Introduction
Welcome to Module 1: “What is an Intercultural Community Garden?” This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts of intercultural community gardens and their role in fostering social connections and cultural exchange in today’s increasingly multicultural societies. These gardens provide spaces where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can come together, promoting inclusion and mutual understanding through shared gardening activities.
In addition to understanding what defines an intercultural garden, this module will encourage reflection on what culture means and how it can impact a gardening group. You will explore key terms such as interculture and multiculture, as well as other related concepts, while examining why it is becoming increasingly important to rethink how we, as a society, approach living and interacting in multicultural environments.
The module will also delve into the reasons behind migration and displacement, raising awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and migrants. This deeper understanding will help participants appreciate the complexity of these issues and reflect on how their own (or growing) community gardens can address and engage with this topic meaningfully.
Through these insights, the module aims to equip you with the tools to create gardens that not only serve as productive spaces but also as platforms for intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and positive societal change.
Lessons
L1. What is an intercultural garden?
In this lesson, we explore what defines an intercultural community garden and why these spaces are so valuable. We will discuss how such gardens foster social connections, cultural exchange, and community building through shared gardening activities. Additionally, we will look at the inherent intercultural potential of every community garden, regardless of its official designation, and learn from existing successful projects.
‘Cultural diversity is as necessary a source of exchange, innovation and creativity for humanity as biodiversity is for nature.’ – UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Article 1 Source
Intercultural community gardens are spaces where people from different backgrounds work together to create new social connections through shared gardening activities. They offer the opportunity to exchange cultural values, traditions and agricultural practices and thus promote mutual understanding. These gardens combine environmental sustainability with social inclusion and allow participants to actively participate in their new community while learning environmental and practical skills.
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There is not one general definition of what an intercultural community garden is.
“Community and intercultural gardens bring together people from all sectors of society, including the local population, migrants and refugees. These gardens are often part of community projects and provide an opportunity to promote the social inclusion of migrants and refugees. Intercultural gardens provide a safe environment in which these people can interact.” learning.ugain.eu/summary-report/?lang=de
“Within the concept of the Intercultural Garden, intercultural learning, international understanding and inclusion are central. Since the 1990s intercultural gardens have enriched many countries that migrants travel to. Natives and immigrants of distinct social milieus and lifestyles encounter each other in the intercultural gardens. During the joint cultivation of land in the middle of a town new connections and affiliations are developed.” gardeniser.eu/en/e-learning/intercultural-garden
Common characteristics of intercultural gardens
- Promoting diversity: Intercultural community gardens aim to bring together people from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Cultural Exchange: The gardens foster the sharing of traditions, learning from each other and exchanging perspectives.
- Community Building: Intercultural community gardens aim to create a sense of belonging and support among participants.
- Social Inclusion: Intercultural gardens can help to break down barriers and promote understanding between different groups.
- Cultivation of diversity: The participants exchange gardening techniques and traditional crops from different cultures.
Community gardens are unique meeting places that bring together people from different cultural backgrounds. Culture is a multi-layered concept that is not exclusively defined by origin from another country. In fact, for example, a gardener from Namibia and a gardener from Europe may be culturally closer than a European gardener and a European hedge fund manager. This shows that cultural similarities and differences are manifold and not always obvious.
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Intercultural gardens are about recognising cultural differences as an opportunity. These gardens offer the opportunity to cultivate not only plants but also intercultural awareness and sensitivity by gardening together. They create a platform for exchange and learning from different cultures, enriching both the garden and the neighbourhood as a whole.
Whether officially designated as an intercultural garden or not, such gardens make an important contribution to social inclusion and cultural exchange. They are places where everyday life is shared and the coexistence of different cultures can be experienced, making them valuable learning fields for all those involved.
There are many successful intercultural garden projects in Europe that can serve as role models. Examples from different cities and rural areas show how gardens can bring people together, promote social inclusion and create a sense of belonging. These projects demonstrate how challenges such as language barriers or different gardening experiences can be overcome to create harmonious and productive communities. Learning from existing projects and activities is useful because it helps to avoid mistakes and adopt good practice. As a result, resources can be used more efficiently and the success of your own project can be accelerated. Many such good practices are presented on the UGAIN platform, which can serve as inspiration and guidelines for your own initiatives.
Good Practice:
The ‘Garden of Encounters’ was founded in 2014 in Traiskirchen, Lower Austria, next to Austria’s largest initial reception centre for asylum seekers. It is an initiative to empower migrants. The focus of the garden is to create an environment in which inclusion can take place through various projects. The main goal is to empower refugees to discover their skills and get support to make these skills visible through projects on an economic basis. Since most official work and soft skill training for asylum seekers in Austria does not start until people have received their residence permits, this project seeks to show how activities can be started earlier through community action. Besides gardening, the group also sells vegetables to locals and planted 150 fruit trees via a sponsorship model. They also set up a sewing and wood workshop, organise regular events such as an oriental breakfast and set up an art studio for migrants where they can work on their art and have the opportunity to display and sell it.
Growing Together Levenshulme is a small garden set up by a group of friends in an allotment garden site in Manchester in the north of England. The garden is not open to the public. Once a week, a therapeutic gardening session is held for refugees and asylum seekers. The garden is run according to ecological and vegan principles and the concept of permaculture, and is managed by a group of volunteers who administer the area, apply for funding and organise activities.
During each gardening session, the volunteers and participants prepare a large shared lunch, which is often prepared with products from the garden and enjoyed together. learning.ugain.eu/portfolio/uk01/
Please explore further good practice examples here: learning.ugain.eu/best-practices
Lesson Quiz
L2. History and Types of Community Gardens
In this lesson, we explore the core concepts of culture and interculturality, looking at how these ideas shape interactions in community gardens. We will discuss the shift from monocultural to multicultural societies and understand the reasons behind migration and displacement. This lesson provides a deeper insight into how cultural diversity influences community dynamics and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering inclusive spaces. Through exercises and resources, you will reflect on these themes and apply them to your community garden.
Culture encompasses more than just customs and traditions; it also includes values, norms and social practices. Interculturality refers to the dynamic interaction between different cultures and the resulting processes of learning and change. In community gardens, this concept is put into practice by participants from different backgrounds gardening together and thus developing new forms of cultural exchange and cooperation.
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What is culture?
Culture is a complex concept that covers all manifestations of human life that are based on certain values and learned behaviour. These in turn are expressed in the permanent creation and preservation of values.
Important aspects of culture
- Values and norms: Regulate behaviour in society.
- Customs and traditions: Are passed on from generation to generation.
- Art and literature: Express values, beliefs and experiences.
- Language: Enables communication and sharing of culture.
- Religion: Can give meaning to life, provide comfort and create community.
Culture is dynamic
It is constantly changing e.g. through contact with other cultures, technological advances and changing values. In the globalised world, cultures are strongly intertwined.
Importance of culture
Shapes identity, values and behaviours, helps to connect with other people, can help to overcome difficult times and deal with change.
More than nation and origin
Culture is often associated with national origin or a specific geographical location. But this description is too narrow. Culture is far more complex and dynamic. It includes not only traditions, customs and values that can be traced back to a common history or ancestry, but also socio-economic factors and living realities within a society.
Socio-economic differences characterise culture
Different social classes and milieus can exist within a nation, each with their own cultural characteristics and particularities. The way people live, work, dress, organise their leisure time and communicate with each other is strongly influenced by their socio-economic status and living conditions.
In addition, there are often different subcultures and lifestyles within a society that are defined by common interests, values or lifestyles. These subcultures also characterise cultural diversity.
SOURCES:
A few Definitions
Multicultural
The coexistence of different cultures (in certain areas) without a deeper mutual interpenetration or fusion.
Intercultural
The meeting of two or more cultures, which results in mutual influence.
When different cultures meet, cultural identity and influences can be experienced reciprocally. Interculturality means adopting and thinking from the perspective of others without jumping to conclusions. The foreign is not adopted into one’s own self-image but is first consciously recognised. To understand the other, it is necessary to be aware of one’s own perspective. The foreign and one’s own culture can then enter into a fruitful relationship of mutual exchange.
Transcultural
The process of interpenetration and mixing of different cultures. Something new is created that differs from the original cultures.
Keep in mind: These terms are often used synonymously in everyday life, but there are subtle differences. In scientific contexts, the terms are used in a more differentiated way.
‘In our increasingly diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interaction among people and groups with plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together.’ Source
Our societies have developed from monocultural to clearly multicultural structures. This transformation has been driven by globalisation, migration and the increased mobility of people. Multicultural societies are characterised by a diversity of cultures, languages and traditions that coexist.
Advantages: This diversity can promote innovation, as different perspectives and experiences offer new approaches to solving complex problems. It also enriches cultural life through a wider range of artistic, culinary and educational offerings.
Challenges: Diversity can also create tensions, especially when it comes to resource allocation or cultural recognition. Creating positive interaction and co-existence of different cultural groups is an ongoing task that requires tolerance, understanding and often structural adjustments.
Overcoming these challenges and maximising the benefits requires conscious design of political and social structures that see diversity as a resource rather than an obstacle.
All we share
Very often we focus on what makes us different from others, things we don´t understand about them, things that set us apart. But isn´t there so much more that makes us all similar?
Understanding the background to flight and migration is essential in order to understand the realities of life for many people in intercultural community gardens. Flight and migration are often triggered by factors such as war, political instability, economic hardship or environmental change. It is important to recognize this complexity and understand how such experiences can influence people’s perspectives and needs. Through awareness of these backgrounds, deeper empathy and support can be fostered in community work, leading to a more inclusive and supportive environment.
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The terms flight and migration are often used interchangeably, but describe two different phenomena:
Flight refers to the involuntary and often abrupt departure from the home country due to, for example, war, persecution, natural disasters or other threats. Refugees have no choice but to leave their homes in order to protect their lives and safety. Refugees are entitled to international protection under the Geneva Refugee Convention. Refugees often face trauma, language barriers and precarious living conditions in destination countries.
Migration refers to the voluntary transfer of residence from one country to another. The reasons for migration are diverse and can include better living conditions, work, education, family reunification or simply the desire for change. Migrants are subject to the immigration laws of the destination country.
Migrants & refugees may face inclusion difficulties, discrimination and prejudice.
Both phenomena can be associated with major challenges for those affected. Even if there are legal criteria, it is difficult to categorise people according to these alone. It is always important to consider the individual stories, reasons and needs of refugees and migrants and, above all, to be open to listening.
SOURCES:
Migration and flight in the context of the challenges of our time
In the 21st century, the world is facing several complex challenges that are closely interlinked and influence each other:
Climate change: global warming and its consequences, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels and water scarcity, threaten the livelihoods of millions of people and lead to migration.
Social inequality: The gap between rich and poor is growing worldwide, leading to social tensions, social unrest and conflicts. Poverty and a lack of prospects are important factors that force people to migrate.
Demographic change: In many countries, the population is shrinking and ageing at the same time. This puts a strain on social systems and the economy and can lead to labour shortages. In other regions, however, the population is growing rapidly, which can lead to a shortage of resources and conflicts over scarce goods.Migration helps fill this gap by bringing in younger people who contribute to the economy and help balance the age structure. This supports economic growth and social systems like pensions and healthcare. However, it also presents challenges for inclusion and social cohesion that need to be managed through effective policies.
Conflicts and violence: Wars, civil wars and ethnic conflicts force people to flee their homes. Refugee movements represent a major challenge for the host countries.
SOURCE: unhcr.org/… /AT UNHCR Traumahandbuch Auflage6 KAPITEL-1.pdf
Health challenges: The spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria continues to be a major problem in many parts of the world. In addition, there are new threats such as pandemics.
SOURCE: who.int
Food security: The food supply of millions of people is threatened by droughts, floods and other disasters as well as the effects of climate change.
SOURCE: de.wfp.org/
Digitalisation: The rapid development of information and communication technologies is having a profound impact on all areas of life. This brings new opportunities, but also new challenges, such as the risk of unemployment due to automation, the increasing spread of hate speech and disinformation on the internet and the growing power of tech giants.
Flight and migration is a complex consequence of different challenges. People flee or migrate to escape conflict and persecution, to seek better living conditions, to reunite with their families or simply to live in safety. The reasons are diverse and often intertwined. It is important to understand that flight and migration are not the cause, but symptoms of the challenges mentioned above.
Perception of migrants
Perceptions of migrants are complex and multi-layered. They are influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
Origin: In many European countries, migrants from Western Europe and North America tend to be more highly regarded than migrants from other regions.
Reasons: People with similar appearances are less noticeable and sometimes there is a higher cultural similarity.
Extent of polarisation: Perceptions of migrants can vary greatly from country to country. In some countries, social polarisation is much more pronounced than in others.
Historical experiences: The history and political relations between a country and the migrants’ countries of origin can strongly influence perceptions.
Specific migration movements: The composition of migrant groups in a country can influence perceptions. For example, a high proportion of refugees from crisis areas can lead to a more negative overall perception of migration.
SOURCE:
Lesson Quiz
Additional Resources
Refugee Convention: unhcr.org/about-unhcr/who-we-are/1951-refugee-convention
UGAIN Best practices for intercultural gardens (EU co-funded project on urban gardens for the social inclusion of migrants): learning.ugain.eu/best-practices/?lang=de
UGAIN summary report (EU co-funded project on urban gardens for the social inclusion of migrants): learning.ugain.eu/…/2UPDATED UGAIN SummaryReport English.pdf
Video: We Are Not All That Different: Race and Culture Identity:
We Are Not All That Different: Race and Culture Identity | Seconde Nimenya | TEDxSnoIsleLibraries – YouTube
Video: Cultural Diversity: The Sum of Our Parts:
Cultural Diversity: The Sum of Our Parts | Hilda Mwangi | TEDxUCSD – YouTube
L3. Why to build an intercultural community garden?
In this lesson, we explore the vital role that intercultural dialogue plays in today’s diverse societies. We will discuss how intercultural community gardens can serve as platforms for meaningful exchange, fostering understanding and breaking down cultural barriers. Additionally, we will examine the numerous benefits these gardens offer, from promoting social inclusion and language learning to creating opportunities for community development. Through practical exercises, you will reflect on how to harness the potential of intercultural gardens to create more inclusive and vibrant communities.
‘In our increasingly diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interactions between people and groups with plural, diverse and dynamic cultural identities and their willingness to live together.’ – UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Article 2 Source
In an increasingly diverse society, engaging with different cultures, traditions and social codes is crucial. This not only promotes a deeper understanding and respect for one another, but also helps to overcome cultural misunderstandings. Intercultural community gardens offer a real-life platform to experience these intercultural encounters.
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Intercultural community gardens are not only places of communal cultivation, but also of education and exchange. Here, people from different backgrounds come together and share more than just gardening; they exchange life stories, culinary recipes and cultural practices. These interactions build bridges between cultures and show how diversity can enrich social interaction. They demonstrate that dialogue between different cultures is essential to promote an inclusive society.
Intercultural community gardens are therefore more than just a gathering of different cultures in a physical space. They can become microcosms of an ideal society in which each individual can freely live out their cultural identity and at the same time be part of a larger community. The cultural diversity experienced in these gardens and the daily practice of inclusion provide valuable insights and models that can be transferred to society as a whole in order to constructively meet the challenges of living together in a diverse society.
Intercultural community gardens offer numerous benefits, from promoting social cohesion to supporting environmental sustainability. They not only create space for the exchange of knowledge and cultures, but also provide opportunities for personal and professional development. These gardens promote mental wellbeing by creating a sense of belonging and social cohesion, giving people the opportunity to actively participate in their community. Additionally, they can play a crucial role in language acquisition, helping newcomers learn the local language, which is key to active participation and inclusion in society.
The migration balance in Europe and the USA has been characterised by a high positive migration rate, meaning more people have been moving to these regions than leaving. This trend has been influenced by factors such as economic opportunities and political stability. Since the 1990s, both Europe and the USA have become key destinations for migrants, especially during events like the EU enlargement and the 2015 refugee crisis.
(bpb.de/ … /wanderungssaldo-pro-jahr/)
Countries receiving migrants and refugees often face significant challenges, such as allocating resources, addressing cultural differences, and providing adequate housing, education, and job opportunities. These pressures can create social tensions and strain public services. Urban community gardens offer one approach to addressing these challenges by creating safe, welcoming spaces where migrants and locals can interact, fostering mutual understanding and easing inclusion into the community.
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Promoting interculturality in community gardens can have a positive impact at different levels (on individuals, the local community and society as a whole).
Social:
Promotion of understanding and exchange: People with different backgrounds come together. This can help to break down prejudices and stereotypes and promote mutual understanding.
Strengthening the community: Working together in the garden can create a sense of togetherness and promote solidarity.
Promoting tolerance and respect: By sharing knowledge and experiences, people learn from each other and develop an awareness of the diversity of existing life realities.
Expanding the social network: People get to know new people and can make new friends.
Education:
Expansion of ecological and horticultural knowledge
Promotion of nature awareness and environmental protection
Intercultural knowledge exchange: Gardeners can learn about different gardening traditions and methods.
Language learning:
By creating spaces for people to interact in their daily lives, community gardens offer the opportunity to learn the new national language or to practise what has been learned. While standard languages are taught in language schools, people in gardens are suddenly confronted with the language as it is used in everyday life. Sometimes they are also confronted with different dialects. This can be very beneficial for language acquisition, as there are often few opportunities to learn and use a language outside of language courses.
Promotion of health and well-being: Physical activity in the garden and spending time in the fresh air are good for (mental and physical) health and well-being.
Economical:
Integration of people into the labour market: Through contact with people in the garden unemployed or marginally employed people might find a new job. In some gardens trainings are offered to be prepared for entering the labour market.
learning.ugain.eu/portfolio/es04-activity-2
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