Photo: from archives of Šilainiai Gardens,
ŠILAINIAI GARDENS (KAUNAS) It is a place of sustainable gardening in the valley of the 8th Fort of Kaunas Fortress Park. People feel good here coming together to grow food, share knowledge and foster health. Šilainiai gardening community cooperates with the Public Institution “Kaunas Fortress Park” by adapting the territory of the 8th Fort for public needs by promoting healthy lifestyle, physical activity and community employment, fostering harmony between people, nature and heritage. The history of these gardens dates back to the interwar period, when the locals raised food for their families in this place. There also was an experimental farm and a collective apiary here. An 89-year-old lady, who still comes to plant in these gardens, recalls how a neighbor would plow soil in this place. She reminisces how there was no free room whatsoever, because potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets and other vegetables were planted everywhere. 54
