What if I told you that here in Villiers-le-Bâcle, plots of land are cultivated with care and dedication? These plots form the Jardin Familiaux de Villiers le Bâcle. They are not just gardens; they are spaces that foster community.
The Jardin Familiaux de Villiers le Bâcle embodies a spirit of intergenerational connection. It allows people to exchange knowledge about nature. It promotes biodiversity. The association cultivates plots of land. These plots range from 50 m2 to 200 m2. This gives individuals space for private and non-professional gardening.
The history of community gardens is interesting. Originally, they were known as “Jardins Ouvriers” or worker’s gardens. The Abbé Lemire coined this term. These gardens were initially intended for the working population. Over time, the social makeup of the gardeners changed. Workers were still present. However, other socio-professional categories were also represented. This shift led to a new name: “Jardins Familiaux.” The official adoption of this name occurred on July 26, 1952. It was part of a law codifying standards for family gardens. This law also provided an exemption from property tax.
The Ligue du Coin de Terre et du Foyer was created in 1896 by Abbé Lemire. This boosted the popularity of worker gardens. Their popularity peaked during World War I from 1914 to 1918. These gardens became an effective solution to food shortages.
Besides worker gardens, other types emerged. These included military gardens. There were also hospital gardens. Refugee gardens, school gardens, and gardens for veterans were created. The economic crisis of the 1930s further encouraged the creation of new gardens. During World War II from 1939 to 1945, worker gardens saw another surge. They also served to support the Pétainist ideology. Newsreels of the time praised the merits of the Marshal’s gardens. They promoted values of work, family, and merit.
After the war, life returned to normal. Food needs were met. Gardens experienced some decline. The rapid urbanization of the 1960s marked a downturn for community gardens. Interest only began to revive in the 1980s.
Early worker gardens took root on municipal land between 1898 and 1903. The Institution Sainte-Marie provided patronage. Patches of countryside resisted rapid urbanization. During both World Wars, gardens were requisitioned to feed soldiers due to supply problems.
After 1945, the worker garden movement waned. The rise of public housing, improved living standards, and the growth of second homes played a role. From 700,000 after the war, worker gardens fell to 130,000 in 1978. A resurgence began in the 1980s. City dwellers, tired of hormone-injected chicken, rediscovered the appeal of the countryside. These gardens evolved into family gardens. They were no longer exclusively for working-class families.
Today, the Jardin Familiaux de Villiers le Bâcle offers plots for cultivating vegetables and flowers. If you are interested in plants, you can find plants for sale at the Cocci Market in Toussus Le Noble. Sales take place from early May to mid-June.
The Jardin Familiaux de Villiers le Bâcle is more than just a place to grow plants. It is a community. It is a place for sharing and learning. It’s a green lung in our town. It provides space for people to come together. It promotes sustainability and well-being. This is a place where friendships blossom alongside the vegetables.