Improvements and winter preparations at the Hêvî Community Garden

The Hêvî Community Garden in Gawilan camp has seen a range of updates during the last month to support planting activities, improve accessibility and enhance the appearance of the garden.

Garden upgrades and maintenance

Our Hêvî team – Othman, Rûken and Browen – carried out several improvements, including:

• Installing two decorative iron entrances at the office gate and the garden plot entrance
• Constructing and reinforcing a decorative well surrounded by recycled car tyres painted in bright colours
• Creating stone and cement planting beds around trees and filling them with flowers
• Planting additional trees and plants along the garden frontage and reorganising the layout to improve movement
• Trimming branches along the fence line to support plant growth and improve access
• Repairing cracked garden beds as part of ongoing maintenance

Planting and distribution

To support winter growing, the team distributed seeds to beneficiaries. We also shared lettuce seedlings from our own production for home and plot planting. Grape trees near the seating area and added Damask roses in different parts of the garden were planted.

During the month of October, gardeners harvested and distributed 1,500 kg of vegetables and herbs. The team also provided baking flour to 68 families to support household food needs.

Community baking

The bakery house continues to be an important gathering space. Using two traditional tannour ovens, women regularly bake khubz, a staple flatbread in Syrian culture. In early November, our bakers introduced two variations, including bread topped with sweet red pepper, zaatar and olive oil, and another with sesame and nigella seeds.

Extending impact beyond the garden

In addition to our community gardening activities, the team supports home gardening and neighbourhood greening in Gawilan camp by distributing seedlings, plants and trees grown by our team. These efforts are recognised through the Garden of the Month award, which highlights families who maintain productive and attractive home gardens.

“Our focus is not only on the Hêvî garden, but also on helping families grow food and flowers at home and improve their surroundings” said Othman Qewas, Hêvî Community Garden Manager and Gawilan resident. “Planting trees and plants not only brings colour and shade in the hot summer months, when temperatures reach up to 50 degrees, but also supports local wildlife and gives families hope for the future.”

Linking to the Sustainable Development Goals

The work of the Hêvî Community Garden supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals. By improving access to nutritious food, it contributes to Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3). Community-led planting of trees and green spaces strengthens Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and supports Life on Land (SDG 15). Training and participation also promote Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).

Support our work

To support our work, you can make a one-off or monthly donation. Your gift may help fund projects like the Hêvî Community Garden, or other gardening activities in refugee and IDP (internally displaced people) camps, helping families grow a garden at their home shelter. Thank you.