There is a lot of activity and conversation about local food, in particular about community gardens. Most community gardens involve neighbors working a plot of land loaned for that purpose. Those who put in the work share the food that is grown and often give the excess to soup kitchens or food pantries. Sometimes the gardens are on a church or school property and provide nutrition, education, and recreation for the participants as well as the members or students.
Ordinances and regulations about community gardens range from non-existent to detailed and controlling. Some municipalities just say "No" rather than write a reasonable ordinance that would detail what is required to establish and maintain a garden. If you're thinking about establishing a community garden, talk first with your local zoning staff to find out what is required.
Many municipalities are getting in the act, planting gardens in their green spaces. Some take it to a higher level, planting not only to make the food available for eating but also using the plants as landscaping in flower beds and planters around the city.
Growing a garden is a lot of work for a single homeowner or family. But coming together with neighbors to work a garden, and sharing information and the food grown, brings neighbors together, gives great satisfaction to those involved and even to those who are living nearby a community garden.
Not much is more beautiful than a well tended garden planted with a variety of food that feeds the eyes, the stomach and the soul.
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