#CommunityGardens and #Libraries: A Perfect Pairing

Library lawns are growing in popularity as sites for community garden projects

April 14, 2022

"#Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.

"The modern world has created a divide between people and nature. Increasingly, people don't know how or where their food originates. Many people feel #disconnected from the #NaturalWorld, and some have never planted a garden.

"But as author #MichaelPollan puts it, 'the garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.' A community garden can introduce people to #nature, #plants, and #GrowingFood in an approachable way. Engaging with a garden can teach people about the interconnected world and provide a rewarding experience and skillset.

"Libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to bring garden programming to their community. We will explore what it takes for a library to begin a community garden and some examples of successful community gardens already in place.

Starting a Garden

"A community garden is a piece of land cultivated by a group of people, either individually or collectively. These gardens are commonly found in urban settings, but similar ideas exist in rural communities.

"Libraries offer an excellent setting for a community garden. They already provide books and classes on gardening, so they are a perfect location to experiment with those ideas.

A community garden can range widely in size and scope, depending on the land and resources available by a given library. Gardeners can cultivate even a few square feet into an educational opportunity for the community. Participants can construct a full-scale community garden if a library has more room to spare.

"Constructing a garden might be intimidating to some, but even someone with no prior experience can make it happen with the community's help. Businesses and community members will often donate their time, tools, and labor to help bring a community garden to life. By reaching out to the right people, a single library staff member or community member can organize the implementation of a multi-bed community garden."

FMI - https://action.everylibrary.org/community_gardens_and_libraries_a_perfect_pairing

#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #TheCommons #MoreGardensLessLawns #growYourOwn #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity