What places come to mind when I ask you about green spaces in Bremen? Perhaps the Bürgerpark, the Werdersee, or the Blockland? We say Tenever!
Often hidden away amidst the high-rise canyons of Neuwieder Straße lies a green oasis in the neighborhood. Here, we from Women's Health in Tenever (FGT) together with the Treffpunkt Natur und Umwelt eV (Meeting Point Nature and Environment Association) with single mothers* and their children.
In the community garden "Querbeet," people are busy working, planting, harvesting, cooking, eating, and playing. There's always plenty to do, but there's always time for a coffee and a chat with friends!
Gardening is good for the soul and health
What does gardening have to do with health? Gardening and being outdoors in nature is good for the soul. Numerous studies in health science and environmental education have found evidence for this. Activities in the garden or in nature can, for example, significantly contribute to reducing stress.
Especially during the pandemic, single mothers* faced particular challenges and additional burdens in their care work due to homeschooling, staff shortages, or COVID-19 cases at daycare centers and schools. The community garden offers a place to get fresh air – quite literally – together with their children, to meet neighbors* and women* in similar situations, and to receive some relief from childcare responsibilities.
So it's not just the gardening itself that's good for you, but also the social contact and exchange with other mothers and women. We often sat together after gardening and let the day wind down.
Working together on a project, like building raised beds in the garden, can undoubtedly be hard work. But it also brings new skills to light. Screwing, sawing, setting posts – many of us built a fence to keep out the hungry rabbits for the first time. This builds courage and self-confidence – also for everyday life beyond the garden.
This is also a key goal of our project: “Digital Empowerment – New ways in health promotion for single mothers”.
"Digital empowerment" is an English term that means "digital self-empowerment" in German. It refers to the self-determined, sovereign, and also critical use of digital media for one's own benefit in everyday life. Such a benefit can be, for example, easy and informed access to verified knowledge about health and opportunities to strengthen resilience.
We also digitally accompany gardening in the "Querbeet" community garden and make knowledge and practical tips on gardening and sustainable nutrition available online.
Since January 2021, FGT has been implementing the project "Digital Empowerment – New Paths in Health Promotion for Single Mothers." The project is funded by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) on behalf of and with funds from statutory health insurance funds in accordance with Section 20 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V).
Fresh on the table
The garden is not only a meeting place for people, but also a meeting place with nature. We are (re)learning how to grow our own regional fruits and vegetables. This is not only good for the environment, but also for ourselves. We avoid unnecessary packaging waste because we harvest directly from the garden bed.
We can be sure: the fruit and vegetables are free of chemical pesticides and preservatives. This makes organic produce affordable for those who otherwise couldn't afford it. It always arrives fresh on the table without having to travel long distances. And some women* confirm: it tastes better than from the supermarket!
We tried out many recipes ourselves during joint cooking sessions in the garden and processed the harvest: zucchini fritters, currant cake, or pumpkin soup. Often, the recipes were refined and reimagined with ideas from the women themselves – inspired by their countries of origin.
Looking for recipes to try at home? Click here on our blog.
Gardening online too?!
Of course, gardening requires a piece of land, a balcony, or at least a windowsill in the analog world. But knowledge about gardening, nutrition, and health doesn't have to be tied to a place like "Querbeet" and can transcend neighborhood boundaries.
Those interested, especially women and mothers, who haven't yet been able to visit us can always follow what's happening in the garden online. Whether on the blog or on Instagram, we want to inspire many people to take up gardening.
Our shared knowledge, experiences and ideas are accessible to everyone online and can also inspire you to create your own green spaces for "growing together" with your children.
The author of the article, Dr. Christina Sanko, works as a media educator at Women's Health in Tenever (FGT). The organization has been successfully promoting health for and with women* from Tenever for more than 30 years.
Note on the use of asterisks in this text:
What is the purpose of the asterisk * after "women"? Who are we here for? We use the asterisk after the word "women"* to make it clear that women* are different and diverse. This includes, among other things, their gender, their origin, their religion, their sexual orientation, their education, and their family's financial situation.