Community Gardens

By April Hensley

Community gardens are a gift to everyone. The small plots of land used for growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers benefit people in so many ways. They are a magical place to see bees and butterflies, an exercise area for someone with hip pain, a place to socialize and make friends, and a place to grow delicious fresh food and lovely flowers.

They are great for getting in the sun for some Vitamin D for those who possibly have no grassy areas of their own. Gardeners get to share their knowledge and experience with thirsty minds of all generations and ages. It also draws wildlife like cheery birds and small furry mammals.

Community gardens have been popular overseas for a long time and in bigger cities here in America, usually in dense population areas. Many people in small cities and towns are moving to condos, duplexes, and apartments. Although there are many ways to garden in small spaces, a community garden can produce more food on a larger scale. Everyone works together to make it a success. You can grow fruiting trees, an annual garden, a lot full of wildflowers or a combination of all three.

If a community garden is something you are thinking about organizing or starting, here’s some places to think about creating one.

• If you have a lot of outdoor space, you can do one on your own property and invite people you know to partner with you.

• Assisted living centers have many residents who would benefit from the physical and mental exercise and the outdoor time.

• Churches have members who might be interested in helping with one to grow food for the congregation or to donate. All age groups could participate.

• Schools usually have extra green space that would be perfect for a garden. It would help teach preschoolers to high schoolers about food production.

• Talk to the city planner to see if they have any vacant lots and then ask neighbors if they would be interested in joining in.

• A business you work for or own could have space for a community garden for the employees.

• Boys Club and Girls Club might be interested in partnering with someone to get a community garden started at their location.

• Talk to businesses or area civic groups about sponsoring a space or donating supplies such as shovels, dirt, plants, or doing the initial plowing.