Community gardening is beginning to gain a lot of traction lately–especially in urban areas where there is not a lot of space for people to have their own gardens. By coming together as a group to garden, people are learning to work together by sharing the workload associated with a garden, swapping ideas and information, and learning a valuable lesson–no man is an island.
The concept of “every man for himself” or “survival of the fittest” are all fine and dandy, but the truth is, much more is accomplished when we work together. By cooperating with each other, communities are able to pool resources (time, money, energy, knowledge) and, in the end, have a much larger impact.
Let’s say, for example, someone owns a tiny little bit of land or space in downtown wherever–much less than an acre, maybe…1/4 acre. That person might want to use the land to grow fresh fruits and veggies, but they don’t have the time to do it, and to be honest, they don’t know that much about growing. They don’t know where to begin when it comes to all the legal mumbo-jumbo. But they have a vision…
So, maybe that person starts to ask around, “Is anyone interested in helping me turn this little chunk of land into a garden?” Maybe this person knows a hobby gardener, a landscaper, and a teacher. Maybe they know a lawyer, and city councilman, and a restaurant owner. All of these people, in one way or another, can help in the creation of a community garden. The land owner now has a lot of people, who can do a little bit of work each, to bring about a huge change!
Can you imagine if the land owner tried to do everything on their own? Dealing with all the legal stuff, getting the proper permits, knowing what to grow and how to grow it, maintaining all the plants–ugh! I have a feeling the land owner would give up fairly quickly. But, because the garden is a collaborative effort, everyone involved shares a little bit of the work AND they can proudly say that they contributed to the community garden in one way or another!
In addition to the obvious benefits of a community garden (the food!), it will also brighten up and area and give the community a sense of pride. Children can take classes at the garden, learning simple lessons about gardening and growing their own foods. Whomever works in the garden and contributes can share in the bounty. Local restaurants can use the fresh fruits and vegetables. Even organizations like Food Banks and Meals on Wheels can enjoy the fresh foods from the community garden.
It’s important for all of us to know that when we work together, we can accomplish more. Next time you drive by an empty plot of land in your neighborhood, even if it’s an old, broken down parking lot, imagine what it could be…and maybe take the step to look into it further.
For more information, please visit:
Six Stories Above Queens, a Fine Spot for a Little Farming
AND
Youth Grow Veggies for Meals on Wheels
Until next time, take care and happy gardening!