2017- ongoing, revisited 2025

Workshop, masterplan, planting plan, implementation manual and maintenance concept

When I first visited Fagernes, a housing estate in the suburbs of Bergen, more than ten years ago, the outside area was neglected and not in use. The housing association wanted to change this and asked me for a manual and maintenance plan. I invited all inhabitants for a workshop to  learn about people's ideas, wishes, and also to understand what they didn't want (which is also important!). The housing association made it clear from the beginning that they wanted to do the work themselves and not hire a contractor. Thus, I drew a master plan and planting plans, implementing their wishes (more trees, more plants to attract insects, better connections between the different areas etc). I also added a 'manual' - a DIY guidebook for the community, outlining the work sequences in regard to the seasons and the association's budget. To avoid disappointment and frustration, I took great care to divide the tasks in smaller 'portions'and explained that a garden is a never-ending-project.

Over the course of several years, the housing association has transformed the outside area making use of the Norwegian communitiy effort called 'dugnad', where people meet for voluntary work, a mix of labour and social event, a great way to get to know your neighbours and take ownership of common areas. This 'dugnad' has paid of: The planting scheme is much more varied, there are now borders with perennials, rowan trees, fruit trees, shrubs, a staircase connecting the upper and the lower level, and a pathway along the entire area. Everyone is pleased with the changes, and I was told that there are noticably more birds and insects. What a gratifying job!!!

Thank you to Marcos Amano for sharing photos of the process.