How can neighbourhood communities work towards climate adaptation? What is the potential of neglected and underused green areas in urban neighbourhoods?
Eutropian’s Levente Polyák joins forces with the neighbourhood group SZEVA to explore ways to transform Újbuda’s condominium gardens into climate oases. Through a series of five events addressing green infrastructure, water retention, permaculture, circular economy, and biodiversity, experts and local residents will exchange know-how about making green spaces more climate-resilient and more sociable. The programme is supported by the Újbuda Municipality’s “In Harmony” initiative.
Let’s Garden: Climate Adaptation in Shared Gardens
The triangle bordered by Bartók Béla, Fehérvári and Bocskai Roads in Újbuda hides a neighbourhood with a unique atmosphere. The residents of SZEVA (Szabolcska–Eszék–Vásárhelyi Streets) have been working for years to make their area more liveable, cooperative, and sustainable.
Within the framework of the Újbuda Municipality’s “In Harmony” programme, the residents of five local apartment buildings have joined forces to open their gardens to visitors and, with the help of experts, explore the secrets and techniques of climate-conscious gardening. In autumn 2025, we will host five events for those interested in urban gardens, climate adaptation, and biodiversity.
1) From Past to Future – Urban History Walk
How did Szentimreváros and the SZEVA district develop into an urban area that still incorporates larger green spaces? On this historical walk, organised by the Gellért Hill Protection Association, we will discover the green past of the neighbourhood.
📅 5 September 2025, 17:00–19:00
📍 Meeting point: District XI, in front of Vásárhelyi Pál Street 8, at 17:00
👤 Guide: Edina Horváth, Gellért Hill Protection Association
2) Rainwater as Treasure – Water Retention in Urban Gardens
Retaining water is just as important as collecting it — and plants are wonderful partners in this. Tips and tricks for harvesting and conserving water in urban gardens and courtyards.
📅 13 September 2025, 10:00–13:00
📍 District XI, Szabolcska Mihály Street 6–8
👤 Speaker: István Lőrincz, permaculture designer and educator, PermaGang
3) Wildlife Among Buildings – Bird-Friendly Gardens
We will learn how, with what, and when to feed and water birds, and what nesting boxes to install in our gardens if we also want to provide a home for breeding birds.
📅 20 September 2025, 10:00–13:00
📍 District XI, Eszék Street 8/b
👤 Speaker: Dávid Sarlós, representing the Bird-Friendly Garden Programme of the Hungarian Ornithological Society
4) Nature-Friendly Garden Design in Harsh Urban Conditions (Permaculture)
Even on rubble- and debris-filled soil, a beautiful garden can be created — with a supportive community and mutually beneficial plants.
📅 4 October 2025, 10:00–13:00
📍 District XI, Eszék Street 13–15
👤 Speakers: Theodóra Jordanidisz, Hungarian Permaculture Association & Hungarian Agroecology Network;
Flóra Madácsi, urban planner and landscape architect
5) Composting, Making Your Own Soil, and Circular Households
Everything you need to know about composting in apartment buildings and producing rich household humus. With a special section on those cute little worms.
📅 11 October 2025, 10:00–13:00
📍 District XI, Vásárhelyi Pál Street 10
👤 Speaker: Tünde Udvarnoki, composting expert and developer of the Compot indoor composter
This programme is supported by the Újbuda Municipality’s “In Harmony” initiative and organised by SZEVA and Cooperative City.
Check out the events on our Facebook channel: https://fb.me/e/3bZhxqI4d