So, you're a student. You like plants. You're tired of dull, grey pavements. But your balcony barely gets any sunlight, and your student budget can’t stretch to a full botanical makeover. What do you do? Enter a popular new style of plant-based activism: guerrilla gardening.
But what is guerrilla gardening?
Broadly speaking, it's when you (often secretly) plant greenery in public, usually neglected, spaces. This is done without asking for official permission. The term guerrilla is used because of the unconventional and rebellious methods involved. Guerrilla gardening is a peaceful, eco-friendly form of protest that transforms grimy, unloved patches in cities into pockets of life and colour.
Guerrilla gardening has a complex history, intertwined with religion and politics. The idea of cultivating common land dates back to the 18th century, when a group of Englishmen known as the Diggers practised what would later be called agrarian socialism. Though their efforts did not catch on at the time, they went on to inspire 1960s activists, notably the San Francisco Diggers in the United States. These ideas have since spread beyond hippie culture and reached other countries, including the Netherlands.
Fig. 1: Guerrilla gardening on a Los Angeles street. From Brayj, U. (2008).
A quick history of Dutch guerrilla urbanism
During the 1970s and 80s, in the wake of the Dutch housing crisis and growing urban decay, squatters (krakers) in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht became known for occupying abandoned buildings. Less well known is the fact that they also greened these spaces. Empty lots and derelict corners were transformed. This was not just for beautification, but to make a political statement about public space and sustainability. This inspired community gardening efforts in the 1990s and 2000s. The style evolved, becoming softer and less confrontational. With the rise of social media, local gardening groups expanded their reach, and forums and workshops sparked new interest. Seed bombing and tactical wildflower planting became more common in the past decade in cities such as Utrecht, The Hague and Groningen.
Today, guerrilla gardening has become more mainstream. Growing concerns over the climate crisis and biodiversity loss have drawn more attention to the greening of urban environments. Dutch municipalities now often encourage citizens to take part in greening projects. Initiatives like pollinator-friendly corridors, rooftop gardens, and pavement removal for planting (steenbreek) have gained popularity. Some temporary plots even evolve into real community hubs. One example is De KasKantine in Amsterdam.
To learn more about contemporary urban greening, you can explore the work of guerrillagardeners and their contributions to the mapping of active Dutch groups.
Fig. 2: One of the actions of the Urban Guerilla Gardening; two sycamore maples are planted at the site of an illegal car park. From Szwedkowski, W. (2021).
How students can contribute
As a student, gardening can be a tricky hobby. You probably don’t have a garden, and if you’re lucky, maybe a tiny balcony. Guerrilla gardening could be the ideal solution. It is low-cost, low-risk, and has a high impact. But where do you start?
Here is a guide that might help:
Step 1: Find your location
Keep your eyes peeled for empty plots of land. During your bike ride to class or an evening walk, you might spot tree pits, scruffy edges, abandoned planters or pavement cracks. These could be in your neighbourhood or even on campus. All are fair game, as long as the space is not privately owned or in regular use.
Step 2: Choose your greenery
Next, decide what to plant. Start small with resilient varieties. Look for low-maintenance, fast-growing, and pollinator-friendly plants. Local wildflowers, sunflowers, mint or lavender are great options. If digging is not an option, consider seed bombs. These are small balls of clay, compost and seeds that can be tossed into hard-to-reach places.
Step 3: Start planting
Before you pack your trowel and a bottle of water, think carefully about when and how you will do it. Early mornings or dusk are best for discreet activity. Bring compost or soil to give your plants the best chance of survival. There is no need for expensive equipment. Remember, this is not a high-stakes operation.
Step 4: Document and maintain
Take before-and-after photos and share your work. There are plenty of local and online communities where you can post your efforts. It is a great way to celebrate your achievements and raise awareness. You might even inspire friends to join in. Do not forget that upkeep matters too. If possible, check in weekly. Water your patch during dry spells, remove weeds, and sprinkle more seeds if needed. If your patch is removed, do not stress. Just plant again. This is about resilience, not perfection.
Conclusion
Guerrilla gardening blends activism, environmentalism and creative design. In the Netherlands, it has evolved from squatter-era resistance into a quiet and impactful force for urban renewal, weaving wildflowers and vegetables into the concrete seams of modern cities. Whether it is a sunflower in a tree pit or a secret garden in an alley, these small acts remind us that public space belongs to everyone. Anyone, with just a handful of seeds, can help shape a greener and more vibrant future, one patch of dirt at a time.
Fig. 3: On September 2, 2014, at the recommendation of their parents, their children and their friends did guerrilla gardening in Songdo, Incheon. The parents said that they held this event in the hope that their children would grow up to be people who contribute to society. From Gardenmania. (2014).
