Urban agriculture
Just six months ago the pretty and flourishing garden on Dauwstraat in Anderlecht was a barren wasteland of rubbish and filth. Now it is equipped with a greenhouse, 60 different specimens of fruit trees, a selection of mouth-watering berries and a smorgasbord of veggies. Frédéric Morand, secretary of Eco Innovation (and green thumb enthusiast), tells us that, “in February the site was barely accessible and very dirty.”
How one organisation is changing Brussels from concrete jungle to communal garden
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He continues, “With the help of the Anderlecht municipally staff we cleared tonnes of dirt and waste. We started bringing manure, compost and special equipment along with the materials for the greenhouse. Slowly and gradually we started planting. The soil is good and the plants are very healthy.”
Eco Innovation is a not-for-profit organisation leading Brussels towards greener pastures through a multitude of urban agricultural ventures. They aim to introduce urban roof-top gardens to the capital with a current site proposed for Anderlecht subject to a structural feasibility report. However, the successful organic private and community garden in Anderlecht is just the beginning of a big community project.
Morand explains that the successful 70 square-metre nursery in the midst of the bustle of the city is a “mixed potagerie”. It provides a quiet oasis where locals, both children and adults, peacefully tend to their plants and chat amongst themselves.
Morand says, “There is a section for amateurs (local participants) who can rent a container and we provide the plot, soil, tools and plants.” The back of the land is used by Eco Innovation professionals and the produce there is being sold marketstyle with proceeds creating selfsustainability.
The turf belongs to the municipality of Anderlecht. “We don’t own the land; we just manage it for them,” Frédéric says. In conjunction with Anderlecht and the Brussels government, Eco Innovation will provide ten new gardens across Anderlecht from 2011-2014. “The commune is very supportive. I’m very thankful to them for investing so much care and attention into what we are doing. There is heavy support from the region,” he elaborates.
In fact, the commune wants to change the image and reputation of Anderlecht, improving it and potentially creating jobs. Essentially the emphasis on urban renewal and revitalisation for the region will bring the community closer. Eco Innovation are currently looking for partners who can help source land, private or municipally. The option to sponsor a fruit tree is available too.
Local consumers and restaurateurs are lining up to get their hands on the local, organic produce. At the moment you can pop into the garden on Dauwstraat where the innovators will sell you fresh food at a reasonable price.
Dauwstraat 14, Anderlecht
