Community gardens flourish in Brussels

An increasing number of Brussels residents are exercising their green thumbs in community gardens across the capital. The gardens are rapidly gaining in popularity for social, economic and health reasons, writes Bruzz. “I see both young couples and retirees enjoying themselves out here,” Brussels gardener Corinne told Le Soir. “It lines up with my image of an ideal society."

In 2013, Brussels counted about 230 community gardens, a number that has since doubled. And the Brussels Environment Authority says there is enough room in Brussels for about 1,400 community gardens in total.

According to Corinne, who lives in an apartment, the social contact in the garden is one of the biggest advantages. “The help here is indescribable,” she says. “You know that you can count on the others if there's a time you cannot come.”

In addition to the healthy, organic aspect of growing your own fruits and vegetables, economics also play a role. Corinne uses the garden in Watermael-Boitsfort free of charge, and pays €15 a year to use the gardening tools.

“It's nice to eat what you produce and it's also a lot cheaper than in the store," says Corinne.