It is a difficult time. Especially for older people. Because you should stay due to the Coronavirus to home. But what if you want to get to the fresh air, but no power for walks and not have your own garden?

The solution is: allotment garden! Who has one, can lucky. As the tenants of the 98 parcels of the allotment garden at the Bottom of the brühl road in Zofingen, AG (11 500 square metres in size). “We have here a green oasis where you can retreat. Without that, you have to go into a crowd of people,” says Gustav Goldschmidt (79), the President of the family gardener Association.

awarded All of the allotment gardens

The retirees from Rothrist AG has two allotments on the Site, which is operated since 2011. Like all the others he has to pay (depending on the Size of the plot) rent: “For me there are around 400 francs per year, including electricity and water.”

The allotments are booming. All were rented, so Goldschmidt. There are even waiting lists: “You have to nowadays, have patience, if you want one.” But if you have one, it is even more beautiful. With love, the piece of Land is cultivated with individual huts, to learn neighbors from over a dozen Nations know, to enjoy flowers, vegetables or just enjoy the tranquility, and who wants to indulge in the arts, of course its barbecue Grill. Only the Stay in the cottage is prohibited. Even better: “We had never a dispute among all of the nationalities. On the contrary, we integrate here even.”

the President is not going to work out

of Course, would apply because of the Corona of a crisis here, too, the requirements of the Federal government. Goldschmidt: “everyone knows by now, that you have to keep your distance.” In addition, you should not meet at the Moment in the club local to the Area.

Nevertheless, Goldschmidt, as President of the work: “There are questions of tenants for planting or to Shed come again and again.” For him was important, that he had in old age, meaningful employment and not just stay at home: “Yes, in the summer, I’m more here than at home.”

Popular oasis

in Addition to normal allotments Associations, as in Zofingen, AG, in Switzerland also clubs belonging to an Association. Most of the allotments of the Swiss family gardener Association is one of almost 21 900 parcels of land. “Where 70 000 people move,” says the Association’s President, Otmar Halfmann (67). He confirmed that there is currently a lot of prospective customers for plots and waiting lists. He has also created because of the Coronavirus-crisis “behavior notes” for its members. In it, he notes that the instructions and recommendations of the Federal office for health “be clear”. Means: keep your distance and comply with hygiene regulations. In addition, each Area needs to check to rules which community facilities, or to close even. But, the man helped: “We are in the fortunate position to be able to continue our recreational activities!” Ralph Donghi

Home no the garden

Because he is not alone. Also Susi (67) and Hans Leibundgut (71) from Oftringen AG since 2011, an allotment garden on the Site. The retired couple: “We have at home, no garden and are glad we can come here.”

It is always something. You could pick up something Green for Lunch, a loaf of bread baking or with a neighbors sit together and chat. “Of course, by far,” says Hans Leibundgut. Wash currently, in addition to the hands on a regular basis. His wife adds: “It is Special that you can be easy and not depending on others is something.”

beloved retreat

The Heidi (71) and Oskar Oggenfuss (74) from Zofingen as well. You have in the fourth year of a garden Plot. “We would have at home, while a roof terrace,” says the wife. “But in the summer it is too hot and too windy. Therefore, we are glad that we can move back here.”

in Addition, the risk of contagion is not so great, because you have to the neighbor distance. This is good for your man. Because, as Oskar Oggenfuss: “I have a pre-existing condition and am a risk patient.” Nevertheless, he can feel in safety: “most of The neighbors around us are during the week at work.”

Positive for the future

Heidi (65) and Peter Straumann (70) in Zofingen and enjoy your garden Plot for decades. “Because we have a block of apartment, we have a since 1980,” says the Senior pride. “He is a good Alternative to a garden.” And now show, he could Dodge in such a Situation and should not sit at home. Straumann: “There are certainly older people who can now get out at all. We have, however, found a perfect place for us.”

the Only fly in the ointment: The contact to their children and grandchildren is difficult at the Moment. Heidi Straumann says quietly: “you come always, give Omi and Opi a Müntschi and press a.” That this is not possible now, will hurt her. But: “this time will pass. And I’m happy when I can close my children and my grandchildren in your arms.”