Garden as community and practice
The idea of a community garden is the starting point of the event – a grassroots initiative based on cooperation and the commitment of diverse groups. It is a space created not “for” people, but “with” them – students, university staff and all those interested.
In the context of contemporary ecological challenges, the community garden aligns with a degrowth‑oriented approach, emphasising eco‑social awareness, the reduction of excessive consumption and the development of more sustainable living models.
From idea to action
The lecture entitled “Ogród społeczny: od idei do praktyki współtworzenia przestrzeni. Jak to robić na uniwersytecie” [The Community Garden: From Idea to the Practice of Co‑creating Space. How to Do It at the University] delivered by Paulina Jeziorek and Małgorzata Błaszczak (Jadalny Ogród KOI / Community Garden at the Copernican Integration Centre) from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń will be the first part of the meeting.
During the lecture, the event participants will learn about:
- the concept of community gardens as collective and inclusive initiatives,
- examples of similar projects operating at universities in Europe and worldwide,
- the background to the creation and operation of the KOI Garden – one of the few initiatives of this kind in Poland.
The lecture will be held on 20 April at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Lodz (Pomorska 171/173, room 2.20) at 1:30 p.m.
Co‑designing the space
Immediately after the lecture, participants will be invited to take part in a practical workshop, moderated by Prof. Magdalena Cieślak (Institute of English Studies). This will be the moment of transition from theory to collective “imagining” of a garden that could be created at the Faculty of Philology.
During the workshop:
- its participants will work with prepared maps of the space,
- there will be room for discussion about possibilities, needs and constraints,
- the first concepts for the University of Lodz Community Garden will be developed.
It will also be an opportunity to meet people interested in becoming involved in the further development of the project – the event is intended as an initiating and integrative meeting for the future garden community.
The workshop will be held on 20 April at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Lodz (Pomorska 171/173, room 2.20) at 2:45 p.m.
Earth Day and conscious consumption
The initiative is a part of the broader context of Earth Day celebrations at the University of Lodz, organised on the initiative of the University of Lodz Climate and Environmental Policy Council, under the patronage of the Rector, Prof. Rafał Matera.
This year’s edition focuses on the idea of conscious consumption, understood as making decisions while taking into account their impact on the environment, the economy and society. In this context, the community garden becomes a practical tool for change – a place where knowledge meets action.
The organisers invite all those interested – regardless of experience – to take part and co‑create this initiative.
More about Earth Day at the University of Lodz: Earth Day (in Polish)
