Imagine a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. This is the Grüne Blase, a community garden in Berlin Spandau. It all started with an idea.
In 2014, Gewobag housing association wanted to revitalize a green space on Blasewitzer Ring. The area was inaccessible. They commissioned gruppe F to develop a concept. Public participation events were held. Local residents shared ideas. The feasibility of these ideas was checked.
Urban gardening won. The Grüne Blase was born. This community garden spans almost 600 square meters. It features a kitchen garden with a tool shed. A play area boasts a large lawn, sandpit, and picnic table. Young and old grow tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs together in the kitchen garden. For its first four years, the gardening group received expert support. This covered practical, organizational, and minor construction tasks.
The Grüne Blase resonated. It became a model project for the whole neighborhood. Following its success, five crate gardens were created in Staaken. These were placed at the Staaken Center and a refugee accommodation. Transport crates were transformed into raised beds. Ornamental and edible plants thrived. The gardens created new meeting places. Neighbors came together.
The Grüne Blase is more than just a garden. It is a testament to community spirit. It showcases the power of urban gardening. In 2015, the garden was founded. It is located at Blasewitzer Ring. The garden is a joint initiative. Residents, Gewobag, and Quartiersmanagement Heerstraße worked together. Gruppe F Landschaftsarchitekten organized an open participation process. This allowed residents to shape the garden’s design.
The garden has relaxation areas. There are seating and play opportunities. There is also a kitchen garden. It has individually and jointly used plots and raised beds.
Each spring the community garden group invites people to a garden festival. They start with breakfast together. Fortified, they begin the first digging and planting. There are craft activities, coffee and cake.
The Grüne Blase demonstrates how unused spaces can transform. They can become vibrant community hubs. It fosters connections among residents. It promotes sustainable living. So next time you’re in Spandau, take a detour to the Grüne Blase. Witness firsthand the magic of community gardening.