Garden for rent lets urbanites get away from the crowds

A UK scheme called Plot aims to rent out mini green spaces to enable anyone to enjoy private relaxation time outdoors.

It’s hard to get a moment’s peace in the city. While the idea of sitting in a green space and reading a book is a pleasant one, not everyone can afford a home with a garden. In public parks, it’s also more likely to be interrupted by kids, dogs and footballs. While startups such as Breather have aimed to unlock cities’ more peaceful office environments, Plot now aims to rent out mini green spaces to enable anyone to enjoy private relaxation time outdoors.

Developed by creative agency magneticNorth for Manchester’s Dig The City festival, Plot is described as an on-demand garden. The space is located on top of Barton Arcade, a Victorian building in the heart of the city. It’s decked out with fake grass and plantlife, as well as some surprising technology elements such as sensors that react to guests’ presence. The idea is that those without gardens can use the space to relax, meet a friend, or even host a yoga class in their own outdoor area.

In order to use the space, visitors must book a two-hour slot online. The pilot program will continue to run until 10 August and the team may revive it if it proves popular. Are there other city spaces that could be opened up to the public on an on-demand basis?