New Gardens Berne

Putting down roots in the new homeland

HEKS/EPER leases allotment gardens at different locations around the Canton of Berne and works them together with migrants. Participants cultivate the plots by and large independently, drawing on their own personal gardening experience. They learn about organic farming and discuss the cultivation or exploitation and use of herbs, fruit and vegetables. Gardening experts and volunteers accompany these processes and support participants in their personal development. Besides, the garden is a place for socializing and making new contacts that go beyond just the garden fence. The programme also caters for the children of participants, who are thus able to spend some of their free time outdoors.