Stephanie has awakened my interest in nature and how we city dwellers relate to it. My research has shown that there are many important reasons why we city dwellers need to reconnect with other species of animals and plants. Cities need to become much more self-sustainable, in our use of water, energy and food. Connecting with nature has great benefits, our physical and mental health improves and working together strengthens and builds community. Cities need to become welcoming to nature. One way of doing this is to grow things.

My intention with this project into urban farming in Brussels is to observe how growing things brings people together as a community. To follow the work done by individuals within a community throughout the growing season.

The project follows the work of one individual, Allan and two urban farms. The first farm is the Jardin Potager Gray-Couronne in Ixelles, and the other is the Jardin Collectif du Chant des Cailles in Boitsfort. The two farms are very different in size and in the challenges they face.

The Jardin Gray-Couronne is on the side of a very steep hill and is terraced. The top half is given over to fruit trees and bushes and is managed collectively. The bottom two or three terraces are given over to individual raised beds. The farm is completely self -sufficient. It has grape vines which produce grape juice that is sold.

The Collectif Chant des Cailles is much, much bigger and has several different areas, including an area for school visits that has chickens. An area where sheep and their lambs graze in the spring and in the summer the sheep are milked, and cheese made from it.  There are a small number of ‘professional’ farmers who have access to both large strips of ground and polytunnels. There are many others who have a small strip of ground on which they can grow what they want. There is a small market area where produce can be sold.

 

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn