Many urban gardens are shaded. This may seem challenging, but shaded areas have the potential to become vibrant and valuable biotopes.
On 15 March, we will transform a hidden piece of land into a shade garden. This will take place on the grounds of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and UAntwerpen. During this workshop, you will roll up your sleeves and actively help identify features and plant the garden. Meanwhile, you will learn about ecosystems, soil, water, fungi, mosses, insects, and connect with fellow gardeners.
The construction of this shade garden is part of a larger artistic research project by Eline De Clercq. For three years, she has been working with students to restore ecology in the historic academy garden. Inspired by climate change and nature management, we are developing a sympoiesis garden, which roughly translates to ‘making together,’ highlighting how a garden is always a collaboration between species. We follow a simple recipe:
The Sympoiesis Garden is non-human-centred.
It's doesn't have to be beautiful.
It doesn't have to provide fruits or flowers or any other goods.
It doesn't have to look finished.
It doesn't have to collect rare or special species.
It doesn't have to be big or small.
It doesn't have to prove anything.
It is not about humans, it is about ecology and we are a part of it.
It gives an overspill.
It has its own system.
It can make you feel at home.
It can steal your time.
It can make you forget about yourself.
It has many gardeners, only some of them are residents.
It escapes languages, classifications and definitions.
It is always changing.
It is temporary.
It was there before you.
You can lose it.