Paper long abstract:

This presentation explores processes of imagination and articulation connected to 'the garden' of the ecovillage Sieben Linden in Germany. The concepts of permaculture and bioregionalism are vital here, at the same time rural identity and lifestyle remain ambiguous for many inhabitants. The crisis of the contemporary opens up a window of opportunity - but what exactly does the ecovillage offer? To whom?

Concepts and theories as developed by Stuart Hall (via Gramsci) and utilised by James Clifford are employed in this research. The villagers are presented as creative actors, re-articulating themselves in the light of current events. Threads like Permaculture and Bioregionalism have to be weaven anew into the fabric of the village, in order to make use and sense of the specific locality. As Mrs. C.W. Earle (1897) put it: "Half the interest of a garden is the constant exercise of the imagination."