02 Bringing Nature into the City

Number of votes

1,509 (1,305 paper / 204 online)

1. The project in a nutshell

Our project aims to bring nature into the city’s historic cobblestone streets and green the 100 m² courtyard of the CVE by planting native climbing plants and native fruit trees in pots to comply with the restrictions on the Category 2-listed historic cobblestone pavement.

2. The Project’s Objective

First and foremost, the project is designed to raise awareness among daycare children about nature in all its forms: respect for plants and insects, as well as an approach to and awareness of nature. Working with soil, bulbs, and seeds allows children to discover new sensations through touch and smell. The activities also aim to stimulate the five senses and help children understand the passage of time by observing how their plants grow. Through active participation, children learn to care for and respect nature. Finally, gardening is a source of well-being. Horticulture refers to the psychological and sensory benefits that gardening activities provide, and through this project, we integrate urban life with nature into our daily lives.

3. The Project in Detail

The two wisteria planters will be installed on the footbridge and will extend down the metal structure of the courtyard’s entrance gate. Next, we would like to plant the two standard fruit trees. The weeping birch, complete with a birdhouse to attract birds, will round out the installation. This will not only bring greenery to the courtyard but also provide some shade during the summer months. We’d like to install insect hotels on the two wisteria plants, which the children will build with their teachers.

4. The amount requested to carry out the project

6,897 CHF

• Landscape architect fees: 6,247 CHF

• Purchase of 3 “Insect Hotel” kits: 300 CHF

• Purchase of 6 birdhouses: 250 CHF

5. Neighborhood(s)

La Cité

6. The Association

Doniec&Sampo&Olela Collective