You know these places on the side of the road that look like shanty towns? Lots of little shacks all together in a row with a few plants? Well, did you know that they are actually gardens? In the UK they call these little gardens "allotments" and they became very popular during war times to promote self-sufficiency. But now, because most people live in apartments there is not a lot of land for gardening around the apartment complexes. So you can rent a bit of land to garden on... and this concept is also über popular in Switzerland.

And, well, guess what? This one here... yes, this plot of dirt... it's MINE! ALL MINE. Don't laugh. I know you want one deep down, too. I actually signed up for one of these plots last July and went on a waiting list. I thought no one would ever leave since these are pretty highly sought after (by retirees and families mainly), but thankfully I got the notice in February and I started planning the space immediately. The plots are managed by the local ‘Gartenverein’, or Gardening Club, and it really is quite an active, interesting community.

The plot is 16 metres by 6 metres. And to be honest, it feels absolutely HUGE! I thought it would be way smaller and I am a bit more ambitious now with all this space. I also get the shed that is on it and some tools that were left by the previous plot holder for the bargain price of CHF 100. And let's face it - that rocks as I doubt I could get one tool for that price at Bauhaus.

The Swiss culture and rules related to plots are especially interesting. As with everything, the Swiss are neat, tidy, and organised in the garden. For example, I have to make sure to weed as soon as the pesky weeds pop up, otherwise someone will weed for me and I will get FINED! You cannot use a hose with a sprayer as that is impolite to tie up the water for so long – so everything is done with a watering can, and if you build sheds or buildings there are very specific codes you need to follow.

Regardless, I am excited to try out my ‘meinen grünen Daumen’ or my green thumb in my new Swiss plot. Wish me luck!

Resources for my Swiss gardening plot to date:
•    I bought all my seeds so far at www.samen.ch - they are really great quality and the packets are easy to read and follow. They also send a great catalogue 3-4 times / year.
•    I have bought all the other goodies - tools, gloves, etc - at Bauhaus in Schlieren. It is the closest you can get to a huge home goods store like Bunnings (AUS) or Lowes (USA).
•    Familiengartenverein - or "family garden club" - if you want your own plot in Switzerland, this is what they are called. Ask for one of these at your local Gemeide. At mine you have to put down a deposit for the plot but this is a one time thing. I think it is about CHF 80 and CHF 20 per key for the compound. Then the annual fees are less than CHF 100 for the plot and all the water you need. It is a great deal really for a small bit of land to plant on.

Text and photos by Jessica Cartwright / Expatica 2009