The “Under the Stars” Community Allotment Garden is a unique place where individual care for one’s own plot intertwines with responsibility for the shared space. Each of us cultivates our own bed, but together we form a coordinated team — a community that not only plants and nurtures crops, but also co‑creates the garden as a space for meetings, cooperation, and mutual inspiration.
We began on May 10, 2025. On that day we met for the first time at the Astronomical Observatory on Orla Street, where we were introduced to the garden concept and plots were assigned. Later we went together to the garden site, which was still under construction. We took a group photograph there. Although the soil was still freshly turned, the first ideas were already taking root.
A week later, the first gardening briefing and work session took place.
After more than a month, it was time for a summary.
Event Timeline
May 19
We installed a rainwater tank — our only source of water at that time. As it turned out, the tank quickly became one of the most important and most frequently observed points in the garden. Everyone watched the sky, hoping for rainfall to fill it. When the weather did not cooperate, we supplemented the water ourselves by transporting it from a local well in Zakamycze.
That day, the first tools provided by the Municipal Greenery Authority appeared in the shed.
May 20
A tractor entered the mini‑farm area and ploughed the soil together with horse manure from the friendly Tabun stable. The manure was also distributed to individual plots in preparation for the first plantings.
May 24
We organized the first bonfire combined with the official opening of the garden for the local community. Shared meals and conversations created space for getting to know one another and strengthening neighborhood relations.
June 7
The Community Gardening Brigade covered the paths with wood chips, using material provided by the Municipal Greenery Authority and the Kraków Zoo. Benches delivered by the Authority were installed in the garden.
June 9
The Mayor of Kraków visited the garden. During the visit, he donated a large water tank, a garden cart, and a weed‑removal tool. Refreshments were organized by the Municipal Greenery Authority. Media representatives were also present, and interviews were conducted with members of the gardening team.
June 14
Gardener Kasia led an introductory workshop covering crop planning, companion planting, seeds and seedlings, as well as sowing and planting techniques. The practical part included watering, mulching, weeding, and plant monitoring.
June 18
The garden was connected to a water supply — a long‑awaited milestone. Access to water in urban cultivation is both a logistical and climate‑related issue, therefore we aim to manage it responsibly and efficiently.
June 20
The Community Gardening Brigade sowed a long strip of beetroot on the mini‑farm.
June 30
We began organizing unused buildings on the garden site. Together with the mini‑farm, they form the basis of a local production system whose potential we will define collectively.
The first month demonstrated how much can be achieved through collective commitment, cooperation, and shared energy. From the symbolic start at the Observatory to infrastructure installation, workshops, visits, and the first vegetable sowing — we have built solid foundations for future development.
