FÆLLESHAVEN / AARSTIDERNE

― Participatory Food Growing

↑ Fælleshaven / Aarstiderne ― Courtesy of Fælleshaven

“Community garden”, or “Fælleshaven” in Danish, is a community project initiated and operated by acclaimed Danish chef Søren Ejlersen. It began as an invitation to families to help cultivate his private farm. Each participating family was given a manageable 50-square-meter plot. This enabled them to grow their food during productive seasons.

The project gradually grew, attracting more families over time. Today, Fælleshaven is a large community of around 250 families. Each cultivates their plot within a larger shared agricultural setting, creating a mosaic of community farming.

Fælleshaven formed as a daughter company of Aarstiderne, established in 1999 and delivers organic, seasonal, and locally sourced produce through community-supported agriculture.

SYSTEM DESIGN

Aarstiderne adheres to a seasonal growing cycle, initiating with strategic planning and crop selection based on the local climate. Collaborating closely with farmers, they ensure quality seeds and seedlings, considering factors like soil health, biodiversity, and regenerative practices.

The growth cycle commences in early spring with field preparation and seed sowing. Employing sustainable techniques such as crop rotation and natural pest control, Aarstiderne maintains soil health and fertility.

As seasons advance, crops are nurtured through regular watering, weeding, and nutrient supplementation. Biodiversity is prioritized through companion planting and intercropping, encouraging a balanced ecosystem. Harvesting coincides with each crop’s peak ripeness for the freshest produce. Through their transparency, Aarstiderne connects consumers directly to farmers, enriching an understanding of the food journey from field to table.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Aarstiderne and Fælleshaven aid corporate clients in developing community gardens, fulfilling their commitment to sustainable urban agriculture. Fælleshaven helps design appropriate systems considering corporate spatial constraints and resources tailored to each organisation’s goals to enhance workplace relationships, promote environmental conservation, and improve employee well-being. They conduct practical workshops and training sessions, supplying employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their gardens.

They also proactively manage potential challenges associated with embedding these gardens into corporate environments. The strategies include arranging specific times for garden-related activities and volunteer days to help employees balance work responsibilities with community engagement. Additionally, they propose recognition for employees’ garden-related contributions, creating an environment that encourages participation, promotes well-being, and strengthens community ties.