The arrangement of some gardens On the rooftops of apartment blocks, it seems to be one of the simplest and most ingenious solutions for bringing some green oases into the middle of cities. Utilizing the space on blocks by creating gardens can be a way to express our passion for growing plants, but also a source of fresh vegetables.
Opening GaleriaGradinile Urban gardens located on building rooftops can be beneficial in both residential and commercial structures. Primary benefits include resource conservation, air quality improvement, mitigation of urban heat island effects, extension of roof material lifespan, acoustic insulation, and support for wildlife.
Beyond aesthetic advantages and beautifying certain areas of the city, green roofs can also be socialization spaces where people can meet and share their passion for plants.
This phenomenon has also begun to develop in our country. Laurentiu Cernat, project coordinator Community Urban Gardens will share more information about what it means to cultivate and care for plants on the roof of a building, as well as other details on this subject.
What is the concept of Grădinile Urbane Comunitare?
Urban Community Gardens mean reclaiming nature in the built environment. With the support of active local communities, we create gardens with a harmonious design, respecting permaculture principles. The gardens we establish include a wide variety of plants, from fruit trees and shrubs to vegetables, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, and flowers.
We do not use herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.
Where did the idea come from and when did you start the project?
From a young age, I gardened with my grandparents during vacations, then later gardened in front of the apartment block in Braila. In Bucharest, I became a volunteer within the Gradina din Curtea Scolii Ferdinand I project. In 2013, I read the book "Gradinaritul in zonele urbane" by David Tracey, which inspired me and led me to believe that we could also create community urban gardens.
On February 25, 2014, we had our first community action: "Seamana si tu cu noi!", when we planted the seeds for future community gardens in Bucharest.
How interested are Romanians in this idea?
We are generally joined by people who resonate with us and the actions we organize. It's a small percentage of people, but with their help we manage to transform a concrete and barren space into a vibrant and harmonious one.
How many members does the Gradini Urbane Comunitare team have?
As a volunteer-based project, we are a small team of around 10-15 active members. Additionally, several dozen people participate sporadically in our initiatives.
