By: H. Davis
Within the past two decades, there has been a growing trend of people wanting to connect more with Mother Nature and create a more sustainable society by improving their local food system. Because of this, a variety of spaces are now being created in urban neighborhoods all across the globe to help locals create a more eco-friendly environment. Vacant lot and rooftop gardens are now appearing in urban and suburban environments. Spaces that are unused are being converted into habitats that support gardening.
Part of this agricultural movement is the development of community gardens. In fact, community gardens are now popping up in places like offices, industrial locations, libraries and schools.
So, what is a community garden?
Well, a community garden is typically a piece of land or lot that’s shared by community members who enjoy gardening. The garden can either be locally owned by a group of individuals or owned by a larger governing body like a city council. Although each garden varies depending on the region, gardens typically provide communities with an opportunity to get fresh produce and plants. It’s also a great way to connect with other residents and get kids involved in the process by encouraging them to eat healthier.
The Benefits of Community Gardens
Community Gardens Provide Healthier Food Choices: It should come as no surprise that community gardens add great value to neighborhoods by bringing residents together and providing members of the community with an opportunity to enjoy nutritious food. That said, people who garden on the daily basis, or live with someone who gardens, tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than individuals who don’t. In a recent survey done in Flint, Michigan, researchers found that while 17.8 percent of participants from non-gardening areas ate fruits and vegetables, that number rose to 32.4 percent in places where household gardening was present.
Community Gardens Can Improve Property Value: Did you know that community gardens increase neighboring property values? They can add tens of thousands of dollars to the value of a property. This makes it one of few home improvements owners can make that not only adds value to their property immediately, but increases the value over a period of time. So, while the idea of getting designers to come out to your home to help improve the look of things sounds tempting, gardens can do the same thing.
Just how much do community garden impact the property value? Well, a study done by the University of New York, found that community gardens had an immediate impact on property values within 1,000 feet of the garden. Additionally, the study also found these effects were strongest in lower-income neighborhoods. This means that property values within New York City’s poorest neighborhoods saw an increase of 9.5 percent throughout the five-year study. The most interesting part, however, was that the effect saw an increase each year. In fact, as each year went by, the prices of nearby properties saw an increase in their value.
Shared Gardens Improve Health Benefits: Since most people now live in urban areas, community gardens can be used as a way for individuals to escape the concrete jungle and the craziness of the city. That being said, gardening itself has been known to help individuals relieve stress, fight depression, build self-esteem, and improve physical health as well.
Aside from help individuals improve their mental health, gardening is also a great way for people to get out and get some exercise. Think about it: there are lots of movements involved when someone is gardening, and while they might not be lifting wheelbarrows, digging, planting, and weeding, it does require strengthening and stretching. Both of these are excellent ways to get the body up and moving. In theory, the sight, smell, and sound of the garden are believed to promote relaxation and reduce stress in the long run.
Shared Gardens Builds Teamwork and Improve Relationships: Gardening with neighbors is more than just about growing plants; it’s about establishing teamwork throughout the process. Whether you have your own personal garden or enjoy helping out in the community garden, you should know that gardening will do more than just stretch your budget. A community garden, for example, is an ideal place for learning valuable lessons in a way that’s both exciting and hands-on. With that in mind, it’s important to note that gardening can become a big responsibility if it’s left up to one person.
Fortunately, out of the many benefits gardening has to offer, shared responsibility is one of them. This doesn’t mean divvying up specific tasks for other group members to follow. Instead, it means being courteous of those around you and staying organized. This, however, is much easier said than done. When it comes to organization, it’s important to think outside the box and map out ways you plan on helping. Being organized also means staying on the ball even when others aren’t. So, if you live in a community that has a shed or recreation center, for instance, make sure someone is keeping it organized, especially since these amenities aren’t common.
While things like sheds can be a key part of gardening for organizational purposes, the truth is, they’re not always given the recognition they deserve. In theory, people who care for nature are also likely to care for others and form shared bonds that result from common interest. This means that being around plants can not only improve the environment, but your relationships with others as well, which strengthens the community’s teamwork.
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H. Davis enjoys being active and finds any excuse to go outside and explore the outdoors. If you can’t catch him online, you might be able to catch him working out at the gym or cheering on the Boise State Broncos. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241. Thanks!