Permaculture community gardens

Community gardens are not a new concept, but in recent years they have gained increased attention as people seek sustainable ways to live and work together. A community garden is a shared piece of land that is worked by members of the community who are interested in growing food, ornamental plants or other vegetation. The gardeners share in the work and in the harvest, making it a collaborative effort that has far-reaching benefits.

The purpose of community gardens is multi-fold. They provide access to fresh, healthy produce that is often not available in urban areas. They also foster a sense of community among participants, who come together to work, share knowledge, and socialize. Community gardens can also serve as educational opportunities for children and adults, teaching them about plant growth and sustainability.

Community gardens have a long history, dating back to the 19th century when they were established as a way to provide food for the poor in urban areas. During World War II, victory gardens were popular in the United States and other countries as a way to supplement food supplies during wartime. In the 1960s and 1970s, community gardens became a way to reclaim abandoned lots in cities and create green space for residents.

Sustainable living is a core principle of community gardens. By growing their own food, participants reduce their reliance on industrial agriculture, which often uses harmful chemicals and contributes to climate change.

Community gardens also encourage the use of organic and natural methods of gardening, such as composting and using companion plants to control pests.

Permaculture principles tie in closely with community gardens. Permaculture is a philosophy of sustainable design that emphasizes working with nature rather than against it. Permaculture principles that can be applied to community gardens include:

1. Observe and interact: By observing the land and its natural systems, gardeners can work with nature to create a sustainable garden.
2. Use and value renewable resources and services: Community gardens can use renewable resources such as rainwater and compost to nourish plants.
3. Produce no waste: By composting and using organic methods of gardening, community gardens can produce no waste and create a closed loop system.
4. Design from patterns to details: By designing a garden with the natural patterns of the land in mind, community gardens can create a harmonious and sustainable system.
5. Use small and slow solutions: Small, local solutions are often more effective and sustainable than large-scale ones.
6. Use and value diversity: By growing a variety of plants, community gardens can create a healthy ecosystem that supports beneficial insects and animals.
7. Use edges and value the marginal: By using the edges of a garden, such as the borders or corners, community gardens can create additional growing space and diversity.

Cultivating community gardens in all places can be a challenge, but it is possible with dedication and perseverance. In urban areas, community gardens can be established on vacant lots or on rooftops. In rural areas, community gardens can be established on unused farmland or as part of a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.

One interesting example of a successful community garden is the South Central Farmers Cooperative in Los Angeles, California. This community garden was established on a 14-acre plot of land that had been left vacant for years.

The gardeners, most of whom were immigrants, used organic methods to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including traditional crops from their home countries.

The South Central Farmers Cooperative became a symbol of hope and empowerment for the local community, but in 2006 the land was sold to a developer and the garden was bulldozed.

The gardeners and their supporters fought to save the garden, but ultimately they were unsuccessful. Despite the loss of the garden, the community that had been built around it continued to thrive and support one another.

Another example of a successful community garden is the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, Washington. This community garden was established in 2012 on a seven-acre plot of land that had previously been a golf course. The garden is based on the permaculture principles of sustainability and community involvement.

The Beacon Food Forest is not just a place to grow food, but a place to build community. The garden hosts regular events, workshops, and classes on topics related to gardening, cooking, and sustainability. The food grown in the garden is available for anyone in the community to harvest, and the garden is run by a group of volunteers who work together to maintain the space.

Community gardens have many benefits, both for individuals and for society as a whole. They provide access to fresh, healthy produce, and can reduce our reliance on industrial agriculture. They create a sense of community among participants, who come together to work and learn from one another. Community gardens also promote sustainable living by using organic and natural methods of gardening.

In order to cultivate community gardens in all places, it is important to start small and work with the resources that are available. This might mean using an unused plot of land, starting a garden in a window box or on a balcony, or joining an existing community garden. By working together, we can create sustainable and resilient communities that are connected to the land and to one another.

One important consideration when starting a community garden is to ensure that it is accessible to all members of the community. This might mean choosing a location that is close to public transportation, or ensuring that the garden is wheelchair accessible. It is also important to create a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the needs and interests of all participants.

Another key factor in creating a successful community garden is to establish clear guidelines and protocols for how the garden will be managed and maintained. This might include rules around harvesting and sharing produce, as well as guidelines for composting and using natural methods of gardening.

There are many resources available for individuals and groups who are interested in starting a community garden. Local gardening organizations, agricultural extension services, and community centers are all good places to start. There are also many online resources and forums where gardeners can share tips, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded individuals.

In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of community gardens, it is important to build strong partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and institutions. This might include working with local schools to provide gardening education to students, partnering with food banks to distribute excess produce, or collaborating with local restaurants and markets to sell produce.

Overall, community gardens are a powerful tool for promoting sustainable living, building community, and connecting people to the land. By working together to create and maintain these shared spaces, we can create vibrant and resilient communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of the future. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice, there is a place for you in the world of community gardens. So grab a shovel, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to dig in!

In conclusion, community gardens have a rich history of promoting sustainable living, building community, and providing access to fresh, healthy produce. Permaculture principles align well with the goals of community gardens, as they emphasize the importance of working with natural systems and building resilient and sustainable communities.

Whether you are interested in starting your own community garden, joining an existing garden, or simply learning more about the benefits of sustainable living, there are many resources available to help you get started.

Community gardens offer a unique opportunity for individuals and communities to come together, connect with the land, and build resilient and sustainable communities.

They are an important tool for promoting food security, reducing our reliance on industrial agriculture, and building a more just and equitable food system. By working together to create and maintain these shared spaces, we can create a better world for ourselves, our communities, and future generations.