Finding Common Ground: Community Garden As Connector Between Culture, Nature, And The Individual

Date

2007-08-23T01:56:45Z

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Landscape Architecture

Abstract

In the vacant spaces between buildings, in the corners of school yards, in open fields - wherever community gardens are deliberately placed - the space between culture and nature grows smaller. Closing this gap can come about on the common ground created in a collaborative spirit: the community changes the space, and then the space ultimately changes the community. This is the connective power of the humble community garden. This study finds that in urban environments, a community garden can be the link between individuals and their community, and between people and nature, imparting health of body and mind, feelings of belonging and social connection, and a sense of stewardship for the environment. This is the story of how community gardens are about much more than growing food. This study explores the changing approaches to community gardening by residents and cities, and landscape architect's role in their creation.

Description

Keywords

Citation