University of Helsinki
As part of a collaboration between the City of Vantaa and Urbaria (the Helsinki Institute for Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Helsinki) we are investigating urban allotment gardens as both food production spaces and social spaces. Our research project is called ‘Connecting the Plots’ and more information can be found here: https://blogs.helsinki.fi/connectthplots/.
In 2020 and 2021 our team member Megan Resler interviewed gardeners and garden managers to learn more about how gardens are managed and understand the social interactions in the gardens. The results showed that generally social life in the gardens is good, but that there are some tensions and issues that could be addressed. Now we are seeking participants for a workshop with city planners and garden managers to investigate these aspects further and, hopefully, find some solutions. The outcomes of the workshop will used by the research team to develop policy recommendations for the City of Vantaa about future garden management.
We are specifically looking for Vantaa residents or gardeners who:
- Currently have a garden plot in Vantaa.
- Would like a garden plot
- Have previously had a garden plot
The topics or questions that will be explored during the workshop include (but are not limited to):
- Possible impacts on social relations due to the duration of plot rental contracts, threat of garden re-development and/or support from the City of Vantaa for garden management.
- Improving social life in the gardens by clarifying/workshopping garden rules, introducing new initiatives, reviewing the plot turnover process and general problem solving.
- Support new gardeners by improving the process required to get a new plot, garden accessibility and other issues such as information on suitable crops and access to equipment.
The workshop will be arranged partially online and partially face-to-face in an outdoor setting. The main phases of the workshop process are:
Online exercises: Introduction; Brainstorming and Ideation; Reflection
Face-to-face session: Developing solutions; Wrap Up;
It would be preferable if all participants could attend both the online exercises and the face-to-face session, but if that is not possible, then it is also possible to just participate in the online exercises. We ask participants to complete the online part in the week prior to the face-to-face session. Clear instructions on how to complete each part will be provided by the research team. If you require assistance to participate in the online session, please contact the research team (details below).
We welcome participants from all ages and cultural groups in Vantaa. It is possible to participate in the workshop in either Finnish or English and we have designed the workshop to be as inclusive as possible.
At this stage, we plan to hold the face-to-face session on Saturday May 14 2022 during the day. The session will be approximately two hours and food and drinks will be provided. Each participant will receive a gift voucher for Hyötykasviyhdistus.
If would like to participate in this workshop, please enter your details in the online form below. If you can participating in both the online and face-to-face sessions, please indicate that on the form and when you are available on May 14.
https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/117742/lomakkeet.html
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our research team.
Dr Seona Candy (PI) – seona.candy@helsinki.fi
Megan Resler (PhD researcher) – megan.resler@helsinki.fi
Niina Asikanius (MSc researcher) – niina.asikanius@helsinki.fi
We look forward to meeting you in Vantaa!