Interactive Gardens
In the INTERACTIVE GARDENS project we are developing a model of an interactive green space. The concept will enhance the health and well-being benefits of public parks and gardens and support the functionality and interaction skills of vulnerable people.
In the INTERACTIVE GARDENS project we are developing a model of an interactive green space. The concept will enhance the health and well-being benefits of public parks and gardens and support the functionality and interaction skills of vulnerable people. For schools, green spaces can provide outdoor learning environments. The concept will take into account regional specificities and local conditions. It will be developed in collaboration with land use authorities and decision makers, research institutes, associations, and users of the area.
The concept, which will result in a virtual model, will be used by spatial planning authorities and decision makers. It will benefit educational and research institutions and users of green spaces such as NGOs, health service providers, residents, and special groups. The concept can guide regional, national, EU and Baltic Sea policies.
The project will be implemented in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, and Denmark in the period 11/2023‒210/2026 in three work packages. In Finland, the solutions are being tested at the Elonkierto Exhibition Park in the municipality of Jokioinen, the Arctic Therapeutic Garden in the municipality of Tervola, and a virtual model at Luke’s VirtuLab in the city of Helsinki.
The project is co-funded by the European Union Interreg Fund for the Baltic Sea Region.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Erja Mattila
+358 45 111 7754 / mattilanerja@gmail.com
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Sirpa Kurppa
+358 40 142 6506 / sirpa.kurppa@outlook.com
Miia Kuhanen
+358 50 547 4729 / miia.kuhanen@elonkierto.fi
upcoming events
12.6.2026 “Boost yourself in local nature” is a national and international community event. The event invites everyone to experience how local nature can support well-being. Parks and green spaces will offer low-threshold activities that encourage movement, relaxation, social connection and learning in nature. The day is open to all ages – join on your own, with family or friends, and discover new ways to strengthen your well-being through nature. More information coming closer to the event!
22.-23.9.2026 Final Seminar of the Project – Viikki, Helsinki
Interactive Gardens project in elonkierto
In the Interactive Gardens (IG) project, the presentation of Elonkierto was developed towards interactive garden services. The project created a diverse service package that combines wellbeing, learning, and experiential elements in a natural environment. The services included, among others:
- Refreshing nature walk: peace of mind, wellbeing, and awakening of the senses
- Poetry moment: relaxation in nature, for example in hammocks, and shared reading of selected poems
- Meeting animals and learning about their body language and natural behavior
- Environmental art experiments using natural materials
- Walk with a researcher: food knowledge and ideas for sustainable food
- Games and playful competitions in a traditional style with new twists
- Learning about nature in fields, pastures, and/or forest pastures
- Forest hike ending at a lean-to shelter
The services were designed to be adaptable for different target groups and easily transferable and scalable to other parks as well.
PILOTS DURING SUMMER OF 2025
The planned number of pilots were carried out between May and September 2025. The invited groups included Elonkierto’s partner companies, various types of NGOs, school groups and some professional garden groups. The services were tailored to the wishes of each group. At the same time, we ensured that the services were replicable, transferable and ready to be expanded to other parks. A feedback survey was also sent to participants after each visit to collect assessments of the success of the pilot service.
In addition to the summer season pilots, the concept under development by Interactive Gardens was tested during the winter season at two events: the Halloween event 30.10.2025 and the Christmas Yard 14.12.2025-6.1.2026. In December, Elonkierto also organized partnership evening where the IG project was present as well. The event was attended by approximately 45 representatives of different associations and companies, all of whom are potential participants in the implementation of the garden concept developed by the IG project once the it’s completed.
What was developed in the pilots?
During the project, several nature-based programme concepts were developed and piloted for different target groups within the traditional rural landscapes, forest garden, and animal areas of Elonkierto. Participants ranged from primary school pupils to researchers, work communities, families, and civil organisations. Each programme was tailored to the needs and goals of the group, and every pilot was documented and reflected upon. The pilot activities combined:
- wild herb knowledge and forest garden practices
- observation of species-typical animal behaviour
- exploration of biodiversity
- creative activities using natural materials
- agricultural and food education themes
- community dialogue and experiential learning
The pilots demonstrated that a natural environment can simultaneously offer educational and recreation value. The same environment can serve different target groups through varied thematic emphases. Dialogue in nature deepens learning and strengthens a sense of participation. Elonkierto’s forest garden and traditional biotopes provide a unique platform for addressing biodiversity, food security, and sustainable living.
