On Saturday, May 24, an event called Meeting in the Garden took place in Kraffer’s Garden.
The program featured screenings of short animated films by students from the local arts school (ZUŠ) inspired by the garden’s history, a concert, and conversations with visitors—whether by the fire while roasting sausages or at the interactive boards we prepared in cooperation with the Socionaut organization.
Maybe you were there, maybe not; either way, we’d love to share what came out of these conversations.
First of all, we asked what words come to mind when you think of Kraffer’s Garden. You can see these words in the opening image; the size of each reflects how many times it was mentioned. We are very happy that these are positive associations and that they largely describe Kraffer’s Garden as the place we wanted it to be from the start—a place for relaxation, inspiration, and meeting others.
We also asked what you like and don’t like about the garden, and what you feel is missing. You value the flower beds, trees, and benches the most, and you would appreciate more furniture designed for relaxation, such as loungers or hammocks. Other favorite parts of the garden include the coffee caravan and the “Leap into the Known” statue.
Photo: Via Foundation, Libor Staněk
Almost all respondents perceive the greenhouses as a significant part of the garden—whether the new ones or the structures of the old ones. However, opinions on them vary greatly. For us, this was an important confirmation that building the new must be done with respect for the old, which is definitely what we are striving for.
Among the things missing from the garden, you most often mentioned toilets and a water feature. The good news is that we definitely agree. We also miss these things in the garden very much and consider them priorities. The bad news is that both are very expensive to build. We aren’t losing hope and are looking for options. And you can certainly help us too. You can support us by making a purchase, giving a financial donation, attending our events, or recommending our garden to your friends.
Photo: Via Foundation, Libor Staněk
Many inspiring thoughts and ideas were shared during the evening, and we thank you very much for them. We aren’t mentioning all of them here, but we are definitely paying attention to everyone. Some we expected, but there were also those that surprised us. Some took a clear shape and supported our existing plans. Others were more abstract, and for now, we are letting them germinate quietly like seeds to see what else will grow from them.
For us, it is essential that you came to tell us what you think, because Kraffer’s Garden is a place that listens to its visitors and their needs. We realize that it wouldn’t exist without you, which is why your opinion matters to us and we are happy to hear it anytime. At the same time, we are of course really pleased that you seem to enjoy visiting us and that our effort and work make sense. Thank you!
P.S.: If you missed the films by the children from the arts school, you can still come and see them on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 8:30 PM. We will be screening them as part of the August in the Garden event, to which you are cordially invited!
The project was supported by the Via Foundation in the “Place Where We Live” program.
