Contemporary interpretation of the meaning and heritage of early 20th century private gardens: From an historical reflection to a future outlook in planning

This article examines the strategic role played by private gardens in meeting societal challenges in urbanized environments in the late 19th-early 20th century. These gardens represented a means to provide food, a healthier living environment and, by implication, improved living conditions for the growing urban population. This strategic role was embedded in spatial and urban planning policies, as exemplified here in two case studies: the residential area Rostorp, Malmö (Sweden) and the region of Flanders (Belgium). With the case studies' results as starting point their historical narratives were written. These narratives were then confronted and the cases were qualitatively compared to demonstrate how, over time, the idea and materiality of the private garden have created value and meaning. These values include the strengthening of family values, establishing and maintaining social coherence, sense of place and identity, and creating social space which enabled an exchange of knowledge. We argue that these values have been gradually lost over the past half-century, particularly the understanding of private gardens as strategic spaces in which social challenges can be met. Due to lack of documentation, current knowledge of their meaning and heritage is poor. Their physical space is declining through urban densification. We add to the densification debate by arguing the potential for reinvigoration of the private garden and its values, to meet and plan for sustainable urban futures. Based on historical reflections and a presentation of the significance and meaning of private gardens in Belgium and Sweden, the main contributions of this article are general insights on the heritage and meaning of private gardens and a future outlook on the strategic role of private gardens in planning.