Short intro to Vilnius urban garden - the first community garden in Lithuania.

1. Vilnius Urban
Garden
Mindaugas Danys, January
2016
Coordinator of Vilnius Urban
Garden – Antakalnieciu darzas

2. Humble beginnings in 2012

3. Antakalniečių sodas

4. Snapshot of our initiative
Started with small group of community members
and green activists in 2012
Now about 10 active members plus wider base of
supporters
Small support from municipal community funds
(~1000 EUR/year)
Grew into the largest urban garden initiative in
Lithuania (maybe Baltics as well)
Doubles in size annually and includes greenhouse

9. Principles

Non profit

Volunteer based – shared work=share harvest

Small budget

Community focused

Permaculture in mind: compost, mulch, organic

Seed saving and seed exchange

Process is important

Inspiring

10. It grew into other community
activities

16. Municipal engagement
Prioritizing urban gardening as part of city planning
activities
Delegation of some urban gardening functions to
municipal enterprises: park maintenance and street
maintenance companies
Information, coordination and planning activities
Technical assistance for starters
Provision of specific equipment for ground works if
needed

17. Municipal Mega initiative - Misionierių
sodai – might become support center
for urban gardening in Vilnius

18. Future

Build Capacity and upkeep infrastructure: new
shed, bee hives, raised beds etc.

Promote urban gardening & eco urbanism

Launch new gardens with other communities

Engage municipality and it’s companies

Search for new linkages: schools, restaurants,
public and private sectors

Create a competence/demonstration space

19. Challenges
• Cohabitation with Vilnius Tech park – owner of the
property for the next 25 years
• Opening and manning new locations
• Recruiting long term sponsors and partners

20. Contacts
•
FB: Vilnius Urban Farm/ Antakalnieciu sodas
•
www.antakalnietis.lt
•
mindaugas.danys@gmail.com
•
+37068601247
•
Mindaugas Danys