Description
Who we are and what we stands for!:
We are an NGO and we are quite enthusiastic to bring back the nature into the city life by developing an urban garden. We believe that it is up to us to improve our life wherever we are:
If Nature is in us and we are in the city, then the Nature is in the city. Adriana Ivanova

We are developing an urban garden in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, where we already growing plants with pure, natural methods and techniques as Permaculture. We are organizing events such as Free Seed Exchange in conjunction with other like-minded organizations.
The creation of the garden is inspired by the idea of ennobling the surrounding urban environment. We believe that this is in our hands and depends only on our actions.
Our mission is to spread sustainable and natural methods and technics such as Permaculture as a way of life. We provide space and opportunity for people who have chosen the comfort of the urban lifestyle, but at the same time feel the need and pleasure to work with their hands, to keep in touch with Mother Earth, and believe that everyone has the right to access pure food - a primordial right.
The advantages of urban agriculture are proven and are many. Some of the most important are:
- carbon footprint reduction,
- reducing stress levels by working with the Earth,
- access to pure hand-made food.
What we do and what we need:
At this point we are preparing the Mandala garden (this is an area for shared plant growing, as well as an area for training courses, workshops) for the upcoming season and wants to make some improvements on it. So, at this time the work is more carpentry for which we are currently looking for help.
Here are the basic things we do, depending of the season, the period and the necessity at the moment:
< Building a shed and some other facilities for comforting the site;
< Patio making - are essential at this point;
> Remaking planting beds and bean tеpеe on existing dome;
> Collection of materials - branches, green plants, stones;
> Planting trees or plants depending of the season;
> Wood processing - splitting, light sanding, scorching and impregnation;
> Starting to build a stage;
> Drawing signs, art installations and various creative inspirations, are also welcome;
> Fireplace making;
Etc.
Since the design is ready, now we materialize it - it's fine work, we watch the symmetry which is essential.

We expect help from the morning till the afternoon - up to 5 hours a day.
At this point we need specifically a person or two, preferably hardworking and reliable person(s), who know how to work with wood and constructions and to be really enthusiastic persons. It is strongly recommended to have one man, because it is a bit hands on help.
We like laughing and joy, as well as we are focused on the aim of implementing the project.
We also need help with some of the announcement among the community around- public relations matters and for preparing some events, workshops, flash mobs, some art projects, etc.

So if you are interesting in sustainable practices, natural methods of agriculture, open to learning, enriching and helping each other, if you are flexible, open-minded, easygoing person who don`t bother of different type of changes (go with the flow type) and of course who share our principals, we will be glad to welcome you. It is preferably to be a non- smoker, non- alcohol drinker.
We offer accommodation in an area quite near to a metro station, from where you can easily access the city center. Also we can provide a bicycle.
The apartment is just next to a park - Severen park and it is suitable for one, two or at most 3 people, if it is ok for you to share a room.

*you can use a bicycle by prior arrangement.
**Since the garden is place promoting healthy lifestyle it is a smoking, alcohol, meat and drug free zone, so it would be nice to share these principals! It is ok just not to use or do these things in the garden area or the apartment, except the drugs - it is mandratory not to use any drugs.

The basis of the values of the garden are "pure food and pure relations" and rely on the idea for harmony interaction.
Wellcome!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural expirience, Permaculture, Mandala gardening, creating and more. Experience the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Vitosha mountains nearby. Enjoy mineral and spring pools around the city. We provide a bicycle, too and some adventures if there is a desire.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
At this point we need specifically a person or two, hardworking and reliable people, who has experience with carpentry and constructions. A man, because it is hands on help at some point, could be a strong girl, too. We improving the place and also need help with some of the preparation for some events, workshops, art projects and social media(Instagram, facebook), etc.
Languages
Languages spoken
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
A brand new apartment in a nice and quite neighborhood close to a metro station and from about 30 min from the city center.
What else ...
We offer accommodation in an area quite near to the city center (by train/metro is for about 10 min., by foot is about 30-40 min. and by bicycle* is around 15-30 min). The apartment is close to one of the biggest parks in Sofia and also Vitosha mountain is near, since Sofia is situated on the foot of the mountain. You can do an numerous things which our capital can offer.
*you can use a bicycle by prior arrangement.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
In Sofia and Bulgaria wi- fi is quite good. In the apartment we provide Internet access to one of the leading companies in Bulgaria.
Space for parking camper vans
There is parking spot, where you can park your camper, but there is no water or electricity to use there. You can use These facilities can be used in the apartment, upstairs. Or you can park at the garden itself, but again, there is no facility to use.
Can possibly accept pets
It is possible to have your pet, but first we have to discuss it. And it is mandatory to keep the place and the furniture clean! They are brand new.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Sometimes a help might be needed during the weekend, but we will speak about that first.