In our area there are at least 3 different plots of land that are owned and operated by a garden association. Local residents can join the association and for a very fair price rent a small plot of land for growing vegetables, fruits and flowers. Most tenants set up a shed or at least a roof with a couple of walls. Many spend much of their time off on the land, farming and gardening, chatting with friends and neighbors.

Many plot tenants also raise their own flags above their shed. So between Swiss flags you can see flags from many other nations. It seems that foreigners who tend such a plot of land tend to integrate better into Swiss society since that is an easier way to make friends.