Allotment gardens are slowly shedding their old-fashioned image and gaining in popularity with the younger generation of city dwellers. Marija Schröder has been renting an allotment in Wädenswil for three years. She tells us why this garden is her ideal place to recharge her batteries.
Mutual aid at the heart of the community
New blood is in short supply
Contrary to the market gardeners, his tomato harvest was no better this year. Some even had to destroy tonnes of these precious red fruits, as the heat had incredibly accelerated the growth of tomatoes and courgettes. Nor has she noticed the growing interest in allotments among young people, especially city dwellers. "Here, most of the other tenant gardeners are already quite old, I'm probably the youngest."
My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
"Gardening is in my blood", says Marija Schröder. The train driver's parents grew all sorts of vegetables in their garden in Lithuania and were almost self-sufficient. Marija and her sister had to help in the garden and learnt a lot. The young woman has been growing her own plot in the allotments in Wädenswil for three years now. Before that, she grew tomatoes on her balcony. "My husband eventually got tired of it," Marija adds with a laugh. So for her birthday, he gave her this plot in the allotments so that she could continue gardening. [[image:15409614 "Here, Marija feels good and can switch off."]]
The vegetable garden is her kingdom: "Here, I can forget about everyday life and be alone with my thoughts." She could stay for hours watching her plants grow. She has hardly any flowers, mostly fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes are her guilty pleasure, "they can be used in so many different ways. What's more, there are lots of different varieties, all with different flavours". Her 10 x 15 metre plot is well-stocked. So full, in fact, that Marija often has enough to give away to other gardeners. She mainly gives away grapes, as she only needs a little to make jelly and juice. "There's a great community spirit. We exchange a lot, and not just our harvests", Marija enthuses. We water the plots of those who are on holiday and if there's a problem, there's always someone to give you a hand. [[image:15409619 "There's no question about it, Marija's favourite is the tomato.",15409617]]
Marija gave birth to twins in January. Shortly after the birth, she thought for a moment about giving up the garden, as two children means work. But she quickly dismissed the idea, "Here, I have time for myself, I can practise my passion and breathe the fresh air". The children are still too small to accompany her, so they stay at home with Dad. But in a few years' time, they'll come with her and learn where vegetables come from, how to plant them and grow them. But they are already enjoying the garden when they eat their purée straight from Marija's harvest. At the moment, carrots, potatoes and beetroot are taking pride of place in their little pots. "They love broccoli and cauliflower, but I don't have any at the moment. That'll be for next year." [[image:15409621 "Fresh beetroot for the twins."]]
Although Marija has been gardening since she was a little girl, she still doesn't know everything. "Like most people, I'm learning every day. I often steal tips from other gardeners". What's more, the weather conditions in Switzerland are not the same as in Lithuania. Swiss summers are longer and less rainy, so it's possible to grow exotic fruits such as melons and kiwis. "For me, this plot is a hobby, whereas my parents worked hard for the harvest. When I started in the morning, I couldn't see the end of it". She now goes to her plot once or twice a week, "I arrive around 5am, take lunch with me and watch the sun rise, it relaxes me." [[image:15409623 "The watering can is not as useful during the relatively rainy Lithuanian summer."]]
