Allotment Gardening Thrives in Brandenburg/Havel: Garden Friends Celebrate 35 Years
The Brandenburg/Havel district association of the Garden Friends e.V. recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the history of allotment gardening in the region. This news comes as the mayor, Steffen Scheller, has recognized the importance of allotment gardening for the city's quality of life and sustainability.
Over the years, the association has seen changes in its management and structure. In 1991, there were 5,642 plots managed by 98 associations. Today, there are 5,300 plots managed by 95 associations. The introduction of democracy in the association resulted in the election of a board, initially with 15 members, now reduced to seven, with two women in both cases. The deputy chairman, Uwe Trütschler, highlighted the transition from the VKSK to the district association of the Garden Friends 35 years ago, involving the conversion of almost 100 garden sections into legally recognized associations.
The unification of two allotment garden systems in 1983 brought significant changes, including a construction boom and legal disputes. Today, long-term lease contracts are rare, with an average lease duration of five years. The association's task is to promote the acceptance of allotment gardening in society. Organizations like the Stiftung Umwelt und Entwicklung Nordrhein-Westfalen (Foundation for Environment and Development North Rhine-Westphalia) support this effort, funding projects related to environmental protection, sustainability, and community engagement with up to 200,000 euros.
The association currently leases 282 hectares of land, including 175 hectares from the city. Despite a slight decrease in the number of plots and associations, the association continues to thrive, demonstrating the enduring appeal and importance of allotment gardening in the region.
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