be in the garden at any time. the bushes.

Hurrah! We have our own plot.

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Halloween – The night of pumpkins

n ancestral tradition from lost its occult character to become an with lanterns, a fire to cook potatoes Ireland comes back to Europe excellent occasions to celebrate the or a feast to cele-brate the harvest. It Avia the United States. This harvest, very much to the joy of chil- is indeed a nice way to close the former celebration of Celtic druids dren and schools. gardening season and see bright and clergymen at the end of the year children’s eyes every where. has evolved to become a sort of n many allotment gardens, plan- thanksgiving for the harvest. Even ting pumpkins is a good oppor- though we no longer need to hunt the Itunity to invite friends to come to spirits of the dead by candles in the garden. In October the children pumpkins, stories of ghosts are still hollow out the pumpkins and carve appreciated even though Halloween faces into them the day before (the word is coming from the English together with their parents, youth “All Hallows Eve“ = the day before All groups, classmates and teachers. Saints) nowadays is celebrated on The day of Halloween, the 31st the 31st October. The celebration has October, parents organise a parade

Halloween: pumpkins from the allotment garden Competition: decorating pumpkins

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Playgrounds - Grounds of freedom

hildren can find everywhere and leisure garden sites. They still f course, the “classic” play- some place to play: in a corner offer the necessary space and in grounds frequently present Cbehind the house, on an old general are used accordingly by chil- Ofrom the beginning on in the broken tree or in the shadow of a dren. allotment and leisure garden sites in bush. A large field offers the same building areas also attract many space to play and dream than a well hildren can play with their children. These playgrounds have delimited sand tub or any slides, tricycle, kickboard and other evolved too and are most often now swings and other installations which Crolling devices away from the proposing natural elements as water, can normally be found on public play- danger of road traffic. They can enjoy tubes, old trees, etc in addition to the grounds. themselves without restrictions to more traditional installations. their imagination either alone or in et, the space to install this mul- groups. Bushes and flower fields are titude of material may only be preferred areas to play of the Yfound in rare parts of our cities. youngest among them. One of these parts are the allotment

An opportunity for nature oriented games... …for children of all ages

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Playgrounds close to nature in the allotment gardens Playgrounds close to nature in the allotment gardens

n the allotment gardens children witness the clay walls and objects tal principles even non-experienced can build huts in the bushes and made out of willow as well as the persons can rapidly achieve a “stable Ihedges while making first expe- willow fences. construction” with the children. riences trying to climb on an old fruit Children can observe the speed with tree. illow cuttings are frequently which the new “natural” installation available for free against takes shape. ld trees, stone blocs or mud Wsome help with the cutting holes, the use of natural work. Children and youngsters are f after some years the hut or Omaterial offer in all the allot- always enthusiastic about this type of tunnel is no longer used for the ment and leisure garden sites many trips into nature with a visible and Iprimary aim, the grown willows possibilities and new ways to con- practical result. A picnic outside with add an ecological element to the ceive playgrounds. The imagination the parents subsequently allows allotment and leisure garden site and of parents and children is necessary strengthening their integration into the offer a place to find food and shelter as well as many skilled hands to build life of the association. to more than 150 types of butterflies, the desired installations. bees and other insects. illow huts or tunnels through illow is a “building material” which children can ramp on hus, our children can learn about which is not complicated to Wthe ground are highly appre- nature and their environment in Wuse to conceive play- ciated. They give shelter from the sun Ta protected way while later on grounds. A material which was and are very nice picknick or rest they become themselves the protec- already used by our ancestors as areas. By observing some fundamen- tors and keepers of nature.

nature for rampage...... or relaxing

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“Bio“ education on site

he allotment gardeners associa- support and help by experienced teachers in this field. Some national tions propose partnerships to advisors and members of the asso- associations offer special seminars, Tschool gardens. ciation, maintenance of the garden which allow teachers to exchange during the holidays, social integration experiences. or many children and adoles- in the life of the association. cents, the school garden hen leaving school, training, Ffrequently is the first active he school garden located in the creating a family and many contact with a garden and sometimes allotment and leisure garden site Wothers needs have priority. It even the first conscious encounter Tis favouring a mutual tolerance is only much later that some remem- with nature as such. between the pupils and the allotment ber the time in the garden, a souvenir gardeners, which allows the two which can help to find the way back to adly enough, schools frequently parties to evolve. Mutual respect and nature of the young household and don’t have at their disposal areas understanding the interest of each maybe even the school garden could Son which they can set up a other have a positive impact on social lead in a more or less conscious way garden in their surroundings. A school behaviour some other to become allotment garden located in an allotment and gardeners. leisure garden site can solve this he school garden stands and problem while offering other advan- falls with the commitment of the tages: protection from vandalism, Tteacher. The allotment gardeners association offers its help to train

Outdoor biology class… ...learning from nature

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What else can we offer to children and adolescents

nvitations for “biological” walks rawing competitions on the ossibilities for collaboration through the allotment and leisure theme “Draw your dream between allotment gardeners Igarden sites are a good alterna- Dgarden” for children between 6 Pand youth groups are nume- tive biology lesson and offer a signifi- and 10 years or a photograph compe- rous. The person in charge of these cant and enriching diversification of tition with “snapshots from the groups only need to ask the allotment the teaching. In most of the cases, allotment garden” are a great suc- gardeners. The imagination of the two experienced advisors are happy to cess. They can motivate young peo- parties has no limits: outdoor activi- help the teachers. The use of the ple to be interested in the garden and ties, rally, (quiz and plant memory), allotment and leisure garden sites as look at it in a more detailed manner. everything around the garden, tasting “classrooms” offers a welcome Associations frequently have no diffi- different sorts of fruit and vegetables. change in the daily lessons. If then, culties to find sponsors for these com- In summary everything, which pupils can also taste strawberries or petitions. They are proposed to involves the participation of children apples on such occasions, the les- schools and the results are published. and nature in allotment and leisure sons will not soon be forgotten. A party for the children with barbecue garden sites is possible. in an allotment and leisure garden site for the entire class as a first prize of the drawing competition or a camera for the photograph competition are considered to be really “cool” highlights.

Discovery rally… ...flower quiz

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Small gardeners today - Allotment gardeners tomorrow Small gardeners today - Allotment gardeners tomorrow

he "House of the Happy Kids" is maintenance jobs are carried out by n Great-Britain there are asso- a Potsdam children's home. It is the allotment gardeners of the ciations who provide a plot on Talso the aim of allotment garde- neighboring allotment garden. Iwhich children can garden. ners to provide children with a happy daily life. This was the thought behind he second growing season can he Polish leisure gardeners the Potsdam association drawing up rely on further material and create playgrounds for children a sponsorship contract with the Tmoral support for the project Ton their sites eg. in the region of children's home in question in 1995. from the regional association. Bydgoszcz in the 233 leisure garden These are the achievements of the sites you will find 146 playgrounds. association: In 1996 the association hy? Very simple! First of all They enable children from less fortu- financed toys. The funds for this were one can say with certainty nate families to spend holidays in the raised at a cake bazaar. The allot- Wthat some of the children allotment gardens eg. in the allotment ment gardeners from Potsdam baked who have grown their own tomatoes garden site "Dolinaka" in Kozienice or cakes and sold them to the public and cucumbers in this children's in the allotment gardens in Opole. during an exhibition of the city's home will manage their own allotment Also, in the allotment gardens in allotment garden movement. In 1997 garden one day. Where does this Kielce Polish children from Ukraina, the association financed a small secure knowledge stem from? Bielorussia and Kasachstan can have greenhouse, which was erected on a rest. They co-operate with schools the children's home ground. This he associations of Mondorf and in order to sensitize children for the came along with the necessary Ulflingen in Luxembourg or the natural cycles and gardening and lay garden tools. But who tells us how to Tassociation "Gartenfreunde out garden plots as school gardens use such a greenhouse properly, how Ottakring" in Vienna as well as destinated for the use of school to plant which plants where? Why associations in France and Sweden children. In the region of Katowice does this have to be done like this or associations in the provinces of alone such courses were organized in and that like that? Who will tell us East Flanders and Limbourg in 61 allotment garden sites. what to do? were frequently asked Belgium have projects on school- questions by both children and tea- gardens or try by other activities to he Dutch allotment areas are chers. sensitize children for nature and necessary public gardens in gardening. In Norway the leisure Turban regions, where townfolk he association secured an gardeners invite school children to can get in contact (again) with nature. allotment garden expert who is visit their associations and garden Many associations offer the children Tnow a regular visitor at the sites in order to pass on to these in the neighborhood a welcome place children's home, to answer the children their love and respect for the to play their games, eg. in a recrea- questions asked by knowledge thirsty garden and nature. tion-ground. little gardeners. Any repairs or

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”...brings joy and has no limits”- Deutsche Schreberjugend

njoying oneself while giving dance and jazz dance. Meetings with children groups in associations may some meaning to leisure time, young people from all around the also be the beginning for a new group Ethis is the objective of many world show to what extend the activi- of the “Deutschen Schreberjugend”. responsible of youth groups of the ties of the DSJ are without limits or “Deutschen Schreberjugend” (DSJ). boundaries. Everyone can join. he work of the DSJ with young A large choice of activities for children people and associations of and adolescents allows them to he association houses in the Tallotment gardeners should be easily find something convenient for allotment and leisure garden acknowledged. the various interests, capacities and Tsites are frequently used as fields of predilection. Possibilities meeting places by the DSJ. In turn, range from weekly meetings with the associations benefit from the singing, games, handicraft and visits presence of the young people who to the safeguard of our cultural are participating in a very positive way heritage as for example folkloric in the organisation of feasts and other dances - or more up to date - modern events by dance groups. Setting up

a pleasant… ...and educational activitiy (schoolgarden)

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Activities of the leisure gardeners for children and young people in Slovakia

he Slovakian federation orga- reation of youth clubs for young dition of a brochure: “Young nizes following activities for gardeners in our towns and people in the leisure gardens - Tchildren and young people: Cvillages. The leisure gardeners Efor children, young people and teach them how they have to plant, young leisure gardeners”. ay out of playgrounds with cut and graft trees and how they have swings for children, sand pits, to sow flowers and vegetables; Letc. in the leisure garden sites; o-operation with schools: in the rganization of competitions for playschools children make flower arrangements: the Cdrawings on how they see the Oarrangements made are then leisure gardens; In autumn orga- part of our vegetable, fruit and flower nization of competitions on the exhibitions; arrangement of pumpkins for the students;

competion in arranging flowers children's drawings of their plot

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Activities of the leisure gardeners for children and young people in Finland

Sport events Theatre club, children and young Every issue of the Finnish leisure people rehearse a play and perform garden review contains a special Track and field and children’s olympic it in celebrations of the association. article for children. games.: Running, long jump etc. series for different age groups Children’s event once in a season: Activities for the children in (under 6, 9, 12 and 15 years of age) outdoor games, quizes, music, the neighborhood barbecue etc. Cross country skiing race Children´s day care centres are in- Fishing contest Christmas parties throughout vited for a visit in the allotment Tennis tournament December for both adults and garden for a barbecue. Children´s children: Santa Claus, Christmas day care centre organize their own Sports contests are common in carrols, Christmas dinner etc. events in the club-houses of the several associations all over the allotment garden associations. country. Last summer Herttoniemi Allotment Garden Association organized a "A day in an allotment garden" event Outdoor games are organized for photography course for children. for the children of the local day care children in connection of events and After the course children were given centre and their parents with activi- festivities for adults (midsummer, cameras and asked to walk around ties like the following: harvest, open house for the local the allotment garden and take learning about the plants grown in people living in the neighborhood photos of it. Photographs were the allotment; A walk in the sur- etc.). reviewed by a jury and put on rounding nature, Drawing contest, display in the club house and on the Outdoor games, Barbeque Other activities internet. Outings and excursions to amuse- ment parks, museums, water parks Midsummer celebrations in June with etc. a bonfire, barbeque, outdoor games for both adults and children. Fairy tale hour every Saturday throughout the season (June - Facilities in use of children: play- August) in the club-house grounds, club-houses, swings, sand box, tennis courts

Track and field, Cross country skiing race, Fishing contest, Tennis tournament, Outings and excursions, Fairy tale hour Theatre club, Christmas parties, Photography course, club-houses, “A day in an allotment garden"

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Czech allotment gardeners and their work with children and teenagers

ince the creation of the allotment he competition on the national n "helpful tools for children and gardens in the twenties of last level is held at various places in supervisors" some publications Scentury, children and teenagers Tthe Czech Republic. Children Ican be found, as for instance: have taken part in the social life in not only get to know the various land- allotment gardeners' basics - ques- these allotment gardens. scapes and nature, but also the tions and answers; A young allotment cultural monuments of their home gardener's diary and encyclopedia for arious sports events and com- country. About hundred children young allotment gardeners and petitions for the identification of between ten and fifteen years old take beginners (1st – 6th part). Some Vplants and flowers are orga- part in this most important competi- promotional material for children is nized for children. They participate tion every year. also available such as timetables, with their own products in competi- bookmarks and writing paper. tions for the best vegetables and the part from the competition of Various stickers and diplomas not most beautiful flowers. "the young allotment gar- only provide children with gardening Adener", a painting competition knowledge but also make them aware fter the creation of a national with the topic "allotment gardens and of the protection of the environment allotment garden federation, ecology" is organized every year. On and the esthetical importance. Aallotment garden associations this occasion, more than three and schools set up clubs for young thousand art works are submitted allotment gardeners who take part in (drawings, art design, paintings). The competitions of botanic theory and competition is organized for nursery the identification of wild and garden schools, primary schools and un- plants (flowers, vegetables, fruit or privileged children. decoration trees as well as their seeds and fruit). ince 1995, the magazine "The allotment gardener" has been hese competitions take place on Sorganizing in every school year a local and regional level. Since the competition "Windows to the T1984, the national competition of nature" to draw children’s awareness "the young allotment gardener" has in a playful way to allotment gardens. been organized in two age categories Its current edition also includes for the winner of the regional compe- various questionnaires, cross words titions. and competition games with regard to "the allotment gardener and ecology".

competitions: for the identification of plants and flowers, the best vegetable, the most beautiful flower, “the young allotment gardener”, “Window to the nature”, “the allotment gardener and ecology”

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Polish allotment gardeners work with children and teenagers

llotment gardens offer many he federation pays particular oliday in allotment gardens - social activities. Setting up attention to disabled children organized for children, teen- Aplaygrounds, "Jordan" gardens Tand teenagers who in general Hagers and elderly people and sports fields have become a welcome very much the federation's perfectly reflects the federation's tradition. The allotment garden fede- initiatives. The allotment garden commitment to social politics. The rations organize different workshops federation integrates disabled chil- federation is organizing these holi- for children and teenagers and work dren and teenagers by way of their days in collaboration with other social together with schools as for instance various garden parties. Many allot- institutions. Many people in the cities special schools. Outdoor painting and ment garden federations work closely cannot afford to go on holiday. They photographing as well as art competi- together with children's and old are mainly elderly people, retired tions are other interesting activities. people's homes providing them with persons, pensioners, but also chil- Many Polish allotment garden federa- remaining garden products; thus, dren and teenagers coming from the tions are currently trying to enthuse their collaboration also has a non- poorest, lower social classes. The children and teenagers for sports. material scope. In this sense, the federation also has the necessary Polish allotment gardeners organize monthly federation's magazine technical equipment, i.e. allotment bicycle tours, sports competitions and “Dzialkowiec“ took over the patronage garden houses, where people can get even a “Kajetany“ competition for of the family children's home. With the a rest during the day. teenagers in the surroundings of help of the editorial department it is Warsaw. also planned to set up a garden for these children. In this context, it is appropriate to mention direct help as the editorial department is looking for sponsors.

open air painting… ...sport competitions

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Resolution

RESOLUTION

The representatives of the national allotment and leisure gardens federations that met in Warsaw from June 17th till 20th 2004 have discussed the subject “The leisure gardens and children and young people”.

They acknowledged: -that the urban areas and their anonymity constitute many dangers for children and young people, -that playgrounds and open spaces are particularly lacking in the urban areas, -that often the lacking quality of life in the residential areas does not allow an adequate development and a stimula- ting education of children and young people for life, -that the residential areas densely built do not allow any contact with nature and cut young people from their natural roots.

They underline: -that children are our precious good and the future of our society, -that children need a place to play and to let steam off, -that the leisure gardens are healthy areas of discovery for children and young people and stimulate their physical and spiritual development, -that they show them the happenings in nature from their origin till their end and give so to children and young people an education for life and develop additionally their knowledge for nature and environment, -that they enable children and young people to be themselves creative and protect them additionally from many urban dangers, -that they simulate children and young people for a respectful behaviour towards other people and make them understand the notions of democracy, tolerance and solidarity through their participation in the associative life, -that the associative life in the gardens favours the dialogue between generations in a sustainable way.

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Resolution RESOLUTION

They ask therefore their members: -to continue to take the necessary measures so that children and young people have sufficient space in the leisure garden sites for their individual fruitful leisure time occupation, -to lay out their gardens in such a way that young people can live a healthy leisure time amidst adults, -to allow both that children and young people take in an adequate way part in the associative life and develop their own activities, -to equip the leisure garden sites adequately for children by laying out playgrounds and common areas, -to cooperate with schools and nursery schools for the sensitization for nature (school-gardens, practical biology course, day in the garden, activities), -to prefer families with children while putting garden plots at the disposal of interested persons.

They ask the authorities on all levels: -to recognize and support leisure gardens as place for education for nature, -to support these efforts with all the means that are at their disposal and to include the costs for the creation of leisure garden sites in their financial planning, -to reserve grounds for the creation of leisure gardens in the urban areas in order to increase the quality of life both for adults and children and young people, -to stimulate the creation of school-gardens in order to sensitise children for the interconnections of nature, -to introduce the subject “garden” in the schools programs.

Warsaw, June 19th, 2004