Autumn of life

In the city center, between crowded streets and houses, there is a space, an enclave of elderly people. Allotment gardens fenced from the outside world. These are small individual gardens with gazebos where people grow vegetables themselves, which they then harvest and serve as their own, healthy food, saving the pensioner's modest budget at the same time. Allotment gardens are beautiful until early spring comes. The melting snow reveals a real and sad sight of old, tired gazebos. This view reminds me of the people who built and used them for many years, until their time came, and the owners, equally tired of life, no longer had the strength to repair them and paint them every year. When I see them, I am reminded of the motto that everything passes eventually.

The idea of allotment gardening was born in Germany. In 1985, the first garden was created in Leipzig with workers in mind and, above all, educating young people. Later, the allotment gardening movement spread to other industrialized cities and countries in Europe. Gardens were created in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

In Poland, many different plants are grown in allotment gardens, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and fruit trees. It all depends on the preferences and skills of gardeners.

Allotment gardens are popular among various social groups, but are most often used by seniors and retirees. Older people often use allotment gardens as a form of physical activity, recreation and a way to spend time outdoors. Having their own piece of land gives them the opportunity to grow vegetables, fruits and flowers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown periods, allotment gardens began to play an important role and their importance increased for several reasons. Allotment gardens became a safe place where people could spend time outdoors, away from crowded public places. It was an alternative to closed parks or outdoor recreation.

The prices of allotment gardens range from PLN 15,000 to even PLN 200,000

Every day the city grows and the pressure on space becomes greater. Allotment gardens, once full of life and breeding, now seem to be fighting for their existence. New residential buildings are being built around them, and the area that was once dedicated to gardening enthusiasts is now undergoing urbanization.

Allotment gardens are also a habitat for biodiversity. Birds, insects and other wildlife find shelter among these gardens, creating a micro-ecosystem that is important for maintaining species diversity in urban environments.