Anyone who walks through the city with their eyes open will discover many of these colourful splashes in the street. This can be seen in particular in the 2nd district, as this is where the initiative started more than 30 years ago, when dedicated residents of the Stuwerviertel started to green-up these small areas. Today, the flourishing tree oases are also found in many other districts, especially in the Gründerzeit districts.
What is ‘Gardening around the Corner’?
The GB * (Urban Renewal Offices) initiative "Garteln ums Eck" (Gardening around the Corner) is a successful cooperation between GB *, districts and MA 42 - Wiener Stadtgärten (Vienna City gardens). Interested parties with “green-fingers” can plant and cultivate the tree-surrounds on their own initiative. The District Regenerations Office informs, advises and supports the potential gardeners by providing them with specialist expertise and practical tips so that the tree-surrounds become small, thriving oases in public spaces.
Gardening brings people together
The creation of a tree-surround is primarily fun and enjoyable, but also patience and perseverance in gardening, watering and caring are needed. The trees are part of the public space, so unfortunately, vandalism occasionally does take place. But, if the green-up project succeeds, the hard-work is usually quickly forgotten.
