A community garden (def): a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people
A community garden means many things to many people. For some, a community garden is a place to grow food, flowers and herbs in the company of friends and neighbors. For others, it's a place to reconnect with nature or get physical exercise. Some use community gardens because they lack adequate space at their house or apartment to have a garden. Others take part in community gardening to build or revitalize a sense of community among neighbors.
Further, community gardens are proven to be key locations for community gatherings, cultural opportunities, health benefits, preserving green space, and youth engagement. The first community garden we cultivated is located in the heart of Mt Vernon, Kentucky.
A community garden means many things to many people. For some, a community garden is a place to grow food, flowers and herbs in the company of friends and neighbors. For others, it's a place to reconnect with nature or get physical exercise. Some use community gardens because they lack adequate space at their house or apartment to have a garden. Others take part in community gardening to build or revitalize a sense of community among neighbors.
Further, community gardens are proven to be key locations for community gatherings, cultural opportunities, health benefits, preserving green space, and youth engagement. The first community garden we cultivated is located in the heart of Mt Vernon, Kentucky.
History
In 2012, ASPI worked with several partners to create two community garden sites as a pilot project. The Community Garden project was in conjunction with our Grow Appalachia Program.
A community garden is as much about "community" as it is "gardening;" we wanted to help create the space for several reasons. Some of our Grow Appalachia participants didn't have garden space, and the garden location is ideal for education and demonstration.
We secured funding through Healthy Communities for a sign and some raised beds, and the land was donated for use by the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority. In 2013, we built plots for five families, all participants in Grow Appalachia. The farmer's market is located next to the garden site in the summer, so we researched how to engage the wider community at the space. In 2013, we piloted a sustainable food systems high school intern program. Our high school interns worked in several plots and sold the produce at the adjacent Rockcastle County Farmer's Market. We held several events that were open to the community. We applied for grants to expand the reach of the garden through educational signage, infrastructure, and additional garden sites throughout the county.
In 2012, ASPI worked with several partners to create two community garden sites as a pilot project. The Community Garden project was in conjunction with our Grow Appalachia Program.
A community garden is as much about "community" as it is "gardening;" we wanted to help create the space for several reasons. Some of our Grow Appalachia participants didn't have garden space, and the garden location is ideal for education and demonstration.
We secured funding through Healthy Communities for a sign and some raised beds, and the land was donated for use by the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority. In 2013, we built plots for five families, all participants in Grow Appalachia. The farmer's market is located next to the garden site in the summer, so we researched how to engage the wider community at the space. In 2013, we piloted a sustainable food systems high school intern program. Our high school interns worked in several plots and sold the produce at the adjacent Rockcastle County Farmer's Market. We held several events that were open to the community. We applied for grants to expand the reach of the garden through educational signage, infrastructure, and additional garden sites throughout the county.
