Gardener Roger Franssen not only rolls up his sleeves during his work, but also in his spare time. Entirely voluntarily he fixes up gardens together with other volunteers and local residents: ‘Social Gardening’. “It’s good for interaction and connection.”
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‘Social Gardening’ is a project of the Present Alkmaar Foundation and runs in the Alkmaar district of Overdie, among other places. Roger now sees the phenomenon as a panacea for all kinds of social problems. It takes vulnerable people out of their isolation, but at the same time creates more greenery in the neighbourhoods. “You can really make a difference in a day.”
Lack of social cohesion
In some neighbourhoods, people are very self-contained, says Roger: “There is a lack of social cohesion. People have no idea what is going on behind the front door of their neighbours.” By organizing special garden days, they come into contact with each other again. “This is important for signaling problems.” According to Roger, it ensures that residents look out for each other more. “During a gardening day, a resident told his neighbor that he was unable to prune his shrub due to physical problems. The neighbor in turn offered to keep the hedge up to date.”
The idea of ’Social Gardening’ is simple, says the volunteer. “In consultation with the housing corporation and the neighborhood network, we look at which neglected gardens are eligible for a green ‘makeover’. We then visit people for an introductory tour.” The colleagues of Present Alkmaar then call local residents and ask if they want to participate in the project. “One reacts immediately enthusiastically, others are more hesitant. Then we make a plan for a garden design with the residents.”
“My heart is in this volunteer work”
While people are a bit hesitant about the initiative in the beginning, more and more people sign up during the project, says Roger. “When a garden day is organized, it suddenly runs wild.” First the most neglected gardens are tackled, then we look at which gardens could use a green ‘makeover’.
“Indigenous plants and organic bulbs are often chosen, so we also do something for the bees.” The plants are then neatly set out. And the volunteers tell about the properties of the plant and about maintenance. “Then we will plant everything with the residents themselves.”
The motive
But it doesn’t stop there. The group of volunteers returns regularly. “For example during Burendag or a day of NLdoet.” But also in between for spring pruning and autumn pruning. This is how the connection is maintained, is the idea. “So we will not leave it behind, but we will keep an eye on it. It would be nice if eventually volunteers from the neighborhood also want to help with light maintenance for people from the neighborhood who can no longer do it themselves.”
Roger loves to see that you can get a lot done in a relatively short period of time. “That is really my motivation. This volunteer work is my heart.” Roger will therefore continue to do so for as long as possible. “You can really make a difference for someone. It gives me a good feeling to put a smile on someone’s face and that people are grateful.”
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