Right here, at the ForstFeldGarten, something special happened. This community garden in Kassel-Forstfeld is more than just plants and soil. It is a testament to community spirit.
The ForstFeldGarten began in 2012. The Stadtteiltreff piano e.V., the Mach-Was-Stiftung, Essbare Stadt e.V., and the Gemeinnützigen Wohnungsbaugesellschaft GWG cooperated to bring it to life. The GWG provided about 7000 square meters of land. It was behind the piano neighborhood meeting place.
The area was once the Söhrebahn railway line. This long space suggested a three-part division. The “Forst” area is where the Essbare Stadt association cultivates fruit trees. They planted the first woody plants in November 2011. This started the development of an edible permaculture forest garden.
The “Feld” area is mainly for people from the district. They cultivate vegetable plots. The “Garten” area has recycled raised beds. These are for older people. There are also beds for children’s groups.
A hut from documenta 13 in 2012 was moved here. It came from the Karlsaue. Now it is split in two. One part is a tool shed with a veranda. The other part is a potential garden culture stage. It has hosted live music and painting at garden festivals.
Mike Wilkens from the Mach-Was-Stiftung described the ForstFeldGarten uniquely. He called it a park of the new style. It is not just a green space for walking dogs or lying in the sun. It is for neighborhood self-sufficiency and creative do-it-yourself projects.
Bernd Walters from GWG invented the memorable name ForstFeldGarten. Plakat designer Franziska Holzner created the logo. Her graphics made the project known in the district.
In the middle “Feld” and eastern “Garten”, many beds have sprung up. Turkish women and other groups plant and harvest. They have been doing this for five years. In the western “Forst”, the Essbare Stadt association cares for fruit trees. They also care for 50 newly planted fruit bushes.
The ForstFeldGarten celebrated its 5th anniversary on September 10, 2016. A big festival marked the occasion. The Kassel documenta even donated a wooden hut. It was split in half for use in the park. It provides shelters and a tool shed. It also serves as a stage for festivals.
The ForstFeldGarten is an “edible” park. It is a model for more urban “do-it-yourself” parks. There are also play options for kids. Benches invite adults to linger and relax. People can also get actively involved with others.
Today the ForstFeldGarten continues to thrive. The garden is constantly evolving. Besides cultivating the soil, there is always something to do together. The community comes together at the ForstFeldGarten. It is here that they sow the seeds of friendship, reaping a harvest of togetherness.