TOMATO AND BASIL GO WELL TOGETHER, FENNEL AND WALNUT ARE LESS SOCIABLE

On Saturday, 15th June, and Saturday, 6th July, at the agricultural farm Il Cespuglio delle Merafoglie (Lama Mocogno), horticulture training workshops were held, involving participants of the "Paths to Autonomy" project. The workshop was led by Emanuela Vanda, a biologist and environmental guide, and a member of Frignano Vivo. The project aims to promote the independence of 12 vulnerable young people from the Frignano area through experiences of independent living and work, particularly in the fields of hospitality and land stewardship.

"During the workshop, we talked about how plants transform solar energy and, in doing so, create a system on which we depend and that we need to understand deeply to collaborate with nature and achieve good results, also for our health," Emanuela explains. "Nature is energy in motion that does not seek perfection; it simply transforms continuously. We learned how we must support natural cycles by nourishing the soil that hosts the plants we want to cultivate. The soil must be protected, not mistreated; it is a non-renewable resource that we must commit to regenerating by simply observing and imitating what nature already does. We discovered that weeds are actually valuable allies as well as indicators of soil health and are often more nutritious than cultivated plants. We talked about companion planting in the garden and learned that tomatoes go well with basil and lettuce, carrots and onions go well together, while fennel is less sociable."

During the first meeting, the young participants got to know the plants more closely, tasting cherries, wild strawberries, and other forest fruits, while also trying their hand at simple agricultural activities. The event concluded with a shared lunch and an impromptu birthday cake made from local products.

In the second meeting, they learned how to cut plant cuttings using a technique that respects and regenerates the plant's life cycle. Under Emanuela's guidance, everyone prepared willow macerate, a valuable natural ally for our crops. The shared lunch was an opportunity to strengthen bonds and exchange experiences and ideas. Interaction with the plants highlighted the importance of direct contact with nature, evoking deep emotions and fostering genuine connections.

(*) The project is promoted by the Unione dei Comuni del Frignano and is implemented by a consortium led by Coopattiva, with partners including Domus Assistenza, IRECOOP, and Frignano Vivo. It is funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU, within the framework of the PNRR, mission 5 "inclusion and cohesion" - component 2 "social infrastructure, families, communities, and the third sector" - subcomponent 1 "social services, disability, and social marginalisation" - investment 1.2 paths to autonomy for people with disabilities; it started in the spring of 2024 and will end in 2026. IRECOOP is responsible for the training sessions.