Day 1: Monday
Let’s meet ! We meet up with the other garden friends at the metro.
After a short chat and logistical set-up, we set off to visit the university’s research projects : the aquaponi, a closed circuit of vertical plant production, where fish, plants and bacteria form a virtuous circle … the reproduction of a natural cycle in a river, above ground !
Maria José then explains the creation of a pond close to the campus, an island of biodiversity and water conservation. On the other side, the university garden is open to anyone connected with the university (associations, students, etc.), a plot of land available for 35 euros a year. It’s not easy to cultivate the land in such an arid zone, with soil so lacking in nutrients. But many students volunteer, and there’s even a waiting list ! What’s special about this garden is that it keeps place with the school calendar !
After a typical university meal in the cafeteria, we head across town to the Triana district. Aida recounts the history of this popular district : fascinating !
A little further on, we meet up with Miguel and Carmen at the Triana garden, one of Seville’s smallest shared gardens. Situated in the middle of a large park with no facilities and no drinkable water, we quickly understand the site’s accessibility issues … 37 people come along, however, as the garden offers plots of 50 m2 each for cultivation. It was also an opportunity to understand water and river management in Seville, a highly flood-prone city at the time, situated 11 meters below sea level !
Day 2: Tuesday
After a good café del Peru on the way, we’re off to the city’s most disadvantaged district, where some wonderful inclusion projects are coming to life ! A center for public artistic creation, a series of photos of flamenco artists performing in unusual popular places. But also, a student residence where investment in local associations provides well thought-out, almost free accommodation for students.
A few metres further on, a biodiversity jungle, where you can take the time to observe and learn about the cycles of nature, the idea being to create a mini forest. Beautiful, caring souls teach young children, in particular, to love their land. Very moving.
Then it’s to a more recent district in the east of Seville that we end this second very sunny day.
The project : 50 individual plots for cultivation, 3 spaces available to associations (Plantamos IDA…) to raise awareness among residents and local authorities of the importance of greening urban sites. And let’s not forget the “cana” kindly offered to round off our visit ! Muchas gracias Manuel.
Day 3: Wednesday
We met up with Enrique, close to the former area dedicated to the Seville World Fair, in The Huertos del Parque del Alamillo. Land historically used to grow orange trees. We’re told that there’s no real social project here, but 150 individual plots occupied mainly by local residents aged between 50 and 60.
After a shared picnic in the shade of a large tree, we set off for one of the most striking projects of the trip, to the north of the city. We are warmly welcomed by the CEAM (centro de educacion ambiental). A garden, 270 individual plots, as well as a museum and small houses to welcome boy scouts and others. On the program : pottery with Antonio, followed by a distillation demonstration using an old alambic. All in the unoccupied premises of a center for the mentally handicapped. The biggest project in Andalusia. Thank you for this wonderful human experience.
Day 4 :Thursday
Today we meet up with Aida for a visit to the heart of Seville’s historic center. A feast for the eyes. A short detour around a street corner to discover a flea market, then we join Gonzalo in el Huerto del Rey Moro.
An unique garden in the heart of the city, where even the smallest open space is quickly solicited. A project that is not recognized but tolerated by the new government, Gonzalo explains.
A special feature : the garden is managed entirely autonomously by an assembly and each visitor can obtain a key, subject to registration on a list. Long live this space of freedom !
After this inspiring tour, we reach the vegan restaurant for a meal together. The last one we’ll share with Aida, who will be leaving in the afternoon for a well-deserved week’s rest ! Thanks again for all the energy you’ve given us.
Day 5: Friday
On this final day, we head north of Seville once again to meet up with Raoul, Manuel and Jose Manuel.
Here, a garden has been created to protect the neighborhood from new construction.
A neighborhood largely populated by the older generation of rural dwellers, for whom cultivating the land is important. 230 individual plots and shared spaces, for schools, associations and gardeners training in new practices : the punk garden preserves the back !
After a fond farewell, it’s time for everyone to make the most of Seville’s last beauties.
Many thanks to all !
