Allotment Garden Project of Leiden University

​Under a radiant sun, 37 enthusiastic students and staff of Leiden University started preparing their own allotment gardens within the Hortus Botanicus. The start of the garden project was led by Mark Siezenga, the sustainability coordinator for SOZ.

This allotment garden project is an initiative from SOZ Leiden in the context of sustainability. Within the University, the core of the sustainability vision is working on a sustainable study- and working environment that mobilizes and inspires the further realization of a positive social impact.

There is a desire for students and employees to interact more closely with each other. The university attaches great importance to vitality and awareness of sustainability. All this effort comes together in maintaining a university allotment garden in the Hortus Leiden.

Under the guidance of botany specialist Rogier van Vugt, participants gathered in the tropical greenhouse for a masterclass on optimal crop cultivation and harvesting techniques tailored for personal use. Both literally and metaphorically, the greenhouse served as a preparation ground for the next step - starting and tending to our individual allotments.

The participants were divided into eight groups with their own allotment garden in the Hortus, beautifully situated on the Singel in Leiden. During the period from March to October we will maintain the allotment gardens and harvest the crops, compiled by the Hortus, for our own use. Curious about the developments and the results? Updates can be found in our USC Newsletter or by strolling along the Hortus gardens.