In recent years, community gardens have been popping up all over Tallinn, Estonia, providing residents with a space to come together, grow their own produce, and foster a sense of community. These gardens, known as kogukonnaaed in Estonian, are not only places for gardening but also serve as hubs for cultural activities, creativity, and self-expression. Let’s take a closer look at some of the vibrant community gardens in the Põhja-Tallinn area.
1. Kopli93 aed (Kopli 93 hoov, Põhja-Tallinn)
Located in the courtyard of the historic Kopli rahvamaja near the Sepa tram stop, Kopli93 aed is the first phase of the development of a community center focused on creativity, culture, and DIY projects. Led by the Põhja-Tallinn City District Government as part of the Centrinno project, this community garden is open to everyone in the neighborhood. Follow their activities on their Facebook page for updates and events.
2. Põhjala aed (Marati 5, Põhja-Tallinn)
Established in 2019 on the grounds of the former Põhjala factory, Põhjala aed features a large greenhouse, beehives, and a chicken coop. Managed by the NGO Põhjala tehas, this community garden is a thriving space for urban agriculture and community engagement. Stay updated on their activities and events by joining their Facebook group.
3. Tuulemaa linnaaed (Tuulemaa 13, Põhja-Tallinn)
Created in 2020 for residents of local apartment buildings, Tuulemaa linnaaed is a community garden that promotes sustainable living and community building. Managed by Tuulemaa 13 KÜ, this garden provides a green oasis in the urban landscape of Põhja-Tallinn.
4. Paavli Kultuurivabriku linnaaed (Paavli 7, Põhja-Tallinn)
Opened in 2023 within the Paavli Kultuurivabrik, a former fish processing plant turned cultural hub, this community garden boasts a greenhouse and a variety of fruit trees. Run by Paavli Kultuurivabrik, this garden is a testament to the revitalization of industrial spaces into vibrant community hubs. Stay connected with their activities and events on their Facebook page.
5. Pelguaed (Ehte 40, Põhja-Tallinn)
Located between Puhangu and Ehte streets in Põhja-Tallinn, Pelguaed is a community garden that is currently undergoing expansion to become Pelgu ühisaia in March 2024. Managed by the NGO Pelguaed, this garden is a collaborative space for residents to grow food and connect with nature. Follow their progress and events on their Facebook page.
6. Ronimisministeeriumi linnaaed (Hipodroomi 13, Põhja-Tallinn)
Situated in the courtyard of Ronimisministeerium in the Hipodroomi area, this community garden was established in 2022. Managed by Ronimisministeerium, this garden provides a green escape in the urban environment of Põhja-Tallinn.
7. Krulli aed (Volta 1b, Põhja-Tallinn)
Established in 2023 on the grounds of the former Krulli factory, Krulli aed is a community garden that brings together residents to cultivate the land and foster a sense of community. Managed by Krulli kvartal, this garden is a testament to the transformation of industrial spaces into green community hubs. Stay updated on their activities and events by following their Facebook page and group.
8. Kogukondlik õppeaed ODRAS (Peetri 6, Põhja-Tallinn)
Located in the Kalamaja cemetery park near the Kalaranna area, Kogukondlik õppeaed ODRAS was established in 2022. Managed by ODRAS OÜ, this community garden serves as an educational space for residents to learn about gardening and sustainable living practices. Stay informed about their activities on their website and Facebook page.
9. Kalamaja ürdiaed (Vana-Kalamaja 36 hoovis, Põhja-Tallinn)
Designed primarily for local families with children, Kalamaja ürdiaed is a community garden set to open in 2021. Managed by Vana-Kalamaja 36 KÜ, this garden will provide a space for residents to grow herbs and vegetables while fostering a sense of community. Stay connected with their activities on their Facebook page.
10. SRIK kogukonnaaed (Väike-Patarei 5, Põhja-Tallinn)
Established in the courtyard of the Sustainable Renovation Information Center in 2022, SRIK kogukonnaaed is a community garden that promotes sustainable living practices and environmental awareness. Managed by the Sustainable Renovation Information Center, this garden is a green oasis in the heart of Põhja-Tallinn. Stay updated on their activities by joining their Facebook group.
11. EKA ülikooliaed (Põhja pst 35, Põhja-Tallinn)
Created by students of the Estonian Academy of Arts, EKA ülikooliaed is a community garden located in the university’s courtyard. Managed by the EKA Student Council, this garden provides a space for students to connect with nature and engage in creative projects. Follow their activities on their Instagram page.
12. EKKM aed (Põhja pst 35, Põhja-Tallinn)
Initiated by the Estonian Contemporary Art Museum, EKKM aed is a community garden that fosters cultural exchange and collaboration among artists and residents. Managed by EKKM, this garden provides a space for creativity and dialogue within the art community. Learn more about their initiatives on their website.
13. Vanalinna aed (Tornide väljak, Vanalinn)
Located in Tornide väljak, Vanalinna aed is a medieval community garden established in 2022. Managed by the NGO Vanalinn Selts, this garden provides a historical backdrop for residents to connect with nature and each other. Stay updated on their activities by joining their Facebook group.
14. Tallinna Ülikooli aed (Narva mnt 29, Kesklinn)
Established in 2019 in the Astra building of Tallinn University, Tallinna Ülikooli aed is a community garden created through collaboration among students from various disciplines. Managed by Tallinna Ülikool, this garden serves as a space for interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. Follow their activities on their Facebook page.
15. Kadrioru aed (Kollane 16, Kesklinn)
Opened in 2020 on the green space of Kollane street, Kadrioru aed is a community garden that provides residents with a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Managed by Kadrioru Selts, this garden offers a space for relaxation and connection with nature. Stay informed about their activities by joining their Facebook group.
16. Aafrika aed (Püssirohu 5, Kesklinn)
Named after the historical name of Võistluse street, Aafrika aed is a community garden established in 2019 near Kalevi stadium. Managed by Juhkentali Selts, this garden provides residents with a green space reminiscent of African deserts. Follow their activities on their Facebook group.
17. Ameerika aed (Koidu 80, Kesklinn)
Established in 2019 on Koidu street, Ameerika aed is a community garden created through collaboration between the Uue-Maailma Selts and the city of Tallinn. Managed by Ameerika aed MTÜ, this garden serves as a space for residents to connect with nature and each other. Stay updated on their activities by joining their Facebook group.
18. Otto Krameri aed (Keemia 41, Kristiine)
Located on the site of the former botanical garden of Otto Kramer, Otto Krameri aed is a community garden established in 2021. Managed by Kristiine Linnaosa Valitsus, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow and connect with nature. Stay informed about their activities by joining their Facebook group.
19. Flora kogukonnaaed (Linnu 9, Kristiine)
Established in 2022 at Kotka stadium, Flora kogukonnaaed is a community garden managed by Jalgpalliklubi FCF Jalgpallikool MTÜ. This garden provides residents with a space to grow food and engage in outdoor activities. Stay connected with their activities by following their updates.
20. Kristiine City Rändaed (Seebi 22A ja Rivi 8 nurgal, Kristiine)
Established in the Tondi quarter in 2022, Kristiine City Rändaed is a community garden created through collaboration between Kristiine City residents and Ameerika aed MTÜ. This garden serves as a mobile green space for residents to enjoy and connect with nature. Follow their activities on their Facebook page.
21. Aiandi kogukonnaaed (Aiandi 10, Mustamäe)
Established in 2022 on the site of a former nursery, Aiandi kogukonnaaed is a community garden managed by Lumi Kodud Aiandi OÜ. This garden provides residents with a space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay updated on their activities by joining their Facebook group and following their Instagram page.
22. Mustamäe aed (Ehitajate tee 82, Mustamäe)
Established in 2019 in the same courtyard as the Mustamäe Open Youth Center and Day Center, Mustamäe aed is a community garden managed by the NGO Ökoteaduslikkuse Klubi. This garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and engage in outdoor activities. Stay informed about their activities by following their Facebook page.
23. Kännukuke kogukonnaaed (Vilde tee 72, Mustamäe)
Established in 2021 in collaboration with Kännukuke library, Kännukuke kogukonnaaed is a community garden located in the former kindergarten courtyard. Managed by Ökoteaduslikkuse Klubi, this garden provides residents with a space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Follow their activities on their Facebook page.
24. Väike-Õismäe kogukonnaaed (Järveotsa 2a haljasala, Haabersti)
Established in 2021 near Lake Harku, Väike-Õismäe kogukonnaaed is a community garden managed by Ökoteaduslikkuse Klubi. This garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay connected with their activities by following their Facebook page.
25. Pääsküla aed (Liipri 8, Nõmme)
Established in 2021 for residents of Nõmme, Pääsküla aed is a community garden located near the railway tracks and a playground. Managed by the local government, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and engage in outdoor activities. Stay informed about their activities by following their Facebook page.
26. Kogukonnaaed „Möldre kolmnurgas“ (Möldre 18, Nõmme)
Established in 2011 along Möldre road near the intersection with Vesikupu street, Kogukonnaaed „Möldre kolmnurgas“ is a community garden managed by Möldre Tee Selts. This garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Follow their activities on their Facebook page.
27. Pae aed (Pae 19, Lasnamäe)
Established in 2019 near Pae park in Lasnamäe, Pae aed is a community garden located near the Tallinn Mental Health Center and Lasnamäe Eco Sauna. Managed by the NGO Lasnaidee, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay updated on their activities by joining their Facebook group.
28. Laagna aed (Võru 11, Lasnamäe)
Established in 2017 in Laagna, Laagna aed is a community garden located near Laagna library and Lasnamäe Hobby School. Managed by the NGO Lasnaidee, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Follow their activities on their Facebook group.
29. Tondiraba aed (Tondiraba park, Rahu tn pool)
Established in 2023 by residents of Katleri, Tondiraba aed is a community garden located in Tondiraba park. Managed by the NGO Katleri-Paasiku, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay connected with their activities by joining their Facebook group.
30. Priisle aed (Läänemere 42, Lasnamäe)
Established in 2019 as part of Priisle park, Priisle aed is a community garden located in Priisle. Managed by the NGO Lasnaidee, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay informed about their activities by following their Facebook group.
31. Raadiku kogukonna peenrad (Raadiku 8, Lasnamäe)
Established in 2018 in collaboration with local residents and children, Raadiku kogukonna peenrad is a community garden located in Raadiku. Managed by the NGO Lasnaidee, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Follow their activities on their Facebook page.
32. Eedeni aed (Merivälja 18, Pirita)
Established in 2022 on the grounds of Pirita monastery, Eedeni aed is a community garden managed by the NGO Caritas Eesti. This garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay connected with their activities by joining their Facebook group.
33. Padriku aed (Padriku tänaval, Pirita)
Established in 2020 near Padriku kindergarten in Pirita, Padriku aed is a community garden located in a green space. Managed by the NGO Pirita linnaaed, this garden provides residents with a green space to grow food and flowers while fostering a sense of community. Stay updated on their activities by following their Facebook page.
In conclusion, community gardens play a vital role in fostering a sense of community, promoting sustainable living practices, and providing residents with a space to connect with nature. These vibrant spaces in Tallinn’s neighborhoods offer residents the opportunity to grow their own food, engage in cultural activities, and build relationships with their neighbors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking to get involved in your community, there’s a community garden in Põhja-Tallinn for everyone to enjoy.