Shared garden and biodiversity in Saint-Gilles

Shared garden, biodiversity & urban greening

A shared and vibrant garden in the heart of Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles (Bruxelles)

193

230

2026

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The Project

Just a few steps from Halle Gate, in the heart of Saint-Gilles, AIS Saint-Gilles wanted to bring new life to a previously underused garden adjoining a building that accommodates, among others, people undergoing social reintegration and single-parent families.

In this particularly dense urban neighbourhood, the objective was to transform the outdoor space into a welcoming, vibrant and multifunctional garden, designed both for the residents and for local biodiversity.

The project was carried out in June 2026 and funded by Euroclear. A team of Euroclear employees also joined SOWoods to help create the garden as part of a participatory team-building activity.

The project creates a genuine green breathing space directly beside the homes: a place to relax, garden and observe nature, but also to meet, connect and spend time with neighbours.

Initial situation

The garden had considerable potential but was still largely undeveloped and underused by its residents.

Its location in the heart of a dense urban environment made the introduction of more vegetation particularly valuable. The challenge was to structure the space harmoniously while maintaining different uses and creating several vegetation layers that support biodiversity.

SOWoods therefore designed the garden as a series of different zones, creating a coherent overall space while combining ecological, landscape and social functions.

SOWoods’ solution

At the entrance to the garden, a stone path structures circulation through the space. Aromatic plants and perennials were planted along the path, introducing vegetation from the moment residents enter the garden.

Along the walls separating the garden from neighbouring properties, trellises were installed to support climbing plants. This vertical greening will gradually soften the garden boundaries and reinforce its green character.

A small vegetable garden area was also created, complemented by fruit bushes and three fruit trees. These features add an edible dimension to the garden and allow residents to follow the plants’ development throughout the seasons.

At the back of the garden, a wildflower meadow was created to provide a more natural area supporting, among others, pollinating insects. Finally, birdhouses were installed high on the walls to provide additional nesting and shelter opportunities for local wildlife.

Part of the landscaping was created through a participatory activity involving a team of Euroclear employees, the project’s financial partner. Guided by SOWoods, participants actively contributed to transforming the garden as part of a team-building activity with positive local impact.

The result is a garden made up of several complementary areas, designed as a local green space where both residents and biodiversity can thrive.

Benefits

Ecologocial :

Greater diversity of vegetation layers within an urban garden.
New food resources for pollinating insects and birds.
Planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, aromatic plants and climbing plants.
Creation of a wildflower meadow supporting local biodiversity.
Installation of birdhouses to provide additional shelter and nesting opportunities for wildlife.
Increased presence of vegetation within a highly dense urban neighbourhood.

Climate-related :

Gradual creation of more shaded and cooler areas around the homes.
Reduced direct exposure of the soil and walls to sunlight thanks to vegetation.
Preservation of permeable surfaces allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the soil.
Creation of a green breathing space within a highly urbanised environment.

Social :

A green outdoor space directly accessible to residents from their homes.
Creation of a more pleasant environment for relaxing and enjoying time outdoors.
Development of a shared garden designed to encourage meetings and interaction between neighbours.
A small vegetable and edible garden area that can support shared activities.
Daily opportunities to reconnect with nature in the heart of the city.
Direct involvement of Euroclear employees in a project with positive local impact.
A collective activity centred on greening, biodiversity and the project’s social value.