Community Gardens Raise Retail Value
I ran out of bobbin thread while making some napkins, so decided to hop on and post a 'guest viewpoint' I submitted to our local paper. Since it has not shown up in the paper, I'm guessing it won't be published. Which, on one hand, I don't care. But on the other hand, it is of pretty significant importance that communities throughout the country know this. So, here it is...
After reading a study published by the Furman Center at NYU, I have found it very possible for Broome County to increase its standing in the nation, as well as among its citizens. From an increase in property values to improved health of the gardens’ participants to a reduction in crime, there are virtually no reasons why there couldn’t be an explosion of community gardens come spring.
Rural gardens increase surrounding property values about 1.5% while urban gardens saw an increase of 9% within a 3-block radius. The reasons stated were numerous. A larger sense of community was fostered through the group effort of community gardens. Gardens fostered an increased sense of pride with a decrease in littering and an increased maintenance of personal green spaces. It also helped decrease crime – due to intangible factors.
The well being of the gardens’ members also improved. Physically, they were more active than non-members, causing blood pressure and blood sugar to decrease. There was also a decrease in general illnesses, resulting in less time off from work. The gardens’ members consumed more fruits and vegetables, both from the garden and purchased elsewhere, preferring the new diet to the old one with much more high fat and high sugar foods. Emotionally, members had less depression and more sense of personal accomplishment and pride. This came about from an increased social network, being active in sunlight rather than artificial light and witnessing the miracle of cultivating their own food.
Dating back to 1973, Organic Gardening and Farming magazine extolled the virtues of community gardens for all of the reasons stated above, as well as improving the lives of at-risk youth, life for the urban poor and real-life studies for students from grade school to university. Their mission was “A Garden at Every School.” More recently, this past year saw a 20%-30% increase in seed sales nationwide. I hope and suspect this trend will continue, due to our economic climate.
I was one of the many who either planted new or expanded their current garden plots. By purchasing $15 worth of vegetable seeds, my family (3) ate fresh vegetables throughout the summer and stored more than 3 months worth at a savings of $500. Mine is not a large garden, but merely 18’x32’. If we had more storage capabilities, more would have been saved from this small plot. However, the extra produce was given to our local police department, the SOS Shelter, Meals on Wheels, family and friends. We continue to harvest beets and Swiss chard, and will until the ground is frozen, proving our growing season is longer than most realize.
Our county, city, town and village governments need to avail portions of open parkland, as well as any seized private properties to neighborhoods wishing to start gardens of their own. School districts, BCC and BU all have large spaces that could be utilized by students and faculty alike. Broome County Jail would be wise to research an inmate run garden, which has proven successful throughout the nation.
Neighborhoods considering a community garden can approach their local government, church, school or private landowner for a parcel to use. And while starting a community garden may seem like a daunting task, the efforts are well rewarded for years to come. Starting the process now is key. Post signs to advertise a meeting for interested neighbors. Designate a lead person who will handle information while assigning tasks to others so no one person is saddled with the entire responsibility. Call your local cooperative extension office and gardening clubs for advice. Research details online so you’re not ‘reinventing the wheel.’ If you are able to locate a plot of land that has been approved by the owner, begin clean up now so you are able to plant your gardens even earlier.
A community garden is so much more than just an increase in property values or saving on your grocery bill. It’s about hope, building up of families and neighborhoods, and discovering the value of being out in the fresh air with people who share a common interest.
By starting now, you will discover what experienced gardeners already know – the winter will be spent dreaming of the garden that is has already sprouted in spirit. The joy of deciding what to grow, what variety of each vegetable or flower, where it will be placed in the plot and the future enjoyment of watching it grow. The possibilities the soil has stored up for you are endless.
Links for more information:
Starting a Community Garden
Using A Vacant Lot
Adopt Existing Gardens
Starting A School Garden
Edible School Yard
After reading a study published by the Furman Center at NYU, I have found it very possible for Broome County to increase its standing in the nation, as well as among its citizens. From an increase in property values to improved health of the gardens’ participants to a reduction in crime, there are virtually no reasons why there couldn’t be an explosion of community gardens come spring.
Rural gardens increase surrounding property values about 1.5% while urban gardens saw an increase of 9% within a 3-block radius. The reasons stated were numerous. A larger sense of community was fostered through the group effort of community gardens. Gardens fostered an increased sense of pride with a decrease in littering and an increased maintenance of personal green spaces. It also helped decrease crime – due to intangible factors.
The well being of the gardens’ members also improved. Physically, they were more active than non-members, causing blood pressure and blood sugar to decrease. There was also a decrease in general illnesses, resulting in less time off from work. The gardens’ members consumed more fruits and vegetables, both from the garden and purchased elsewhere, preferring the new diet to the old one with much more high fat and high sugar foods. Emotionally, members had less depression and more sense of personal accomplishment and pride. This came about from an increased social network, being active in sunlight rather than artificial light and witnessing the miracle of cultivating their own food.
Dating back to 1973, Organic Gardening and Farming magazine extolled the virtues of community gardens for all of the reasons stated above, as well as improving the lives of at-risk youth, life for the urban poor and real-life studies for students from grade school to university. Their mission was “A Garden at Every School.” More recently, this past year saw a 20%-30% increase in seed sales nationwide. I hope and suspect this trend will continue, due to our economic climate.
I was one of the many who either planted new or expanded their current garden plots. By purchasing $15 worth of vegetable seeds, my family (3) ate fresh vegetables throughout the summer and stored more than 3 months worth at a savings of $500. Mine is not a large garden, but merely 18’x32’. If we had more storage capabilities, more would have been saved from this small plot. However, the extra produce was given to our local police department, the SOS Shelter, Meals on Wheels, family and friends. We continue to harvest beets and Swiss chard, and will until the ground is frozen, proving our growing season is longer than most realize.
Our county, city, town and village governments need to avail portions of open parkland, as well as any seized private properties to neighborhoods wishing to start gardens of their own. School districts, BCC and BU all have large spaces that could be utilized by students and faculty alike. Broome County Jail would be wise to research an inmate run garden, which has proven successful throughout the nation.
Neighborhoods considering a community garden can approach their local government, church, school or private landowner for a parcel to use. And while starting a community garden may seem like a daunting task, the efforts are well rewarded for years to come. Starting the process now is key. Post signs to advertise a meeting for interested neighbors. Designate a lead person who will handle information while assigning tasks to others so no one person is saddled with the entire responsibility. Call your local cooperative extension office and gardening clubs for advice. Research details online so you’re not ‘reinventing the wheel.’ If you are able to locate a plot of land that has been approved by the owner, begin clean up now so you are able to plant your gardens even earlier.
A community garden is so much more than just an increase in property values or saving on your grocery bill. It’s about hope, building up of families and neighborhoods, and discovering the value of being out in the fresh air with people who share a common interest.
By starting now, you will discover what experienced gardeners already know – the winter will be spent dreaming of the garden that is has already sprouted in spirit. The joy of deciding what to grow, what variety of each vegetable or flower, where it will be placed in the plot and the future enjoyment of watching it grow. The possibilities the soil has stored up for you are endless.
Links for more information:
Starting a Community Garden
Using A Vacant Lot
Adopt Existing Gardens
Starting A School Garden
Edible School Yard
Labels: community, gardening, sustainability
posted by Leslie at
9:35 PM
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