CARLs GARDEN

Located in Kolon, Germany, CARLs GARDEN was organized by a group of theater workers whom craved green space in the inner city. The theater had just been closed for renovations, causing the program to relocate to an abandoned Fabric Factory. Originally they envisioned that all of the theater companies workers would volunteer in their space time to create a healthy gathering space, but today only a few workers consistently lend a hand. Comparatively, it is also much larger today than originally anticipated. This is a result of donations, scavenging and funding generated from surrounding companies, namely the theater. To counter the size of the garden and the lack of volunteers the theater has since paid one full time worker to man the garden daily.

Much of the upkeep of the garden has to do with weeding it. Although they have let most of it grow naturally, they approach planting plans by simply selecting plants that interest them or have been donated. Often people will bring seed from their gardens in exchange for other seeds. They also have had problems with aphids in the past, in which they solved by ordering lady bugs and releasing them to eat the other bugs. Now these lady bugs return regularly, and now most of the plants they have seeded in years past return annually.

Future plans for the garden are yet to be known due to the theaters plans to move back to their original location across the river. Members of CARLs GARDEN are hoping to divide the garden into sections and give it to the public or schools to take care of. Currently, much of the public attends the garden for events they hold seasonally and nicer weather occasions. Some of the events include making your own pizzas, a yearly soup making event, cooking classes, etc. The site is a great example of the possibility of green space in high impermeable spaces and communal involvement.

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