News from the Office

Hyphen 68 News from the Office

Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux association sans but lucratif | October 2019 Hyphen 68 | 2019 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents:

Leading article The garden as diversity engine 3

Introduction Allotments – Oases of diversity 4

Social diversity Belgium: Our allotment gardeners in Belgium have much diversity to show in their social engagement 5

Switzerland: Integration on a day to day basis 10

Luxembourg: The gardens of Matgesfeld – an open space for children to discover nature 14

Garden forms and methods of cultivation The method of vegetable cultivation in the allotment gardens in Japan 15

Diplomas The allotment association “De Smallen Entrée” in Torhout (B) received the diploma for ecological gardening 17

The allotment garden association “KGV Steinfeld” in Graz (A) received the diploma for ecological gardening 19

The Herttoniemi Allotment Garden Association ”Herttoniemen siirtolapuutarhayhdistys” in Helsinki (FI) received the diploma for innovative projects 20

The allotment garden association “KGV Schönau” in Graz (A) received the diploma for innovative activities 22

Addresses 23

Impressum 24

Hyphen 68 | 2019 2 LEADING ARTICLE

The garden as diversity engine Roel Deseyn President Tuinhier

Social diversity provides different In our brochure we incorporated challenges, but the garden can still different areas of diversity: function as an ideal binder. • Ethnical diversity

The need for a durable vision and pol- • Gender diversity icy on diversity is necessary in this multicultural society. Associations • Intergenerational diversity that forget both to look around and to try to incorporate other target-groups • Different garden styles are doomed to shrink and perhaps to fade out. • People with disabilities

To reach different target groups you • People with financial problems need a large diversity in approaches. Roel Deseyn Every situation is unique and demands • and more. President Tuinhier a different approach. The garden has the capacity to connect, hence it is the The goals of our brochure ideal diversity engine! are the following: • Promote the garden as a diversity Tuinhier wants to create a solid strate- engine. gy. Like always it all starts with a plan Diversity means variety. There is even or in our case a field study (general • Show that working with diversity a large diversity of derivatives of this method collecting data about users, isn’t that hard. word: variety, change, alternation, var- user needs etc. involving observa- iegation, multiformity, multeity, and dition and interviewing). We created a • Get to know the sector and create versification. digital brochure packed with tips, ex- a long-term vision and strategy. amples, collaborations and practical Everyday gardeners get in touch with approaches. It is meant to inspire peo- Our n°1 rule is ‘work with the diversity. They even depend on the ple. All tips are meant to be copied target-group’ and ‘not for the huge biodiversity for healthy plants. and used to create new stories. target-group’.

Remark: The Hyphen 68 and 69 also present different areas of diversity both to inspire the readers to take action and to motivate the authorities to also promote our allotments as a “diversity engine” throughout Europe and Japan.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 3 INTRODUCTION

Allotments – Oases of diversity Stephanie Mayerhofer Bakk.phil.

But what is meant by the term diversi- many or Austria with often several ty in allotments? First, this only means 100 m2. that there is an abundance of different kinds, forms or the like. Basically, Biological diversity almost everything can be diverse. In Last but not least: diversity also this Hyphen and the next one we will, means diversity of species. This however, concentrate on three areas. means not only plants, but also animals, microorganism and fungi. Bi- Social diversity ological diversity is what makes life This often refers to the diversity of on earth possible for us. Preserving nations, which is frequently already biodiversity should therefore be a top apparent on the individual allotment priority for all of us, but especially for site. People from different countries gardeners who can in particular en- and cultures meet, exchange ideas sure that diversity remains alive by and learn from each other. gardening as close to nature as possible. However, also the wide range of social commitments, which are actively This year, the report lived in many allotments, cannot be on global diversity by dismissed. Be it that the surrounding the World Biodiversi- neighbours are given the opportunity ty Council, which com- to relax on the allotment site or the in- prises more than 1700 pages tegration of the oldest and youngest and in which more than 500 experts people in our society or people with participated, was published and was disabilities: The allotment gardeners widely discussed. The fact is that bio- prove again and again how important logical biodiversity is declining every- they are for the community. where. This makes the allotment gardens, which have been proven to be Gardening diversity green oases in the city and thus make However, diversity can also mean dif- a major contribution to diversity, all ferent garden forms, cultivation meth- the more important – studies from Many nations have joined forces in ods and projects that are implement- Germany (2008) and Austria (2019) the International Office to pull togeth- ed in the individual gardens. Different confirm this. er in the same direction. Already for cultures often also mean a different this reason alone, diversity is an im- understanding of the allotment gar- Allotments are diversity portant issue. However, great diversity den in itself: What are the priorities In theory diversity in the allotment can also be seen within the individual of the individual gardeners, what veg- garden has many aspects. In sum- countries. etables do they grow, how they grow mary, however, one can say: whether them or whether they grow any at all. large or small gardens, young or old In his editorial, Roel Deseyn, Presi- gardeners, in Europe or Asia, diversity dent of Tuinhier, explained why the The different sizes of allotment gar- are lived in the allotment gardens, un- topic of diversity is relevant for allot- dens in the different countries alone der the umbrella of the International ment gardeners, how different target are manifold: There is plenty of scope Office. The following examples from groups can be reached and with what between the small Japanese gardens the individual countries are intended strategy. with 10-30 m2 and the gardens in Ger- to illustrate this.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 4 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

Our allotment gardeners in Belgium have much diversity to show in their social engagement

Onzen hof (Our garden) Method fixed gardening time, which overlaps General info There is a steering group with volun- to create interaction between the tar- “Ter Hovingen” is a residential care teers and professional employees get groups. Most people just pass by centre for elderly people and is the who communicate on an equal level and make a little chat. The steering initiator in this garden project. They and propose projects. Activities are group communicates their activities combined two needs with each other. organised and discussed there. to the whole neighbourhood so new The first: they did a survey with their people can discover this project. inhabitants and they asked for more The garden itself is only 100 m² but interaction. The second need came an extension is on its way, doubling Tips from a group of neighbours. The peo- the size. There is a small greenhouse • Participate in neighbourhood ple in the surrounding streets have and a communal shed. There is a events and open up the garden small gardens and wanted to create a list of ‘to do’s’ and a logbook which (e.g.: garage sales). This makes neighbourhood garden on the grounds records all done chores. Everyone the terrain more accessible and of ‘Ter Hovingen’. who passes can perform some jobs lowers the fear of trespassing. and participate. Every partner has his The backyard of the centre is large and there were plans to reconstruct this garden. An allotment in the backyard was the ideal solution for both needs. One after one, new partners joined in on the project. The health centre of the neighbourhood, a family replacing home for people with a mental disability “GVT Gandae” and the local school all joined in, each adding extra value.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 5 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

• Every partner is responsible for his where they can learn from one come this healthy mix they started group and motivates new people another, be active and meet new to work together with other partners. people. E.g.: vzw gezin (an association for the • Work together! Make sure all part- local Muslim community), KWB (so- ners are convinced of the benefits. • GVT Gandae: offer activities for cio-cultural association) and the ser- their inhabitants in close proximity vice centre. • Create a match between the differ- of their buildings. ent motivations The garden • Neighbours: create an active The lay-out is made to promote inte- • Do a yearly search for new volun- neighbourhood that clings togeth- gration and cooperation. There is a teers er and organises activities. shared shed, a mutual herb garden and two shared water pumps. Mainly • Keep the tasks manageable and • Primary school: education in a the water pumps are social meeting clear. (Logbook and to do’s) healthy and green environment. points. All 55 gardeners have to get their water from them, so occasionally • Volunteers can pick up tasks ac- Challenges there is a queue. All garden tools have cording to their talents and free • Make sure that the project re- to be shared. Then there is a special time. mains accessible for everyone. rule: everything that grows through E.g.: no costs the fence is for the passer-by and the • Work bottom-up, this way you cre- neighbourhood. They purposely plant- ate a strong basis • No obligations towards the volun- ed 60 apple and pear trees outside the teers. fence. • Look for partners that support garden projects and know how to get • Keep convincing the management extra funding trough subsidies. directors from all partners of the added value Advantages • You create a spontaneous and re- • Constant communication about laxing environment. the project and its activities

• The garden is not the goal but the • Mix people from different target means to create a social project groups.

• Integration and creation of a De Kroeme riek (the sense of neighbourhood crooked pitchfork) General info • Healthcare promotion This neighbourhood allotment was an initiative from the district Beren- • Helping volunteers within the drecht-Zandvliet-Lillo. They wished healthcare sector to bring the people from the neighbourhood together. They also wanted • The gardens are more used and a neighbourhood area where people there is more passage trough the could perform a shared hobby. With garden and thus more interaction the allotments in the rise, their choice with the inhabitants. was easy!

Wishes per partner Method • Ter Hovingen: interaction with the A group of volunteers from the neigh- inhabitants, more passers-by in bourhood was formed to start this the gardens project. These volunteers added a multicultural touch to it. The neigh- • Neighbourhood health centre: an bourhood and the district are a mul- easily accessible meeting space ticultural environment. The board in a healthy environment. Offer wished to see this cultural diversity their patients a useful pass-time reflected in their gardeners. To be-

Hyphen 68 | 2019 6 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

Tips Obstacles • Create a lot of smaller gardens • Kids that hang around in the sum- close to each other which are mer vandalising the gardens not separated by a hedge. This creates a tremendous amount of Solution: at the moment there is no social contact. all fixing solution yet. The kids aren’t interested in gardening; otherwise • Work with associations or the they would try to involve them. They local community centre to reach try to find their parents and talk with other target groups. them.

• Create an open communication • Communication with gardeners of for everyone. E.g.: there was a other cultures is harder because gardener who had difficulties with of the language barrier. They often the immigrated gardeners sur- don’t have e-mail as well. rounding his garden. He reported this to the board and expressed • Solution: they work together with his desire to get another garden. the community centre for the The board communicated this to Muslim community. They receive all surrounding gardeners, to inter- all mails and pass it trough to the pret his possible behaviour. They gardeners and other interested also informed the local commu- people. They also help in explain- nity centre, so that they knew the ing the info. situation, if they would get questions or complaints. • The target group is difficult to -at tract on activities • Search for financial means to keep your project up and running. Solution: On official meetings there They subscribe in multiple subsid- is an official part where there is no iary funds. alcohol served. After the official part alcohol is served. Offering al- • Make sure that the volunteers can cohol is ‘not done’ in the Muslim orient themselves at an easy pace culture. Because of that these gar- and that they can choose their deners tend to avoid events with al- own duties. They will feel more at cohol, so they don’t have to explain ease and the chance for a durable themselves constantly. engagement is larger. • More involvement of the entire • Cooperate in local initiatives. They neighbourhood in the project. participate with “roefeldag”: On these days schoolchildren visit Solution: Organise a fixed harvest companies, associations and moment for the orchard. This way shops and look what happens be- there will be more social control and hind the screens. less vandalism.

• Create a welcome package for Success story gardeners. In this project they of- The gardeners are invited to the “iftar” fer a folder with the magazines, for four years now. “Iftar” is the meal their own flyer, the agenda, seeds the Muslim community takes after list for the group purchase and sundown during the Ramadan. These the regulations. Every year they re- meals are meant to be shared with ceive a plant package with a price friends and neighbours. For that oc- value of 7–8 Euros. casion the gardeners are being invited.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 7 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

Licht en Ruimte Roeselare (Light and space) Roeselare knows a strong inflow of refugees and new Belgians. Tuinhier Roeselare saw multiple opportunities in working together with an OKAN- school on their new allotment site. This new project is situated next to a neighbourhood of a social housing company ‘The Mandel’.

Every week the classes go to the gardens under supervision of their teach- er and confidant. They can use six garden plots. The school has 12 classes which are split up in two groups; the students between twelve and eight- • Make sure there is a balance be- first group goes to the garden from een per year. Often these kids are un- tween learning activities and pass- September to December and the sec- accompanied minors who reach our time activities. This keeps the ond from February to June. country. They come from all over the mood casual. world e.g.: Syria, Somalia, Kurdistan, • Winter jobs: cleaning and refilling Romania, Poland, Afghanistan, etc. • Write accessible regulations with the paths, distribute compost visuals. OKAN guides and helps these young- • Early spring jobs: sowing plants in sters in their integration process and the greenhouse and making the teaches them the Dutch language. work and planting scheme. They try to offer a humane care with support towards the individual. They • Spring, summer and autumn jobs: guide these youngsters to adulthood maintaining the plots, sowing, in a foreign country. planting, harvesting ... Tips OKAN Class for foreign • Make sure you have a clear mis- speaking newcomers sion when starting a similar pro- OKAN Roeselare gets about 150 new ject.

• Make your mission sharper with the expertise of your partners.

• Search for achievable goals and use them as building blocks. Work step-by-step, don’t try to achieve all goals in the first year.

• Make sure your project is seen and accessible.

• Try to involve the parents of these children, to reach an even bigger target group.

• Plants that are easy to use: Radishes Spinach Potatoes Peas

Hyphen 68 | 2019 8 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

• Communicate clearly with the • Make a curriculum neighbourhood • Offer garden tools for the • Make sure there are enough help- classes. This lowers the thresh- ing hands. If someone drops out old and makes the project more there are enough hands to catch accessible: up and it makes the work lighter. Boots Shovels • Give each partner a clear role: the local board offers technical advice • Make sure there are enough in the gardens, OKAN offer their partners in your project. didactical skills and student guid- ance. • Divide the harvest evenly amongst the students. This prevents possible tensions between students.

Challenges • Lure the students to the garden after the class hours is tough.

Solution: the allotment is always accessible for all gardeners and in- volves the parents.

• Create more interaction with the neighbourhood.

Solution: organise more activities together with the neighbourhood.

• Not all students are equally moti- vated

• High need for extra volunteers to guide the regular allotment jobs.

• Create a sense of security to make the park more accessible and attractive.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 9 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

Switzerland: Integration on a day to day basis A diversity of nationalities in our gardens Simone Collet

The preservation of biodiversity has dens, has largely evolved along with often a foreign origin. They arrived in become the major concern of a grow- the entire society over the years. Switzerland with their ancient prac- ing number of citizens. While plants tices and they brought along a great and animals around the world are The proportion of Swiss gardeners diversity of often unknown varieties, drastically declining in number and cultivating the plots has gradually de- sometimes cultivated in earlier times variety of species, there is one area, creased. Having become old, they left by our grand-parents and later fallen where diversity is incredibly high: their gardens, often without their chil- into oblivion. What a pleasure to re- that of the countries of origin from dren taking them over. Since then, they discover for example old vegetables, which the gardeners who cultivate al- have been gradually replaced by fami- that we did not see for a long time and lotment garden plots in Switzerland lies from elsewhere, sometimes coming that are now back in the allotment gar- come from. from very far. “There are still many na- dens! These gardeners coming from tive gardeners here, however, there are elsewhere are thus returning some of This is an authentic biodiversity, be- now often many who come from Italy, the rich biodiversity of the past to us, cause these gardeners transform their Portugal and the Balkans” says Fredy which we had thoughtlessly lost. May garden plots into a truly alive place, Doser, president of the Allmend Blinden- they be sincerely thanked for this! where everyone brings with him the heim association, in the German speak- customs, plant varieties and cultiva- ing part of Lucerne. He successfully The impressive number of national tion methods, which are specific to his organised the recent 2019 delegates’ flags proudly hoisted on the plots of country of origin. meeting of the Family garden federa- the various groups in the Romandy tion, held in Lucerne on June 15th. testifies of the rich diversity of the gar- The evolution of the deners’ countries of origin. Floating in allotment gardens Situation in the French the wind above the plots, they are a The allotment gardens created dur- speaking part of Switzerland distinguishing mark to find one’s way ing the last century were destined to In the French speaking part of Switzer- while looking for a plot. One only has enable economically underprivileged land below the Sarine, the gardeners to look up and one sees sometimes families to get fresh and healthy prod- of the five regional sections of the Ro- from far an abundant forest of flags ucts. However, the situation of these mandy (Aigle, Fribourg, Geneva, Lau- accompanying with all their colours gardens, later renamed as family gar- sanne and Morges) have today very the flag of the Swiss federation.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 10 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

In the capital of the total. Many gardeners, which are still canton VAUD working in professional life, come to In Lausanne, the association of family the garden and work here with their gardens (ALJF), chaired by president families”. More than 20 different na- Jean-Marie Brodard, comprises 570 tionalities are represented. Of the 273 plots regrouped on eight allotment members of the association, 111 are sites. Swiss, 51 from Portugal, 27 from Italy, 14 from Turkey, 8 from Spain, 7 from According to the accurate count of na- Vietnam, 4 from France, 3 from Bos- tionalities of gardeners of the ALJF, nia, 3 from Serbia-Montenegro. Other regularly updated by Albert Massard, gardeners come from ancient Yugo- president of the beautiful site of Ri- slavia, Tunisia and Macedonia. At the onzi, Swiss gardeners represent 34% end of the list we find with one single of all the gardeners. They are close- national, the following countries: Alba- ly followed by the impressive group nia, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cam- of Portuguese nationals, who reach eroon, China, Iraq and Kosovo. 33%. Next are the gardeners from Ita- ly (15%), Spain (7%), Eastern Europe- The section of Morges an countries (5%) and various other The group of Morges has 127 tenants. countries (3%). Kurdish (2%) and Turk- As on most French speaking sites, ish people come at the end (1%). gardeners come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Half are Portuguese One can quote one extreme case: the and only one third are Swiss. The smallest group in Lausanne is Pet- others come from Italy, Spain, Turkey, it-Flon with only 17 plots of which France, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro. only 12% are cultivated by Swiss gar- ”It is really not desirable that plots are deners. An overwhelming majority of grouped by nationality; this would be 88% of the gardeners is therefore of foreign origin.

We are not at the Care Bears and all is obviously not always easy with all these nationalities gardening close together. All the flags do not flow at the same time. A gardener from a Mid- dle-Eastern country whispered into my ear that he flew the flag of his country only when his neighbour, a national of a country fighting his own, was ab- sent. Another admitted to quickly fly the flag of a region wishing autonomy, when the official flag of his country was not flying!

The gardens of Fribourg and surroundings Spread over four sectors, 297 plots are cultivated by the gardeners uni- fied in the allotment garden association of Fribourg and surroundings (AJFFE) chaired by Numa Courvois- ier: „If, in 1992, nearly 80 % of the members were retired people, all age classes are now represented, with retired people forming only 20% of the

Hyphen 68 | 2019 11 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

contrary to the spirit of the gardens give back the cultivation of gardens to nia-Herzegovina (11), the latter being which privileges sharing, exchange the children” concludes the president. merged today. and diversity” declares the president Jean-Claude Colombara. Extraordinary diversity We then find Germany (7), which is in Geneva followed very closely by Great-Britain, The section of Aigles-Riviera At the Western end of Switzerland Rumania, Uruguay, Serbia, Morocco, „In recent years the family gardens is located the largest association of Iraq, Croatia, Chile, Afghanistan, the have undergone a profound change. the French speaking part of Switzer- USA, Tunisia, Russia, the Netherlands, Before, there were many families with land, the Geneva allotment garden Honduras, Algeria, Denmark, Canada, young children. But today, society has federation (FGJF) which is chaired by Bolivia, Zambia, Vietnam, Thailand, changed dramatically” comment- Jean-Paul Gygli. The FGJF has 2.136 Rwanda, Poland, Peru, Mauritius, Lib- ed president Alexander Dalla Costa. members coming from an incredible ya, Latvia, India, Japan, Iran, Eritrea, “Children have more outdoor sports number of different countries, where Brazil, Bulgaria, Austria and Armenia. activities and there are proportionally Portugal again dominates (474 gar- fewer families here” says committee deners) followed by Italy (292). Then In short, only few countries in the member Willy Kovar. “Today we give comes Spain (105) followed by far world are not represented in the gar- priority to young families; we must by France (30), Turkey (15) and Bos- dens at the end of the lake! All are welcome: allotment gardens especially adapted for people with reduced mobility in French speaking Switzerland Frédéric Schär

The year 2000 marked a turning point Fear of the other, technical problems, fect opportunity to create something for the Geneva allotment garden fed- specific standards to be respected for new and to put the federation’s deci- eration, which, under the impetus of a this type of equipment, mobility prob- sion into practice. We met people in- visionary president, decided to create lems inside the allotment garden site, terested in our project and received plots for people with reduced mobili- who will take care of the support for the support of the authorities in gen- ty. At the beginning, it was necessary these people, etc. eral. The work on Plan-les Ouates be- to convince the most hesitant mem- gan in 2004 and two garden plots for bers of the committee, cantonal and In 2002, a new extension of the site people with reduced mobility were im- municipal authorities, architects and Plan-les Ouates was on the horizon, mediately integrated into the project. project managers, because this pro- following the closing down of the al- ject was not a foregone conclusion. lotment site of Pinchat. It was the per- At the same time, in 2004, the munic-

Hyphen 68 | 2019 12 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

grating these people with reduced mo- tion’s reflections, which can congrat- bility in the allotment garden world. ulate itself for having been a pioneer in this field. From a construction point of view, two different systems of raised beds A little downside have been installed. For Plan-les- For the almost twenty years, that Ouates, these are containers assem- these special facilities have exist- bled from wooden beams, lined with ed, it sometimes has happened that a special canvas, while for Grand-Sa- these gardens do not immediately find connex for cost reasons; the munici- people with reduced mobility ready to pality opted for containers made with use them. On the other hand, they can concrete borders. Later, this concrete bring happiness to the elderly, who do received wooden cladding thus allow- not need to abandon their hobby as ing a better integration in the gardens gardeners, at least for a while. They as a whole. The three thus equipped can maintain a precious contact plots allow wheelchair access on all with their contemporaries, practice sides of the beds. a healthy outdoor activity, without forgetting the importance of the so- A small difference, the garden site of cial and friendly contact that reigns Plan-les-Ouates received two small in allotment gardens. This occupa- chalets of 2.5 × 2.5 metres, each one tion prevents isolation, which too of- equipped with an access ramp for ten becomes a major problem as age wheelchairs. progresses.

Both garden sites are equipped with Thus, the allotment garden plays a a common building with a toilet espe- role of intergenerational, multicultur- cially adapted for wheelchairs. al, multinational cement, which con- tributes to a better understanding in Later, in 2014, a new allotment gar- all this human diversity. den area “Champ Bossu” was created. Here too, some plots have been We hope that through our project reserved for people with reduced mo- we will arouse the interest of oth- bility. er allotment garden associations to create specific spaces for all these ipality of Grand-Saconnex launched Many associations and homes for the people, who do not or no longer have the allotment garden project on its elderly have shown interest in the pro- the chance to move without auxilia- territory. Here again, the Geneva fed- ject, developed by the Geneva federa- ry means and who are limited in their eration was involved and was able, tion. It provided them with all the spe- daily lives. Should also elderly people from the beginning of the project, to cific data and the required standards be able to continue their gardening propose the integration of a specially for these equipments, as well as the hobby until an advanced old age. laid out plot. costs. These organisations created then themselves similar facilities for We would like to express special During the two inaugurations, in the the great happiness of their inhabit- thanks to the authorities and to all presence of the authorities and the ants. those who have contributed directly or press, the federation’s leaders were indirectly to these wonderful achieve- widely rewarded for their efforts. They If today we talk a lot about diversi- ments. were able to measure the joy and hap- ty in allotment gardens, what about piness by receiving the large smiles of human diversity! Young and old, all these new, somewhat unusual garden- nationalities, devote themselves to ers, who were able to take possession their passion for gardening, which is of their plots. enrichment for everyone. People with reduced mobility have their place in All the speakers welcomed this origi- our contemporary society, and, there- nal initiative of the Geneva federation fore, also in allotment gardens. This and all underlined the vision of inte- is what triggered the Geneva federa-

Hyphen 68 | 2019 13 SOCIAL DIVERSITY

Luxembourg: The gardens of Matgesfeld – an open space for children to discover nature David Hengen Amis des fleurs Belvaux

The community gardens “Matgesfeld” be seen through a glass pane at the The direct contact between gardeners are open, without fencing and with a bee house. Ducks, geese, chickens and children should be emphasised. transition to the open nature. Moreo- and rabbits are kept in the small ani- Older plot holders can also be found ver, they are surrounded by meadows mal breeding facility; donkeys, horses in the garden during school hours and and groups of trees, pastures for hors- and cows on the adjacent pastures. are happy to answer the children’s es, cows, donkeys etc., a small animal The large chicken aviary belongs to many questions. The children are also breeding facility… the garden itself. This is freely acces- happy to show their parents the gar- sible so that you can experience the den and share what they have learned. If you plan to go into nature to explore chickens up close. Is there something Hence, the concept of an open garden it, you don’t need a key. Areas of un- in the egg flap? for all seems to work. spoiled nature are usually freely accessible at any time without a ticket. School classes also use the garden So are the Matgesfeld Gardens in the for nature lessons. The school gar- village of Beles in the municipality of den of the primary school, which is Sanem in Luxembourg. It is an open not far from the garden, is integrated place where children are encouraged here. Clearly arranged with high beds to experience nature around the veg- for the children and seats, there is a etable gardens. lot growing here. The nursery from the French town of Rédange also has a Thus, the children, who accompany garden plot. Here the members of the their parents to gardening, use the horticultural association help the chil- surrounding nature to let off some dren with words and deeds. The new steam. The climbing trees are par- greenhouse as well as the work room ticularly popular. Animals can also in the bee house makes year-round ac- be observed, like the bees which can tivities in the garden possible.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 14 GARDEN FORMS AND METHODS OF CULTIVATION

The method of vegetable cultivation in the allotment gardens in Japan Yoshiharu Meguriya

European people may think that the al- Therefore, a plot on an allotment gar- The situation in which people use an lotment gardens in Japan are different den site has a size, so that weeding allotment resembles to that in Eng- from those in Europe. However, when is possible. Furthermore, the plot will land and France. In almost all allot- we established allotment gardens in have a size of which, people using the ment gardens, people are perform- Japan, we took the “Kleingarten” in allotment garden, can pay the fee. For ing vegetable cultivation. The kinds Germany and the allotment garden in these reasons the size of an allotment of vegetables grown in all allotments England as models. Therefore, I think will be about 10-30 sqm. are potatoes and tomatoes. Howev- that the allotment gardens in Japan are not fundamentally different from those in Europe.

However, the natural environment of Japan is warm, and we have an ocean- ic climate, so the plant growth is very early. We can thus cultivate vegetables throughout the whole year.

Moreover, the social framework of Ja- pan is based on free economy with little regulation. The population is con- centrated in the big city areas and the city land price is very high. Here some examples of the present land price: Tokyo, Ginza 4-chome: 55,500,000 yen/sqm; Chiba, BeforeJR Chiba Sta- tion: 1,650,000 yen/sqm.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 15 GARDEN FORMS AND METHODS OF CULTIVATION

the centre. I planted the seedling of a 5-8 watermelons, if it rises favourably. sweet potato inside a prop from the I have been trying for five years now: end of May till early June. I planted The first year I harvested three wa- one seedling next to the central prop. termelons from two shares of seed- A vine will begin to extend about one lings. However, the 2nd and 3rd year, week after the planting of the seed- I suffered vermin damage just before lings. I bundled the vine, which came harvest, and then I was the victim of out of one seedling, with one prop, and external theft. I failed in seedling ris- lengthened it upwards. As for the root ing last year. The purchased seed this of the five stocks, space is maintained year had a bad germination rate, and till the middle of their growth. So, sun- the growth of a seedling was also delight shines upon the stock, and since layed. it is airy, a vine grows well. By Octo- ber, the branch-vine will also have ex- Third, the cultivation of tended and the five stocks will have broccoli, cauliflower etc become entangled in one and they I will try to grow a seedling for broc- will have grown thick like one tree. By coli or cauliflower in July. I’ll cultivate the end of October and beginning of a seedling on a house veranda. The November leaves will begin to change cauliflower seedlings are six species from yellow to brown and there will be of white, orange, purple, violet, green, the time of sweet-potato digging (har- and Romanesque. vest). Before digging up the potatoes I cut down the vine and all the vines If we have various kinds and even if spreading from the five stocks can we are cultivating only one kind of pile up to a mountain of over 1 metre. vegetable, we can also enjoy our- Sweet potatoes can also be cultivated selves. The allotment garden in Japan in a line. In this way bigger sweet pota- has only few plantations in which the toes will be harvested and children are user (Gardener) can organise himself very pleased. When the harvest was freely. I have my organisation and I en- gathered two years ago, I measured joy being able to create the world in the full weight of the potatoes from my allotment garden according to my the stock which had most yields. The fantasy. result exceeded 4 kg. I would like to spread this method to the allotment gardens.

Second, the cultivation of watermelons The area needed for the cultivation of watermelons is still larger than the er, I also tried to cultivate cabbage. one needed for sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes and watermelons are very popular, but because a large Watermelons like sweet potatoes area is needed in a general cultivation are planted into the ground and then method, many people have given up. taken upwards. However, a water- Then, I decided about five years ago to melon attaches heavy fruits to the grow these crops in three dimensions. vine. For this reason, after planting five props like for sweet potatoes, I First the cultivation of attach the prop to several steps con- sweet potatoes. necting these five props horizontally. I prepared on my plot the 1-sq m place Furthermore, I also attach a slanting in which I wanted to plant sweet po- prop so that the vine of the watermel- tatoes. I firmly put 4 props (2 m in on can gradually reach upwards. So length) in the four corners of the place. an area of 1.8-m-high solid space is Furthermore, I also placed one prop in made from 1 sqm, and I can harvest

Hyphen 68 | 2019 16 DIPLOMAS

The allotment association “De Smallen Entrée” in Torhout (B) received the diploma for ecological gardening

The project is only 3 years old, but is sionals and an area around the tree ly plants and host plants for wild ani- already a lively park with a good, so- trunk had to be planted with perennial mals. With the pruning of the trees a ciable and cosy vibe. The park is well plants to protect the roots. dead hedge was made to lure hedge- hidden behind a typical Belgian rib- hogs and other useful animals. bon development. It was an unused A long-term plan was made for all open space enclosed by houses. An green areas separately e.g. trees, flo- Some more experienced gardeners old remnant of an orchard was on the ral borders, the ditch, etc. These plans started a demo-garden. Good prac- premises. described the annual jobs that have tices and experiments are done here. to be done to make them richer in bi- Every weekend a garden expert visits The city counsel was looking for a odiversity. E.g.: annual mowing, etc. the park and the gardeners can come new spot for a new allotment in 2014 over to ask questions. Diseases or because of the long waiting list on A complete garden was sacrificed for plagues can be spotted very quickly their first project. This old orchard a mutual green area with bee-friend- this way. was the ideal spot, nearby the city centre and ideal soil. Their first con- dition was to create an ecological allotment. In 2015 the project was real- ised and they immediately candidate for the Ecological garden label Tuinhi- er launched the year before.

Actions The trees that were still alive from the old orchid were saved and incorporated in the plans. To ensure the life of the trees, they were pruned by profes-

Hyphen 68 | 2019 17 DIPLOMAS

Every 3 year they do a soil analysis to prevent over-fertilizing. The analysis provides advice and a general view on the health of their soil.

During 2 years they were guided in the project ‘Ecological garden label’. In 2018 they were rewarded 3 out of 4 stars for their efforts.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 18 DIPLOMAS

The allotment garden association “KGV Steinfeld” in Graz (A) received the diploma for ecological gardening

The site has a surface of 34.150 m2 and the association has 243 members. This means, that the individual plots have a size between 100 and 150 m2. Be- cause of that, but also because of tradition, these gardens are charac- terised by a lush vegetable cultivation. Here, gardening in the original sense is still highly valued. In the by- laws of the association an obligatory cultivation of vegetables and fruit is prescribed. Of course, we pay atten- tion to ecology. So it is just natural, that every gardener grows his own compost. But also, by the setting up of three to four rain barrels on each plot and the associated water saving, resources are handled very carefully. Of course, all of the paths of this site are not paved, but only gravelled.

This allotment site was founded in What was smiled at a few years ago 1914. The well-known beer brewers and was considered as backward from Graz, the brothers Reininghaus, is now very much in demand again created this site for their workers. among young gardeners, who want to grow their own vegetables. It is a Of course, the development of allot- green, ecological oasis in one of the ment gardening are continued here. most heavily built-up areas of Graz. After several changes of ownership, the property is now owned by a Vien- It is for this reason that we applied nese real estate company.The tenants for the allotment association Stein- can also look back on a general lease feld, for the diploma for ecological agreement that is over 100 years old. gardening.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 19 DIPLOMAS

The Herttoniemi Allotment Garden Association ”Herttoniemen siirtolapuutarhayhdistys” in Helsinki (FI) received the diploma for innovative projects

“Give the Flowers and Plants 2019, but the Finnish Federation want- 1946. Today the allotment garden is a New Life” -project ed to apply for a diploma already now located next to the Metro track and The project “Give the flowers and – on one hand, in order to thank the the bustling Eastern highway, adjacent plants a new life” ‘is carried out in co- association for the work already done to both the old and new Herttoniemi operation with the municipally owned and, on the other hand, to give encour- living areas, and the conservation ar- Itäkeskus service home for elderly. agement for the future tasks. eas of Kivinokka and Viikki.

This unique project is a good example The association: Herttoniemen The nine allotment gardens in Helsin- of how an allotment garden associa- siirtolapuutarhayhdistys ki are unique and historically valuable tion can also enrich the environment The Herttoniemi Allotment Garden green areas in the urban structure. All outside the area it manages. By hard Association, founded in 1934, man- the gardens are classified as public work and with plant donations, the al- ages a 7.5 ha area with 182 plots, all parks. On their own site the allotment lotment gardeners of the Herttoniemi equipped with a small cottage. The gardeners in Herttoniemi delight the association have improved the habitat allotment site was originally estab- bypassers with beautiful flowering of the more than 100 elderly living in lished outside Helsinki, in the city’s gardens. The plots also include sev- a service home. rural municipality that nowadays is a eral apple trees and other fruit trees, city called Vantaa. Herttoniemi was raspberry benches, berry shrubs and a The project will further continue in annexed to the city of Helsinki on diversity of herb and kitchen gardens.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 20 DIPLOMAS

A request for assistance was sent In addition to the Herttoniemi allot- to the Finnish Federation that fur- ment gardeners, plants and seeds ther directed it to the allotment gar- were also donated by Marjaniemi den associations in Herttoniemi and allotment gardeners, Hyötykasviyh- Marjaniemi, located near the service distys (The Useful Plants Association) house. Both associations welcomed and private persons. the request and met the challenge. Besides the renovation of the plant- Carrying out the project ing area, a low-lying area by the wall The Marjaniemi association provided was rebuilt, with herbs and perennials the service house with some plants, planted. A small tree was poured out but unfortunately the association did of the garden and the berry bushes not have resources to participate in that were already there were moved the project more broadly. to give the garden a clearer space for the residents of the service house – After discussions and a visit to the for playing and staying. Itäkeskus facility, the allotment gardeners of Herttoniemi stated that the The project continued in the spring of desolated garden needs soil, watering, 2019, with the intention of renovating new plants and a big amount of work. smaller planting areas and adding It was agreed to first renovate the larg- compact cultivation of herbs to the est planting area in the yard. It is a garden. visible ensemble and the inhabitants are often seated beside it. The Hert- toniemi Allotment Garden Association promised to help with planning, perennials, work and counselling.

The experts at the Allotment Garden The service home: Association made a garden plan for Itäkeskuksen palvelutalo the service house and gathered, with- The Itäkeskus service house, owned in their allotment site, plenty of plants by the city of Helsinki, consists of 3 that were delivered to the facility. The group homes and 51 service apart- plantation area was renovated with ments, as well as a daytime unit. ’talkoot’ (voluntary work), to which in The group homes – called Calendu- addition to the Herttoniemi allotment la, Cornflower and Dandelion – each gardeners also the service house resi- have 13-14 inhabitants with memo- dents and staff were invited. The hard ry disorders. The service house has work was done by the allotment gar- common lounges, a dining room and deners, the service house instructor sauna facilities, as well as outdoor ac- and her family. The residents of the tivities in the yard and garden. service house participated in planting flower bulbs and overseeing the pro- Project background gress of the work. The social instructor of the Itäkeskus service house actively searched for At the widest point of the planting partners, who could help in the vast area, large plants of flowering peren- and wild garden area of the facility. nials of different colours were placed. The city of Helsinki did not allocate Otherwise, the planting area was filled funds for this purpose. The facility with plants giving variety and attrac- wanted donations of seeds and per- tiveness. Altogether more than forty ennial seedlings to create a comfort- different varieties of perennials were able garden to enhance the wellbeing planted. of the memory disordered and other elderly inhabitants.

Hyphen 68 | 2019 21 DIPLOMAS

The allotment garden association “KGV Schönau” in Graz (A) received the diploma for innovative activities

The allotment site “Schönau” founded With 520 members and 134.672 m2, time enough for their farsightedness in 1915 is one of the oldest in Graz. It this site is and always was the largest in preserving the ecosystem. is a 104 years old. allotment site in Styria. At present there are 4 beehives with Managing such a large site has al- approx. 800,000 bees on the site. ways been a big challenge for the vol- These are professionally cared for by unteers. Therefore, these women and a beekeeper, and the harvested honey men, who have taken on this work up can be bought cheaply from the asso- to now, deserve our biggest thanks. ciation by the members.

By constant improvements of the in- For this reason, the diploma for inno- frastructure, but also by changes of vative activities is granted to the al- the Graz allotment garden regulation, lotment garden association Schönau the self-catering gardens, which at the in 2019. time served to feed the population, became today’s leisure paradise for many people in Graz.

It is particularly worth mentioning that already in 1989, in an ecological- ly far-sighted way, a club-owned api- ary was built.

Today, 30 years later, there are discussions everywhere in the cities about the protection and possibilities for the promotion of the bee population. So, we cannot thank the pioneers of that

Hyphen 68 | 2019 22 ADDRESSES

COUNTRY FEDERATION ADDRESS TEL / FAX / EMAIL

Austria Zentralverband der Simon-Wiesenthal-Gasse 2 Tel.: 0043/1-587 07 85 Kleingärtner und Siedler A - 1020 WIEN Fax: 0043/1-587 07 85 30 Österreichs email: [email protected] Internet: www.kleingaertner.at

Belgium Tuinhier vzw PAC Het Zuid Tel.: 0032/9 267 87 31 Woodrow Wilsonplein 2 email: [email protected] B - 9000 GENT Internet: www.tuinhier.be

Denmark Kolonihaveforbundet Smedeholm 13 C, 2. th Tel.: 0045/3 828 8750 DK - 2730 HERLEV Fax: 0045/3 828 8350 email: [email protected] Internet: www.kolonihave.dk

Finland Suomen Siirtolapuutarhaliitto ry Pengerkatu 9 B 39 Tel.: 00358/ 103213540 FI - 00530 HELSINKI email: [email protected] Internet: www.siirtolapuutarhaliitto.fi

France Fédération Nationale des Jardins 12, rue Félix Faure Tel.: 0033/ 1-45 40 40 45 Familiaux et Collectifs F - 75015 PARIS Fax: 0033/ 1-45 40 78 90 [email protected] Intenet: www.jardins-familiaux.asso.fr

Germany Bundesverband Deutscher Platanenallee 37 Tel.: 0049/30-30 20 71-40/41 Gartenfreunde e.V. D - 14050 BERLIN Fax:0049/30-30 20 71 39 email: [email protected] Internet: www.kleingarten-bund.de

Great-Britain The National Allotment Society O‘Dell House/Hunters Road Tel.: 0044/ 1536 266 576 GB - CORBY Fax: 0044/1536 264 509 Northhamptonshire NN17 5JE email: [email protected] Internet: www.nsalg.org.uk

Japan Association for Japan Allotment 4-27-20 Honmachi-higashi, Tel.: 0081 904754 2136 Garden Chuo-ku Fax: 003 3266 0667 Saitama-shi email: [email protected] Saitama Prefecture 338 -0003 http://homepage3.nifty.com/ikg-kem/ Japan

Luxemburg Ligue Luxembourgeoise du Coin 97, rue de Bonnevoie Tel.: 00 352/ 48 01 99 de L - 1260 LUXEMBOURG Fax: 00 352/40 97 98 Terre et du Foyer email: [email protected] Internet: www.ctf.lu

Norway Norsk Kolonihageforbund Postboks 1247 Vika Tel.: 0047/94080090 N - 0110 OSLO email: [email protected] Intenet: www.kolonihager.no

The Netherlands AVVN Organisatie voor Samen Vogelvlinderweg 50 Tel.: 0031/ 30 670 1331 Tuinieren NL - 3544 NJ UTRECHT Fax: 0031/ 30 670 0525 email: [email protected] Internet: www.avvn.nl

Sweden Koloniträdgårdsförbundet Ringvägen 9F BV Tel.: 0046/ 8 556 930 80 SE - 11823 STOCKHOLM Fax: 0046/ 8-640 38 98 email: [email protected] Internet: www.koloni.org

Switzerland Schweizer Familien Gatterstrasse 23 Tel.: 0041/32 384 66 86 gärtnerverband CH - 9300 WITTENBACH email: [email protected] c/o Monika Schlei Internet: www.familiengaertner.ch

Hyphen 68 | 2019 23 IMPRESSUM

Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux association sans but lucratif

Address: 20, rue de Bragance, L - 1255 Luxembourg The Office online: www.jardins-familiaux.org

Executive Board: Peter PASCHKE (D); President of the International Office Wilhelm WOHATSCHEK (A); President of the executive board

Daniel CAZANOVE (F); Preben JACOBSEN (DK); members; Otmar HOFFMANN (L); treasurer Malou WEIRICH (L); secretary general

Auditors: Karl-Erik FINNMAN (SE); Erik SCHAUWVLIEGE (B); Pertti LAITILA (FI)

Substitute Auditor: Phil GOMERSALL (GB)

General Assembly The federations from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great-Britain, Japan, Lux- embourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland;

Hyphen is published three times per year by the Office International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux a.s.b.l.

Editor Malou WEIRICH, Office International

Distribution E-Mail by the Office International

Concept and realisation: Zentralverband der Kleingärtner und Siedler Österreichs

Layout/DTP: Werbegrafik-Design Karin Mayerhofer, BeSch, Ing. Beate Scherer

Source of pictures: The federations of Austria, Belgium, Finland, Japan, Luxembourg and Switzerland

Date: October, 2019

Hyphen 68 | 2019 24