Nowadays, it is very hard to find vegetables and fruits that are purified from chemicals unless one produces them on one's own. But, how? Where can you get seeds, the seedling plants or the organic fertilizers? Where can one find a pure piece of land? Those who can not find an answer to this question probably have no idea about The Organic Paradise Project, managed by The Environmental Planning Management.
Having begun on March 2002, Organic Paradise gives all Bilkent faculty members and staff the chance to make their own organic garden. To be involved in this project, an application with a fee of $50 is required. In return, you are given a section of land, 20 square meters for a whole year. Then it is your responsibility to plant and take care of the garden.
The most important feature of Organic Paradise is that no chemicals are allowed because they are harmful for human health and pollute the soil. Only organic fertilizers can be used in these gardens. One can plant anything suitable to the climate after the approval of The Environmental Planning Management. The seeds and seedlings of numerous plants and organic fertilizers are all available on site. Moreover, water and the tools needed for planting are provided free of charge. The management provides training on planting and using the land efficiently, as well.
In fact, the management provides everything needed for planting one's own vegetables under the healthiest of conditions.
Keep in mind that dealing with land is also the best way to feel relieved from the stress and difficulties encountered through the day. Take the chance to make yourself healthy both physically and mentally! The land designated for this project is in the valley between Main Campus and the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, including the area right above the Bilkent Greenhouses.
For those who don’t know much about gardening, the Environmental Planning Department will be offering courses in organic gardening.
For further information call ext. 2257-2258. Happy Gardening!

Pınar Yıldız (CS/II)