Urban biodiversity and the harmonious coexistence of people and their environment can be explored from many different angles. At the intersection of nature exploration, research, and art, Pro Progressione and the Free Radicals project’s two-day event, Garden Stories invites participants to discover the meaning of urban biodiversity in two different locations and contexts.
The programs are in English, but don’t let that stop you from applying—we’ll help with translation if you need it!
Day 1 – Urban Foraging with Gaja Pegan Nahtigal
Saturday 25 April 2026 from 11am
Margaret Island, Budapest
Gaja Pegan Nahtigal is a Slovenian artist, educator, and forager. She draws inspiration from nature, its cycles of growth and decay, resilient weeds, and the often spontaneous ecosystems that emerge in urban settings. Through her work, she seeks to bridge the gap between human-made and natural ecosystems, preserving their intertwined complexity and raw beauty.
During her workshop in Budapest, she will guide participants through Margitsziget, introducing the edible, medicinal, and foragable plants that can be found in spring in our immediate urban surroundings. Plants gathered during the walk will then be used to make something together with the participants on site, as as picnic—but what exactly that will be will only be revealed during the foraging itself.
Photo gallery of the programme
Day 2 – A Walk Through the allotment gardens of Törökbálint with Liza Varga, András Vigvári, and the Mandala Educational Garden
Sunday, 26 April 2026, from 11am
Architect Liza Varga and sociologist and ethnographer András Vigvári both have deep knowledge of the world of allotment gardens.
In her 2024 diploma project, Liza explored the allotment gardens of Törökbálint, focusing in particular on the forms of community life that emerge there and on the influence of informal environments on creative processes.
András earned his PhD in 2022 from the Doctoral School of Sociology at ELTE. His doctoral research examined the transformation of allotment gardens from the perspective of housing issues and spatial-social inequalities. He summarised the findings of his research in Hungarian in his 2023 monograph Allotment Garden Hungary.
The Mandala Educational Garden is a community-based learning garden in Törökbálint, built around the practical demonstration of permaculture and sustainable living. Its aim is to encourage a shift in perspective and strengthen community connections through simple, hands-on solutions.
During the walk, participants will gain a deeper understanding of allotment gardens with the help of Liza and András, including why and how people choose to live in such areas and conditions. The walk will end at the Mandala Educational Garden, where its founder, Orsolya Carrick, will speak about permaculture and the garden itself, and welcome participants with a tasting prepared from the garden’s finest produce.
Photo gallery of the programme
The events are free of charge but needs registration: https://tally.so/r/XxYEYY