A humble beginning, a simple start, and conversation by conversation, the Coalition of Community Gardens Tampa Bay Area has grown to include gardens and gardeners from five (5) counties in west-central Florida. Our commitment remains strong to our original mission and we continue to have remarkable experiences. Here are a few more examples:
The Coalition of Community Gardens contracted with three (3) University of South Florida Patel School of Sustainability interns for the spring semester (January through April 2021). Each student was assigned to assist in the completion of a project identified in the Action Plan. Intern Rhiza Jose Morales is working on Policy development; Intern Chloe O’Haire has been working with Coordinator Karen Elizabeth Bornstine on scheduling and installation of the Front Yard Garden Program; Gloria Eroghene Aghware is working on education and outreach. The interns were instrumental in the achievements made in that quarter.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture has been a strong partner for the community workshops, providing educational handouts, conducting six (6) workshops, and follow-up for community interests as needed. Ms. Chloe O’Haire and Ms. Eroghene Aghware have worked closely with the Extension agents to discuss current educational programs offered by the Extension office.
We continue coordination with the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger. We continue to grow our strong alliance with the Florida Food Forum to learn and share successful policy approaches to ensure equity in the access to “good food”.
Additionally, partner container gardens have been installed at the C Blythe Andrews Jr. Library, Advent Health Clinic, Woodson K-8 School, and the Tampa Police District 3 station.
Here are a few comments from some of our front yard gardeners:
"[I am] enjoying the garden very much."
"[I am] encouraging neighbors to participate."
"I am happy to have the yard sign and very happy with how everything is growing."
"We are spreading the word in our neighborhood and church"
"There are no words to express my gratitude in being introduced to my container garden, I have shown pics of my plants from here to Texas. I am outside every day enjoying the plants, I continue to share the bounty with others.”
I’m enjoying my garden and looking forward to my first harvest.”
"I like the Healthy 22nd Street sign and I love the colors of my new garden."
The terms most mentioned include: enjoy; encourage others to participate; sharing harvest; like/love.
The conclusion is simple and unmistakable. Gardening is enjoyable and brings joy to people. The benefits are far greater than our original mission and we continue to discover more.
The American Association of Community Gardens (www.communitygarden.org) is a rich resource for anyone interested in getting a start with community gardens or private gardens.
Here is a brief outline of some of the steps that we recommend to create a garden:
1. Form a Planning Committee.
Determine if there is a need and desire for a garden.
What kind of garden--vegetable, flower, trees, a combination?
Who will the garden serve--kids, seniors, special populations, people who just want an alternative to trash?
If the project is meant to benefit a particular group or neighborhood, the group must be involved in all phases.
2. Organize a meeting of interested people.
Choose a well-organized garden coordinator- this is the secret to success.
Form committees to accomplish tasks: Funding & Resource Development; Youth Activities; Construction; Communication.
3. Approach a sponsor.
A sponsor is an individual or organization that supports a community garden.
Site sponsorship can be a tremendous asset.
Contributions of land, tools, seeds, fencing, soil improvements, or money are all vital to a successful community garden.
Some community gardens can provide most of their provisions through fees charged to the membership; but for many, a garden sponsor is essential.
Churches, schools, citizens groups, private businesses, local parks, and recreation departments are all potential supporters.
Community Development Block Grants are sometimes available through your municipality.
4. Make a list of what needs to be done.
5. Find a garden site.
6. Obtain a lease or agreement from the owner.
7. Decide on a mailing address and central telephone number(s).
Try to have at least 3 people who are very familiar with all pertinent information. Form a telephone tree.
If your community garden has a budget, keep the administration in the hands of several people.
8. Choose a name for the garden.
9. Layout garden to place flower or shrub beds around the visible perimeter.
This helps to promote goodwill with non-gardening neighbors, passersby, and municipal authorities.
RESOURCES: The American Association of Community Gardens (www.communitygarden.org)
Give yourself a gift and try community gardening, for your health, for your community, for the planet.
To learn more about the work of the Coalition of Community Gardens Tampa Bay please visit https://www.facebook.com/communitygardencoalition12345/.
#gardeningtherapy #gardeningseason #gardeningisfun #community #love #family #fooddesert #food #disease #empowerment #health
10212021A4/4
Next week - A new blog story for November, 'Thankful' and the first installment 'Giving back with an attitude of compassion, humbleness and equality'.
This is one part of a multi-part story. To view past installments and other stories, please visit our blog, Learn-Engage-Empower at im4u.world and subscribe to get the stories delivered weekly to your inbox.
This story is among many that inspired us to create im4u.world, an ambitious project to build positive and constructive conversations around the world, share learning experiences to create real change at the local level. It is easy to join us. Simply start by filling out our Global Survey, a short 15 question survey asking you what the most important issues are facing humanity. Your voice matters and we are listening.
Comments