Day 1 - September 18th, 2024
Location: SCHRAUBENFABRIK – Cultural Center of the Jewish Community.
Our journey at the Gardenaiser Academy began in the fascinating setting of the Schraubenfabrik, a cultural center rich with history. One of the most captivating aspects of this place was its library, filled with books that had been rescued and hidden during World War II to save them from destruction. The quiet resilience held within those pages set an inspiring backdrop for our day.
We were warmly welcomed by Cordulia Fötsch and David Stanzel, who led our introductory session. Our group was diverse and vibrant, consisting of:
Two French participants: Stefanie and Melani
Two Italians: Flavio and Leonardo
Two Spaniards: Enrique and Carmen
Cordulia and David outlined our agenda and introduced the visits we would undertake to various community gardens throughout Vienna. Each participant was assigned the task of conducting a detailed study on one of the gardens we would visit. This initial meeting also included short presentations where each of us shared insights into how our own community gardens functioned in our home countries.
After our introductions, we headed to a nearby market for lunch, enjoying a lively conversation and local flavors. Energized, we moved on to our first site visit: KINOGARTEN.
Visit to KINOGARTEN
KINOGARTEN captivated me with its blend of nature, culture, and innovation. I took detailed notes, knowing I would need them for my assigned project on this urban garden. What struck me the most was how seamlessly diverse activities—like an open-air cinema, theater performances, and even beekeeping—integrated within this green space. It showcased the dynamic possibilities of what a community garden could be, merging recreation, art, and sustainable practices.
By 6:00 p.m., we wrapped up our visit, and it was time for some well-deserved free time. Our group decided to explore the heart of Vienna together. The city, with its majestic architecture and lively streets, left a lasting impression.
Day 2 - September 19th, 2024
Location: LOBAUER INNEN & KLEINE STADTFARM
We started the day early, heading to the meeting point at the Donaustedtbrücke metro station, where we met Helen and Doris, our guides for the day. The activity began with a scenic 40-minute walk through the beautiful Öffentliche Bademöglichkeit Mühlwasser park. Upon arriving at Welt TellerFeld, Kim welcomed us and gave us an insightful tour. This extensive farm hosts multiple associations, each managing their designated areas with varied goals: social, commercial, and community-focused. I was particularly fascinated by the organization and local produce in the section managed by a Filipino community association.
The farm also features animals, a riding school, a commercial mushroom cultivation area, and even a workshop space for a puppet artisan. The blend of activities highlighted the collaborative spirit and diverse initiatives at play.
Day 3 - September 20th, 2024
Location: LAAERBERGBAUERINNER.
At the Reumannplatz metro station, Helga, an anthropologist who conducted her doctoral research at the Archivo de Indias in Seville during the 1980s, picked us up. We explored the 10th district, Favoriten, named after the hunting lodge where the king once stayed for wild boar hunts. Historically, this working-class district housed many Bohemian immigrants who built the neighborhood, including brickmakers and bakers transporting bread into the city center.
Helga led us through the district, pointing out former bread and brick factories now repurposed as cultural centers and offices. Today, Favoriten is home to a significant immigrant population, particularly from Muslim-majority countries like Turkey and Syria.
We saw small public gardens maintained by an association providing social hubs for immigrants, once social centers and now taverns. Walking through a park, we arrived at Laaerbergbäuerinn, a 1-hectare plot surrounded by a buffer zone and a water collection pond for irrigation. The garden is divided into various zones, including a permaculture section, and rented from the city by a gardening association. We met Irene, a Spanish resident in Vienna, who prepared a delicious meal using her solar kitchen and a mobile kitchen attached to her bike. After lunch, we helped prepare for the upcoming “Procession of the Earth,” crafting floral crowns, plant-laden carts, and natural decorations for the traditional harvest celebration.
Day 4 - September 21st, 2024
We returned to Laaerbergbäuerinn to continue working on floral decorations for the Procession of the Earth. The procession route led us from the gardens through the neighborhood to the area of the old factories, which now serves as a cultural hub. This gathering point allowed gardeners to showcase their work and network with the local community. In the afternoon, we visited the gardens of Schienengarten, Sonnwendgarten, and others, each showcasing the unique gardening efforts across the district.
Day 5 - September 22nd, 2024
We visited the TIGERGARTEN, urban gardens nestled between residential blocks. Astrid, a member of the garden organization, guided us through the space. Initially populated by families from rural areas, the district now houses younger families and associations. The gardens, enclosed and shared within communal areas, felt like a cozy urban oasis. Raised wooden beds of about 1.20 square meters, divided into three sections, were allocated to individuals for a year and were impressively well-maintained and productive. It was intriguing to see even flowerbeds being cultivated and wild herbs allowed to grow freely in landscaped areas.
The visit ended with a group lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we returned to SCHRAUBENFABRIK, where Cordulia and David facilitated a group discussion to share our experiences and reflections. We evaluated the project, highlighting key elements that stood out and considering ideas that could be adapted to our local communities.
This experience in Vienna was invaluable, showcasing the dedication and social commitment of many individuals working toward greener, more sustainable urban futures.
