Community gardens in Leipzig: Diversity and challenges in Urban Gardening

Community gardens in Leipzig: Diversity and challenges in Urban Gardening

Lene-Voigt-Park, Leipzig, Deutschland - in Leipzig, the Urban Gardening with the community garden "Vagabund Lene" has found an important point of contact. This garden is located in the Lene-Voigt Park, on the site of a former freight station, and was initiated in 2018 by the regional group East of the Bund. The project has set itself the goal of promoting biodiversity and creating a green space for the community. More and more people with different backgrounds, including career changers, come together in this garden to actively participate. The regular recording of the daily stocks and the cultivation of edible plants in raised beds are central activities.

The challenge associated with the design of such urban gardens is considerable. So the lvz of problems such as mouth robbery, littering and vandalism. Nevertheless, the community meets regularly every Tuesday at 6 p.m. to exchange their experiences and work together. The community gardens in Leipzig, such as the city garden Connewitz, the neighborhood gardens in Leutzsch and Lindenau, as well as the Hildegarten, are also important places for education and social interaction.

sustainable growing methods and variety of plants

A cornerstone of garden philosophy is the ecological cultivation, which dispenses with artificial fertilizers and poisons. Instead, gardening is used on nature, which not only benefits the environment, but also promotes a variety of plants. The different types of vegetables and herbs that are grown ensure food sources for bees, butterflies and birds. This is correct with the findings of the research project of the city and green that emphasizes the social and ecological value of urban gardens.

An example of the success of such initiatives is the City Garden Connewitz, which can now look back on 31-year history. Not only is the cultivation of dye plants and fungi promoted here, but also the cooling of the city and the promotion of biodiversity are also in the foreground. Community gardens show how important social interactions and friendly ties are for the gardeners, and they are also places where cultural events can take place.

challenges and solutions

The challenges of the Urban Gardening Initiatives should not be underestimated. According to the BUND Leipzig , the available areas in urban areas are highly competitive. Often gardens are only allowed for interpretation, which makes planning and implementation difficult. All the more important are flexible concepts, such as mobile raised beds, for example in the form of bakers or potato bags. These offer an opportunity to work in gardening even on smaller areas.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has already launched initiatives such as the Urban Gardens funding program. Such programs are intended to support new and existing garden projects and make the value of such urban green areas visible in urban planning. Particularly unbureaucratic contact points for garden initiatives could facilitate and support cooperation between citizens: inside and the administrations.

Overall, community gardens in Leipzig and elsewhere are not only green oases in the city, but they also make an important contribution to education, promoting biodiversity and social cohesion in the neighborhoods. The challenges that arise can be managed by joint commitment and innovative approaches.