GARDEN IS a SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING in DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 3 WHY START a COMMUNITY GARDEN? Community and Individual Benefits

Alexander Blooming Boulevard

location: Downtown Eastside: Vancouver, BC year: 2009 team lead: Lisa Parker volunteers: Lara Davis, Helena Farrell, Farzaneh Ghassemi, Joanna Kolakowska,GARDEN Caroline IS A SEED Schutrumpf COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS Lara Davis | Caroline Schutrumpf partners: Safety For All Community summary: This booklet examines the benefits and challenges The Alexander Blooming Boulevard was developed in of creating and maintaining community gardens in dis- collaboration with a neighbourhood community group advantaged neighborhoods, as the known benefits of comprised of members of local social service agencies community gardens and green-space close to home have and businesses. Located on a block that has been the site been shown to be especially significant in communities of a range of social and health issues typical of the city’s dealing with social or economic impoverishment. downtown eastside, the project aimed to help transform There are many successful examples of these this troubled site into a community resource that could gardens in disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout the encourage pro-social activity. Requiring an inexpensive world, illustrating their potential to act as a catalyst for intervention that could be installed over an existing sidewalk, other positive neighborhood transformations in these the design utilized geotextile slope stabilization bags as a areas of special need. plantable structure retaining a larger bed. In addition, to ensure functionality in light of a range of neighbourhood- speciﬁc safety issues, special consideration was given to the form of the garden, selection of recommended plants, and expected maintenance requirements. community studio non-proﬁt community-based design

community studio • non-proﬁt community-based design • www.communitystudio.org community studio THANK YOU

For mentorship and guidance:

Lisa Parker, Community Studio Cynthia Girling, School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia

For contributing information and photos:

Logan (City Slicker Farms) Mark “Cub” Covington (Georgia Street Community Garden) Mike Rezny (Open Space Greening Program, Council on the Environment of NYC) Rose Gonzalez (Groundworks Lawrence)

Every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in this document is true and reliable however neither the Authors or any associated organizations offers any warranty with respect to the adequacy or accuracy of the information for any particular purpose. In no event shall the authors or related organizations be liable for any related or resulting damages.

This document or any portion of it may not be reproduced in any form for profit or sale. The document may be distributed electronically free of charge, however distribution of printed copies is prohibited. TABLE OF CONTENTS

LITERATURE REVIEW

3 What is a community garden? 4 Why start a community garden? Community and individual benefits

CASE STUDIES & POsitive OUTcomes

9 Case study list and positive outcome key

Access to Affordable, Nutritious Food 10-11 Center Street Garden, Oakland, California Asphalt Garden 12-13 Neighborhood Family Practice, Cleveland, Ohio Community Building and Consultation 14-15 Union and Mechanic Community Garden, Lawrence, Kansas Community Development 16-17 Georgia Street Community Garden, Detroit, Michigan Contaminated Soil 18-19 All People’s Garden, East Village, New York Crime Reduction, Increased Community Involvement 20-21 My Own Back Yard, Vancouver, British Columbia Cultural Celebration and Exchange 22-23 Intercultural Garden, Berlin, Germany Employment Opportunities 24-25 GLIE: Group Live-In Experience, Bronx, New York Roof Garden 26-27 Graze the Roof, San Francisco, California Vacant Lot 28-29 Liz Christy Bowery Houston Community Garden, Manhattan, New York

SOURCES

30 Images Sources

31 References

GARDEN IS A SEED Community Gardening in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

WhAT IS A COMMUNITY GARDEN?

According to the American Community Gardening Association, a community garden is “Any piece of land gardened by a group of people.” Community gardens have also been described as “A collec- tively used piece of land where people participate in the activity of gardening,” (Wang 2006). Community gardens can be any size, in any location, may involve the participation of any number of people, and may grow any type of plants, both edible and/or beautiful.

Community gardens have been a part of urban landscapes for many years and have consistently proven themselves to be valuable to community residents, society and local economy (Armstrong 2000). Today community gardens exist throughout the world, with their diversity reflecting the characters of the communities in which they are located. The American Com- munity Garden Association has recorded over 5000 community gardens in the US alone, and areas as far reaching as the United Kingdom and Australia have their own community gardening organizations. Many of the gardens that make up these networks are in impoverished neighborhoods, and many have been remarkable successes.

Although community gardens will not solve all the problems of impoverished neighborhoods, they may have a small but important part to play in improving neighborhood health and social function. The community garden is a seed: With a small amount of care and attention it may sprout into an unexpected and exceptional resource that can help sustain a healthy community.

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 3 WHY START A COMMUNITY GARDEN? Community and Individual Benefits

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY GARDENS?

Research has shown that community gardens have many positive benefits for both the individuals who tend and observe them, and the communities in which they are located. This is especially true for disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Improvements in Public Health

Gardening is a recognized form of exercise and is one of the most commonly practiced (Armstrong 2000). It provides the same degree of exercise as moderate walking, cycling at less than 10mph and water aerobics (Hynes 2004). Regular gardening is associated with a range of exercise- related health benefits and has been linked to lowered cholesterol and blood pressure (Armstrong 2000).

In unstable times and circumstances, community gardens have often been turned to as a source of much needed food and morale. Throughout the great depression city land was made available for the hungry by the US Work Projects Administration and over 5000 food-producing gardens were planted (Ibid). The 20 million “Victory Gardens” cultivated on private property during WW1 and WW2 pro- duced 40 percent of the produce consumed in the United States during that time (Ibid), and many of today’s community gardens provide an important and affordable source of healthy and fresh produce for residents.

Community gardens are also part of a network of urban green-space that provides important and unique opportunities for mental rest and relaxation. The stress and unpredictability of life in many inner city neighborhoods can sometimes leave residents at risk for mental fatigue (Kuo 2001). For this reason, community gardens are especially important in their ability to provide mental rest and relaxation. Research has consistently shown that the strongest relationship between urban green space and health exists in disadvantaged neighborhoods (de Vries 2003). WHY START A COMMUNITY GARDEN? Community and Individual Benefits

Strengthened Community Identity

Community gardens in neighborhoods facing instability can have a powerful effect on concerns such as individual and community identity. Many of these communities are viewed negatively, both by residents and the surrounding region. Community gardens in these neighborhoods have been described as having an important effect on changing these perceptions (Glover 2003). The development and maintenance of the gardens has been seen as allowing the communities to begin the building of a new and positive identity for their neighborhoods.

In communities where life is full of exceptional challenges, individual morale and self-image can be tested. Community gardeners in these neighborhoods have described their participation in gardening as having some- thing in life “Work Out,” and as giving them a feeling of individual empowerment in otherwise very difficult circumstances (Wakefield 2007).

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 5 WHY START A COMMUNITY GARDEN? Community and Individual Benefits

Opportunities for Community Development

In areas facing social or economic challenges, community gardens can be a catalyst for social change. They are often related to neighborhoods beginning to address other issues of community concern (Armstrong 2000). This is especially true in impoverished neighborhoods where in some instances the installation of community gardens has been shown to be four times more likely to have a positive influence on mobilizing community to address other issues of concern such as crime and health, than when they are located in areas with more social and economic stability (Ibid).

It has been suggested that the positive influence of community gardens on influencing other community development activities makes their installation potentially a significant part of a comprehensive public health strategy (Ibid).

Increased social capital

Like the small match that lights a blazing fire, the positive neighbor-to-neighbor social inter- actions that take place in community gardens can help develop healthy neighborhood patterns of trust and reciprocity (Glover 2004). In many of these neighborhoods, community residents have described their gardens as places where positive communication with others could begin, leading to new and healthy patterns of interaction (Wakefield 2007). As a result, in addition to improvements in general public heath, community identity, and community development, community gardens are often associated with improved social cohesion and social capital, particularly in disadvantaged and minority groups (Armstrong 2000). WHY START A COMMUNITY GARDEN? Community and Individual Benefits

Ecology and Sustainability

Community gardens can play an important role in increasing neighborhood sustainability and ecological function. As soft surfaces they can help in the management of stormwater, absorbing runoff that might otherwise negatively impact local streams and waterways. With appropriate design, these gardens may also provide valuable habitat for birds, animals and insects and contribute to desirable neighborhood biological diversity (Gaston 2005). Additionally, planting trees in community gardens may help reduce urban heat islands and improve local air quality (Bolund 1999). Finally, by influencing improvements in all the outcomes described above (increasing social capital, creating opportunities for community development, strengthening community identity and improving public health) these gardens contribute to overall community social sustainability.

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 7

CASE STUDIES NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE Access to Affordable, Nutritious Food 10-11 Center Street Garden, Oakland, California Asphalt Garden 12-13 Neighborhood Family Practice, Cleveland, Ohio Community Building and Consultation 14-15 Union and Mechanic Community Garden, Lawrence, Kansas Community Development 16-17 Georgia Street Community Garden, Detroit, Michigan Contaminated Soil 18-19 All People’s Garden, East Village, New York Crime Reduction, Increased Community Involvement 20-21 My Own Back Yard, Vancouver, British Columbia Cultural Celebration and Exchange 22-23 Intercultural Garden, Berlin, Germany Employment Opportunities 24-25 GLIE: Group Live-In Experience, Bronx, New York Roof Garden 26-27 Graze the Roof, San Francisco, California Vacant Lot 28-29 Liz Christy Bowery Houston Community Garden, Manhattan, New York POSITIVE OUTCOME KEY

Public Health Access to nutritious food, education related to health, nutrition, and community issues

Community Identity Transformation of attitudes towards residents and neighborhood of within the area and surrounding region

Community Development Enhanced community involvement and action, neighborhood revitalization, catalyst for subsequent change

Social Capital Increased personal connections and social networks

Ecology and Sustainability Improved environmental and social function

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 9 ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD Center Street Garden: 16th & Center, Oakland, California

Before: Vacant lot

Who City Slicker Farms is community group founded and sustained by local residents. Their mission is to advocate for food justice and strengthen the community’s ability to resist gentrification and displacement by supporting historical residents and people of color.

WHERE Neighborhood subject to environmental racism in which residents are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards and deprived of health opportunities such as access to open space and healthy food.

After: Raised planters When 2000

Before Garbage and crabgrass infested vacant lot

After 380 m2 biointensive garden yield- ing over 900 kg of produce annually Chickens, ducks, bee hives, 11 fruit trees, medicinal herb garden, Outdoor kitchen with a wood fired oven and barbecue, compost Wildlife habitat perennial border After: Biointensive gardening ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD Center Street Garden: 16th & Center, Oakland, California

Lush urban garden Bob, the local chicken expert Community Market Farms Program Positive Outcomes Backyard Garden Program Urban Farming Education Program Public Health Policy Advocacy Initiative Provides access to affordable, healthy, locally grown produce though Farm Stand, where bounty is distributed PROCESS City Slicker Farms purchased to community at sliding scale prices abandoned lot Community Identity Challenges There is no water on Honor history and culture of all West Oakland residents, sites so access is provided by a submeter including established African-American residents and from a neighbor. growing Latino and Asian communities. Space is a concern in the urban environ- Demonstration garden that draws on and enhances local ment and one of the reasons for using knowledge and cultural traditions of food production biointensive methods. Distributing the Farm Stand produce to Ecology and Sustainability neighborhood locals. Although the sup- Introduction of native plants and wildlife habitat. port from more affluent non-residents is appreciated, the goal is to provide for Management City Slicker Farms those with the greatest need. Provide multi-lingual services. INFORMATION http://www.cityslickerfarms.org/

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 11 ASPHALT GARDEN Neighborhood Family Practice: 3569 Ridge Road, Cleveland, Ohio

Who Kate Thomas, MS, a nutritionist at Neighborhood Family Practice Before: Parking lot WHERE Adjacent to Neighborhood Fam- ily Practice, a non-profit community health center providing quality primary health care services to patients of all ages.

When 2007

Before Empty corner of large parking lot

After Raised bed garden

PROCESS Neighborhood Family Prac- tice received a grant from Neighborhood Connections, a program of the Cleveland Foundation, to fund the development of a garden in the parking lot.

Challenges Construction on asphalt. A 20” wood chip base prevents leaching into the beds from the petroleum-based asphalt. A layer of cardboard adds organic matter. Several alternating layers of fresh food waste, soil and finished compost, and straw complete the bed. In addition, worms are mixed along the way. After: Adding food waste to raised bed gardens ASPHALT GARDEN Neighborhood Family Practice: 3569 Ridge Road, Cleveland, Ohio

Positive Outcomes

Public Health Educate patients and community about gardening, nutrition, and health

Community Development Outdoor community space for “Fun in the Garden” activity days Foster relationships between patients and staff Teach gardeners about the power of working as a team to improve surroundings

Ecology and Sustainability Planting areas mitigate stormwater runoff in extensive parking lot location Additional greenspace reduces heat island effect

Management Neighborhood Family Practice

INFORMATION http://www.nfpmedcenter.org/news/index.html

Decorated raised beds with wood chip paths

Mixing worms into the soil mixture.

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 13 COMMUNITY BUILDING & CONSULTATION Union & Mechanic: Union & Mechanic, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Before: Pathways between houses and vacant lots Who Multi-year, multi-project partnership between Groundwork Lawrence, a non-profit organization working to create sustainable environmental change through community-based partnerships and Law- rence CommunityWorks, a local non-profit community development corporation.

WHERE The North Common neighborhood is the city’s poorest and most dense- ly built area, lacking open space.

When 2006

Before Five vacant lots used for parking, car maintenance, illegal dumping, and squatter community gardening

After 13 m2 of clean garden beds Pilot site demonstrating benefits of cre- ative and Low-Impact Development so- lutions for vacant lots and underutilized spaces

PROCESS As part of their mission to provide high-quality affordable housing, CommunityWorks sought control of vacant lots and engaged local residents in public After: Food-producing and green alley network COMMUNITY BUILDING & CONSULTATION Union & Mechanic: Union & Mechanic, Lawrence, Massachusetts

lic forums about how to best reuse the land. To avoid displac- ing the squatter gardeners who had occupied two of the vacant lots with raised garden beds for the past seven years, the non- profits worked to develop a conceptual plan for reclaiming the entire alleyway running through the Union and Mechanic block and along these vacant lots so it could be reused as community garden space, freeing up the vacant lots for redevelopment.

Challenges This project was carried out with the support from non-profit, private, and public groups.

Positive Outcomes

Community Identity Residents have a newfound pride in their neighborhood and community. The example of the changes that can be made by one person and group efforts continues to inspire neighborhood transformation.

Community Development The public design process involved the community in redevelopment of their neighborhood, fostering community interaction and support, enhancing a commitment to the neighborhood, and forging trusting relationships with the non-profits and private groups redeveloping the area.

Management Groundwork Lawrence became a Land Trust

INFORMATION http://www.groundworklawrence.org/node/75 Local resident tends his plot

Fern-lined sidewalk

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 15 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Georgia Street Community Garden: Georgia & Vinton, Detroit, Michigan

Before: Vacant lot

Who Mark “Cub” Covington

WHERE One of the most devastated and forlorn parts of the city, the neighborhood was giving way to vacant lots, unemployment, and lack of care.

When 2008

Before Vacant lots used for dumping

After 15 raised beds, fruit orchard Gathering place with numerous events to benefit the community Barbecues and community dinners Children’s book reading program, School Supply Giveaway and haircuts Drive-in with kids and adult movie nights

PROCESS After losing his job, Coving- ton hauled away the garbage piled on his street and began planting produce to give away to neighbors. Rather than waiting for others to take action, he believes “we have to step up and do things for ourselves.”

Challenges Neighborhood economic circumstances are a challenge but once After: Raised planting beds COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Georgia Street Community Garden: Georgia & Vinton, Detroit, Michigan

Covington initiated action, the immediate and surrounding communities have been very enthusiastic, supportive and involved, donating time, materials, and plants.

Positive Outcomes

Community Development The scope of change the garden is a catalyst for continues to expand. An abandoned corner store with an attached house was purchased for $1. It will become a community center for the children and a general store for the neighborhood, selling healthy food to supplement the free produce from the garden.

Management Georgia Street Community Collective

INFORMATION http://georgiastreetgarden.blogspot.com/

Weekly children’s reading group at the garden Covington looks over planting beds

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 17 CONTAMINATED SOIL All People’s Garden: 293-295 East 3rd Street, East Village, New York

Who Olean For, volunteer in AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America program designed to fight poverty. Before: Contaminated vacant lot WHERE Neighborhood was degrading from drug trafficking and abuse

When 1978

Before Vacant lot

After First Plant-A-Lot (PAL) site Ceremonial rose bush trained over garden gate planted by Liz Christy and Mayor Ed Koch at garden inauguration ceremony. Stage and seating area, plaza, barbecue, patio, tool shed, mural, and gazebo

PROCESS For gathered people off the streets of all ages to build the garden. It is financed by the Council on the Environ- ment and has a long-term lease.

Challenges Due to soil contamination, the garden is strictly ornamental, resulting in year-round park like appearance. When the Giuliani administration decided After: Plant-A-Lot Garden and outdoor theatre CONTAMINATED SOIL All People’s Garden: 293-295 East 3rd Street, East Village, New York

to sell off the 114 city-owned lots for development, the garden was in danger of demolition. Unable to save the sites through litigation, The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit dedicated to conserving land for people, purchased over half of the gardens, with Bette Midler acquiring the remainder through the New York Restoration Project. Three New York City land trusts were established as the Bronx Land Trust, the Manhattan Land Trust, and the Brooklyn-Queens Land Trust. Today the garden is looking to amass funds to eliminate remove contaminants and replant the area, allowing for food crops.

Positive Outcomes Garden sign and affiliations Social Capital Boys and Girls Club Youth and teen drug prevention projects, work with teen- age first offenders Head Start Program, 4-12 year old Local artist run children’s programs

Management All People’s Garden and Manhattan Land Trust

INFORMATION http://www.cenyc.org/openspace/gardens/man/ all-peoples Ample seating to enjoy the colorful and lush garden

The garden can host a range of activities

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 19 CRIME REDUCTION My Own Back Yard: 1700 block East 11th, Vancouver, British Columbia

Who Jason O’Brien

WHERE Grandview-Woodland is home to “Little Italy” but is also known for its diversity of people, housing and land use. At the junction between two SkyTrain lines, Before: Overflowing dumpster (2003) the neighborhood contains the busiest intersection in the city.

When 2005

Before Vacant lot underneath elevated SkyTrain platform was used as a dumping ground and site for crime and drug trade.

After “Garden party every weekend” Cob shed 40 honeycomb-shaped planting beds.

PROCESS Jason gathered petitions and signed up neighbors to build a community garden in response to City of Vancouver invitation for submissions of community- oriented projects. The name is the op- posite of Not In My Back Yard, reflecting a community and action-oriented attitude. MOBY received a $93,000 grant to build the garden and future phases, which After: Garden-building party (2005) CRIME REDUCTION My Own Back Yard: 1700 block East 11th, Vancouver, British Columbia

involve a playground and greenspace adjacent to the garden to create a safe place for children and a welcome gathering space for the community.

Challenges Creating a lease agreement between TransLink and the City of Vancouver, which own 2/3 and 1/3 of the property respectively. Once this was completed, a license agreement was required with the non-profit society

Positive Outcomes

Community Development Reduction in crime and property theft Additional security through the presence of people Horticultural therapy program with drug and alcohol rehabilitation to benefit former users of site Increased activity in community projects

Social Capital Inclusive space where people can build community Cultural exchange “Bubble of positive energy” around the site

Ecology and Sustainability Removed 1200 ft2 of asphalt Stewardship of land

Management Registered non-profit society

INFORMATION http://www.myownbackyard.ca

Honeycomb-shaped beds MOBY sign welcomes all

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 21 CULTURAL EXCHANGE Intercultural Garden : 1 Cardinalplatz, Treptow-Kopenick, Berlin, Germany

Who Drawing on a strong sense of self reliance, a group of Bosnian women sought to take control of their lives, reduce Before: Vacant lot dependence on social institutions, and work for their own subsistence. Success with the initial garden in Gottingen led to the creation of the Intercultural Gardens Network, coordinated by the Stiftung In- terkultur (Intercultural Foundation), which now has over 100 projects in development and operation

WHERE Area with high rates of unemployment and state assistance, a substan- tial international community and social segregation, and significant of resident turnover.

When 2003

Before Vacant lot

After 4000 m2 with gardeners from Viet- nam, Egypt, India, Afghanistan, Hungary, the Ukraine, Bosnia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany.

After: Lush garden CULTURAL EXCHANGE Intercultural Garden : 1 Cardinalplatz, Treptow-Kopenick, Berlin, Germany

PROCESS Initiated by Intercultural Positive Outcomes Gardens Network with financing from ERTOMIS Foundation. Community Identity Facilitate greater understanding through awareness of Challenges Other intercultural the common challenges that neighbors, native and new- gardens in Berlin have been subject to comers, face. vandalism and opposition. The Lichten- Transformation in the way newcomers see themselves berg garden is guarded by police be- and the way they are perceived. AG »Interkulturellecause the Gärten far-right Treptow-Köpenick National Democratic und Brandenburg«Change in perspective regarding Germany and immi- Intercultural GardensParty, • MeȔȘȡșȪȠȡȞțȩȓ renowned ǼȑȜȞȜȒȩ for • Jardinsits opposition Interculturels • to the • Çok kültürlü bahçegrant countries of origin. increasing number of non-Germans and Dominant female role in gardening leads to re-negotia-

Förderverein Lokale AgendaMuslims 21 Treptow-Köpenick living e.in V. •Germany, Alt-Köpenick 12 • 12555 protests Berlin • Telefon it. 030 6557561 • Fax 030 65496395tion of gender relations within imported ethnic traditions, furthering integration into European society. Ultimately developing new forms of multi-ethnic identi- ties, leading to a future in which minorities will emerge from marginal roles to leadership and decision-making positions. Informal oral and informal German-language training.

Social Capital Encourage refugee and immigrant participation and activity in local society and government.

Management Indian Solidarity Association, Network for the Integration of Immigrants in Berlin, local Agenda 21 Association and Intercultural Gardens Network

INFORMATION http://www.nfpmedcenter.org/news/index.html Outdoor stove Unser Lehmofen wird eingeweiht! 2. Sommerfest im Wuhlegarten am 2. Juli 2005

Wir laden Sie herzlich ein, mit uns zu feiern … am 2. Juli 2005 von 14 bis 17 Uhr im interkulturellen Wuhlegarten am Cardinalplatz 1 in 12555 Berlin

Gefördert von der Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur 1

Die Ausländerbeauftragte Förderverein Lokale Agenda 21 Indische Solidaritätsaktion e. V. Bezirksamt Treptow-Köpenick von Berlin Treptow-Köpenick e. V. Netzwerk für Integration

Intercultural gathering space

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 23 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Group Live-In Experience: Basquiat Avenue, South Bronx, New York

Before: South Bronx vacant lot and abandoned building

Who Gary Waldron

WHERE Neighborhood had extremely high levels of unemployment and increasing disinvestment led to urban decay.

When 1981-1988

Before City-owned vacant lot with an abandoned building

After Raised beds Greenhouse that made us of innovative gardening practices such as rockwool, a porous volcanic material that increases ef- ficiency by requiring less water, less heat, and deterring pests Became a for-profit venture that supplied herbs and produce to local restaurants, markets and grocery stores

PROCESS With the help of a Federal grant, GLIE began as a nonprofit venture to help provide jobs for runaway youths.

Challenges When GLIE ran out of money the first winter, employees were so dedicated that they worked for free, sus- After: Garden beds EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Group Live-In Experience: Basquiat Avenue, South Bronx, New York

taining the company through financial troubles. Overexpansion ultimately led to the demise of GLIE. The company was unable to work efficiently enough to meet their numerous contracts. A different business model, especially non-profit, may have been able to overcome these issues.

Positive Outcomes

Community Identity Increased hope through investment in a deteriorating neighborhood. The program made use of the skills and culture of the prominent Puerto Rican community. Rockwool growing medium Community Development The project would not have been conceived without the influence of Waldron’s summers spent on Mennonite Farm though the Fresh Air program, demonstrating the lifelong impact of introducing children to agriculture. Lives of many people were touched. Given the opportu- nity to work, they excelled.

Management No longer in existence

INFORMATION http://www.horizoninternationaltv.org

Culinary greenhouse Mennonite farm

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 25 ROOF GARDEN Graze the Roof: 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, California

Who Maya Donelson

WHERE The Tenderloin is dense and compact residential, retail and nightlife neighborhood, home to a diverse and ar- tistic community and known for its signifi- Before: Unused roof cant poverty, homelessness, and crime.

When 2008

Before Unused roof

After Soil-less gardening vegetable growers, self-watering containers, and lightweight garden beds made from milk crates. Worm composting system that also ac- commodates the food scraps from the church’s kitchen, which serves 67,000 meals per month for the homeless. Educational mural by the green consulting firm 6S, depicting the gardening process from planting to harvest. Monthly tours and workshops.

PROCESS While interning at a green non- profit with green roof expertise, Donelson was encouraged to channel her interest in After: Community green space ROOF GARDEN Graze the Roof: 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, California

creating change and building sustainable Positive Outcomes communities. She applied for and was awarded a $10,000 Project Slingshot Community Development grant from Focus the Nation and Clif Bar Extra component to existing community programs to create an edible rooftop garden for Inspiration to start similar projects children and their neighborhood. Without a site in mind, she was ap- Ecology and Sustainability proached by Glide Memorial Church, a The scope of change the garden is a catalyst for con- congregation known for its progressive tinues to expand. An abandoned corner store with an politics and service to the homeless attached house was purchased for $1. It will become a population. community center for the children and a general store for the neighborhood, selling healthy food to supplement the Challenges Weight issues on the free produce from the garden. roof were the biggest concern. The garden is constructed from easily transport- Management Partnership between Glide Memorial Church able and reused materials and is de- and Bay Localize, which promotes edible rooftops and urban signed to minimize pressure on the roof. self-reliance

INFORMATION http://glide.org/GrazetheRoof.aspx

Murals and a seating area transform the rooftop garden into an urban oasis

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 27 VACANT LOT Liz Christy Community Garden: Bowery & Houston, Manhattan, New York

Who Liz Christy and Green Guerillas, a group of gardening activists involved Before: Vacant lot (1973) in planting window boxes, tree pits, and vacant lots with seed bombs

WHERE Formerly a large farm, in the 1970s the neighborhood was in an ad- vanced state of decline, with numerous abandoned and torn down buildings.

When 1973

Before Large rubble-strewn lot

After 60 raised beds Trees including a dawn redwood and grove of weeping birch Herbaceous border and wildflower habitat Pond with fish and 9 red-eared turtles Arbor and wooden furniture

PROCESS Christy and the Green Gue- rillas saw potential in the site and ap- proached the City to acquire official use of the land. On April 23, 1974 the Housing Preservation and Development office ap- proved rental of the site as Bowery Hous- ton Community Farm and Garden for $1 a month. In 1986 the garden was dedicated After: Liz Christy enjoying the garden (1974) to its founder. VACANT LOT Liz Christy Community Garden: Bowery & Houston, Manhattan, New York

Challenges Following some years of uncertainty, a local development group, Cooper Square Committee, pledged to pre- serve the garden in its entirety throughout neighborhood redevelopment. In 2002, an agreement between City of New York and New York State Attorney General preserved the garden.

Positive Outcomes

Community Development 1st community garden in New York. 1975 Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your Neighborhood Award Inspired similar projects in other boroughs.

Ecology and Sustainability Demonstrated how plants could be grown in hostile conditions

Management Green Guerillas

INFORMATION www.lizchristygarden.org/ Pond with red-eared turtles

LCBH Garden today with magnificent Dawn Redwood and Weeping Birch grove

GARDEN IS A SEED: COMMUNITY GARDENING IN DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS | 29 Image sources

Garden is a Seed Images Copyright Flatbush Gardener http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatbushgardener/2670071368/sizes/l/

Why Start a Community Garden? Image 1 Copyright Downing Street http://www.flickr.com/photos/downingstreet/3862150488 Image 2 Copyright andrew.capshaw http://www.flickr.com/photos/mendax/1574063318/ Image 3 Copyright Fallen Pegasus http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenpegasus/390737889 Image 4 Copyright ellievanhoutte http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellievanhoutte/3741650324 Image 5 Copyright Olga http://www.flickr.com/photos/__olga__/2479061168 Image 6 Copyright Fallen Pegasus http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenpegasus/390737889

Center Street Farm Images courtesy of City Slicker Farms

Neighborhood Family Practice New Agrarian Center - www.flickr.com

Union and Mechanic Groundwork Lawrence, www.flickr.com/photos/groundworklawrence

Georgia Street Community Garden Mark Covington, http://georgiastreetgarden.blogspot.com/

All People’s Garden Thanks to Mike Rezny of Open Space Greening Program, Council on the Environment of NYC for providing images.

My Own Back Yard Moby Garden - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mobygarden/

Intercultural Garden Stiftung Interkultur - http://www.stiftung-interkultur.de/eng/prop0c.htm

Group Live-In Experience Before: South Bronx vacant lot: Skyscraper Page - http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=15378 After: Garden beds: Nick Sander - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricksander/3030214073/ Rockwool: Aquagardening - http://aquagardening.com.au/images/rockwool.jpg Culinary greenhouse: budi738 - www.flickr.com/photos/budi738 Mennonite Farm: Big City Dick - http://www.flickr.com

Graze the Roof San Francisco Gate - http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2008/12/27/ After: Community green space : Green For All - http://www.flickr.com/photos/green4all/2894017006/

Liz Christy Community Garden Green Guerillas - http://www.lizchristygarden.org/lcbh_files LCBH Garden today with magnificent Dawn Redwood and Weeping Birch grove Jim Dyer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jym/2911627784/

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