Bursa Community Garden
We want to realize one of the areas in Bursa that will be an example of how we can meet our basic needs in harmony with nature, without polluting or destroying nature. In this example area, we are designing an ecopark and community garden. We want to establish the community garden together with you.
We will produce our own natural food together in the rare, unspoiled soil of the Bursa Plain, which has not yet been invaded by concrete forests but is under threat. Why is it important?
Gardening can be the first and most important step towards sustainable living that directly benefits us because:
Instead of despairing in the face of big problems that we cannot afford and cannot find a solution for; It is a work that will provide multiple benefits and can be done on a balcony, terrace, or even in wooden crates or flower pots on concrete.
We produce clean, natural food. Access to healthy, natural food is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in cities; However, what we eat affects our physical and mental health.
We learn and experience soil production and natural plant cultivation. There are many lessons for us in the functioning of nature.
Nature provides our most basic living resources. People are also a part of nature. We can have negative and positive effects on nature with our lifestyles. We are currently on an unsustainable path that destroys nature. We can also offer solutions with examples that protect and revitalize nature.
With gardening, people begin to learn the basics of food – the basics of life. It is also ideal for showing and explaining basic ecological concepts, especially to children and young people. The cycles of nature (water, oxygen, carbon and nutrient cycles) are noticed and observed.
All living systems on Earth are intertwined in various relationships with each other. Through gardening, we realize how we are part of these systems.
As a community, we all experience helping and sharing through food production and supply efforts. It is a work that unifies and improves relationships.
In difficult times, gardening can be vital. In countries experiencing deep economic crises, those who can produce some of their own food needs can at least provide food for their kitchens.
Area: The land near Alaaddinbey Village, Nilüfer District in the Bursa Plain, opened to our use by the Ağırönü family.
Community Garden Design, Stages, Operation:
Requirements for Garden Establishment
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Community: the formation of a team that will carry out horticultural work together; to provide the team with knowledge, skills and experience
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Introduction to Design with Nature course will be given
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Those who want to be included in the community will be identified
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They will gain experience by participating in practices at Belentepe farm
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Garden design will be realised together with the community. Design components will be decided:
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Compost production, supply
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Mulch production
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Installation of plant beds
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Water supply
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Production/supply of plant seeds, seedlings, saplings, natural plant protection products
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Gardening equipment, tools
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Storage, toilet, kitchen, assembly/activity area
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Container, prefabricated, recyclable wood material...
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Organisation:
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Determination of the core staff to undertake the daily work of the garden, task allocation on a calendar
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Decision on the sharing of garden produce
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Organising activities to attract the wider community to the garden, especially at weekends:
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Gardening together, setting up a food forest
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Ecological products exhibition area, village market
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Cheese, bread, canned food, etc. production workshops
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Yoga, healthy eating/life workshops
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Natural structures, clean energy, recycling workshops
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Sport
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Activities especially for children and young people: explaining the workings of nature, involving them in the work.
Functioning:
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Daily gardening:
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Watering, fertilising, plant care, protection against pests and diseases
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Crop harvest
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Recycling: organic waste to compost - soil production
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Seed storage
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Community work:
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Identifying and announcing the periods when we need a large community
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Clean food network for the supply of clean food we need from other eco-compounds
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Weekly supply of natural products, especially seasonal natural products, to our kitchens
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Ekopark will act as an ecological products node.
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Activity organisations
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Effective use of social media and web infrastructures
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Activities for children and young people
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Support for the establishment of gardens in schools
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We have a beautiful story about our endeavours, 'the story of the honeybird':
One day there is a fire in the forest. While the animals were running out of the forest, a small honey bird (it has a small long beak that sucks the sap from the flowers, it can only suck a few drops of sap into its mouth; it flies over the stream and takes a few drops of water from the stream and drops it on the fire. Seeing this, the animals say, "What do you think you are doing, what is the use?" The honey bird says, "I am doing my part, and if you do the same, then maybe the fire will be extinguished."
You can also become a member of this community garden. Priority will be given to those with prior knowledge and experience in gardening, permaculture, natural life, etc.
If you want to learn about gardening and natural life: Click for Belentepe Trainings