Abstract

This thesis examines the place-making strategies employed by some Iranian immigrants in three urban community gardens in Montreal, Canada. I argue the practices of place-making within the garden is a complex and multilayered process in which heterogeneous actors (human and non-human) play central roles. Prosaic pleasures invoked through enchanting encounters and childhood memories of a beloved garden motivate some people to spend their time and energy within the garden in the hope of re-enchantment. In this theoretical synthesis, I examine how, through inhabiting the garden, these gardeners develop a sense of belonging and attachment to Canada as their new home. I demonstrate that place-making within a community garden goes beyond altering the physical landscape of the garden. Through the process of constructing an alternative home within the community garden, immigrants form family-like relationships, improve their health and well-being, and also cultivate a sense of stability and belonging. This thesis examines the entangled relationships between humans and non-humans within the community gardens. I propose that place-making within the community garden is not just a human achievement, but rather it is co-constructed by heterogeneous actors. It is notable that this thesis acknowledges that a human is the most powerful actant in the process of place-making. However, it also highlights the roles of non-humans as it would be a huge omission if we did not credit the active positions of non-humans in our lives.