A living garden for the Arthur De Greef Academy

Saint-Gilles (Brussels)

278 m²

Home » Greening the Arthur De Greef Academy | Saint-Gilles

Project to fund

The Project

In the heart of Saint-Gilles, the Arthur De Greef Academy of Music and Spoken Arts has a garden of approximately 278 m² with significant potential for transformation.

Located in a dense and highly mineralised neighbourhood, this outdoor space can become much more than a simple lawn: a place to relax for students and teachers, a meeting space during Academy events, and a new refuge for urban biodiversity.

SOWoods has therefore designed a greening project combining a wildflower meadow, climbing plants, fruit-bearing plants, aromatic herbs and features for local wildlife, all organised around the garden’s social and cultural uses.

Initial situation

The garden currently consists mainly of lawn, complemented by two concrete strips containing bicycle racks and two benches.

Some vegetation from neighbouring properties already extends into the garden, but the diversity of plants and the number of habitats available to wildlife remain limited.

Its location, however, is particularly interesting. The garden lies close to Pierre Paulus Park, as well as several private gardens and inner-block green spaces that form a diffuse green network across Saint-Gilles.

Strengthening the vegetation on this plot can therefore create a new ecological stepping stone within these urban micro-corridors.

SOWoods’ solution

SOWoods designed the garden as a series of complementary spaces combining biodiversity, conviviality and cultural use.

A wildflower meadow at the back of the garden

A wildflower meadow of approximately 40 m² is planned at the back of the site.

The seed mix will be adapted to the specific conditions of the garden, including partially shaded areas. This new vegetation will provide nectar, pollen and shelter for insects while bringing more colour and diversity to the space.

A second, smaller flowering area will also be created near the bicycle racks, with daffodils and several nectar-rich perennial species to extend flowering periods and provide resources for pollinators throughout the year.

Greening the garden walls

The vertical boundaries of the garden will also be used to increase vegetation without reducing the available ground space.

Some climbing plants are planned: eight common honeysuckle plants and five old man’s beard clematis, installed on trellises along the walls.

These species will gradually soften the garden boundaries while creating additional food resources and shelter opportunities for urban wildlife.

An edible and sensory garden

The project also incorporates several edible plants.

Raspberry bushes will be planted at the back of the garden, using different varieties selected to extend the fruiting period. A strip of aromatic plants, including thyme and sage, will complement this area.

Woodland strawberries are also planned in several locations, particularly beneath the trees and near the bicycle racks. They will combine small-fruit production with year-round ground cover.

The Municipality of Saint-Gilles also plans to plant and maintain three trees — a Celtis, an apple tree and a pear tree — adding further vegetation layers to the project.

Features for local biodiversity

Four bird nesting boxes are also planned to provide additional nesting opportunities in an urban environment where natural cavities are scarce.

They will complement the resources created by the wildflower meadow, shrubs and climbing plants while also offering a simple educational tool for Academy students and visitors.

A garden designed for people and culture

The project goes beyond greening alone.

The garden is also intended to become a place for relaxation and social interaction for students, teachers, parents and visitors, while improving the setting for the concerts and cultural events organised by the Academy.

Subject to the funding secured, the existing outdoor furniture could also be upgraded to integrate more vegetation and improve comfort.

A wooden kiosk is also planned as a central cultural feature of the garden, particularly for the Academy’s annual concerts. Its financing, however, is separate from the main greening project.

Benefits

Ecologocial :

Greater plant diversity within a dense urban environment.
Creation of a wildflower meadow supporting pollinating insects.
Vertical greening through climbing plants.
Additional food resources through fruit-bearing plants, aromatic herbs and nectar-rich species.
Installation of nesting boxes to improve conditions for urban birds.
Strengthening of the garden’s role as an ecological stepping stone within the neighbourhood’s green network.

Climate-related :

Increased vegetation cover in a highly mineralised neighbourhood.
Gradual contribution to a cooler outdoor environment during summer.
Preservation and development of permeable surfaces supporting rainwater infiltration.
Contribution to carbon storage through increased plant biomass.
Greater resilience of the garden to the effects of climate change.

Social :

A more pleasant outdoor space for students, teachers, parents and visitors.
More opportunities for everyday contact with nature.
Creation of a place encouraging relaxation, meetings and social interaction.
An improved setting for the Academy’s concerts and cultural events.
Greater awareness of urban biodiversity among users.
Possibility to combine the funding with a participatory greening activity involving the partner’s team(s).

You?

Let’s bring this garden to life together

The project is ready. Now it needs to become reality.

SOWoods is currently looking for a partner willing to finance the transformation of the Arthur De Greef Academy garden and help create a new place for nature, connection and culture in the heart of Saint-Gilles.