Before the garden could turn green again, we first had to prepare the ground. Not only the soil itself.
Starting with a Conversation
Although the garden was resting over winter, preparations for the new season had already begun in January. We met at the Astronomical Observatory to reflect on our first, experimental year and discuss how Pod Gwiazdami Garden should operate in the future.
There was plenty to talk about. The first season brought us not only vegetables, meetings and many good memories, but also a great deal of practical experience. We learned what plot holders need, how much work is involved in running a shared farm, and which matters are best solved together.
Out of these conversations, a new model for the garden gradually began to take shape.
A Garden We Build Together
In March, we met again, this time online, to present the plan for the months ahead. In the new season, the garden will operate through a structure consisting of the Operator, the Garden Council, the Community Farm and the Plot Garden.
Each of these elements has a different role. The Operator is responsible for formal and organisational matters. The Garden Council will help address everyday issues and represent the community. Individual ideas developed by gardeners will continue to grow on the plots, while the Community Farm will remain a space for shared work, learning and enjoying the future harvest together.
We also opened applications for people interested in joining the first Garden Council. This is another step towards creating a place that the community not only uses, but also gradually takes responsibility for shaping.
The First Planting
We did not have to wait long for the practical start of the season. In mid-March, we met at the Community Farm to plant fruit bushes.
It was our first opportunity to work together this year and, at the same time, a chance to test a new way of organising activities on the farm. We want everyone who is interested to be able to get involved, regardless of whether they already have extensive gardening experience or are only just learning the difference between a hoe and a rake.
Fruit bushes need time before they begin to bear fruit. In a way, the same is true of a garden community. First, people need to meet, do something together and learn how to cooperate. The harvest comes later.
What Should We Plant, and Where?
At the end of March, we held an open workshop on planning crops for individual plots, led by Kasia Wysocka.
We discussed how to arrange plants while taking into account their needs, the available space and the species growing nearby. Good planning helps make better use of a small plot, but it can also save a great deal of work and prevent a few gardening disappointments later in the season.
The workshop was open to everyone, including people from outside our garden community. We want Pod Gwiazdami to be not only a place where vegetables are grown, but also a space for sharing knowledge and gaining practical experience.
The Weather Has Its Own Plans
For the final Saturday of March, we also planned to sow peas and broad beans on the Community Farm. The soil had been prepared, the tools were ready and the crop plan was in place.
The weather, however, decided to remind us of one of the most important rules of gardening: not everything depends on people. We were unable to complete the full plan, so some of the sowing had to be postponed until April.
That did not discourage us. After all, the season was only beginning, and there would still be plenty of opportunities for digging, sowing, planting and changing plans at the last minute.
Spring Is Ahead
We ended March with a new operating model, the first fruit bushes planted on the farm and plenty of plans for the months ahead. At the same time, formal preparations continued for launching the new season, signing agreements and welcoming new members.
The garden was still mostly filled with shades of brown, and the weather did not always encourage us to take off our winter coats. Even so, it was already clear that Pod Gwiazdami was slowly waking up.
Event Timeline
21 January
We met at the Astronomical Observatory to discuss the organisation of the new season and the future operating model of the garden.
9 March
We held an online pre-season meeting. We presented the action plan and the new structure consisting of the Operator, the Garden Council, the Community Farm and the Plot Garden.
14 March
We met for the first garden activities of the year and planted fruit bushes at the Community Farm.
28 March
We held an open workshop on planning crops for individual plots. The planned sowing of peas and broad beans had to be partly postponed because of the weather.
