Paris Passes Law That Allows Residents to Plant Urban Gardens All Over the City

With its beautiful gardens, plant-draped balconies, and florists in every quartier, Paris is an undeniably flower-friendly city—and it’s about to get even greener.

Thanks to a recent initiative, members of the Parisian public are now entitled—and even encouraged—to plant and maintain their own urban gardens. The plant-y proposal has popped up amid Mayor Hidalgo’s determination to introduce 100 hectares of green space to the city by 2020. Interested (and hopefully green-thumbed) residents will receive renewable three-year-permits that enable them to grow anything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and plants (namely, local honey plants).

While typical flowerbeds and traditional potted plants are entirely acceptable, the proposal prompts people to get creative; living walls and rooftop gardens are only a couple of creative suggestions offered by the city. Though the verdant possibilities are endless, the initiative does have its guidelines: the flora must by cultivated using sustainable methods (no pesticides!) and intended as a means to improve the aesthetic of the city. With an innate interest in promoting both a greener metropolis and a stronger and more united community, the new initiative truly is the perfect grassroots campaign.