I was surprised to hear the words coming from his mouth only because they were so similar to words that I had used a week earlier in blogging about my community. “There is so much bad news in the world, that it’s great to have this garden – this is good.” Here I was in Miami Beach, FL seeking a good story and here was a good story and someone who feels exactly as I do telling it.
Victory Garden
This is one of the few spots East of the Mississippi where there is no snow right now. And, I was here to meet up with wonderful friends who each came from a different direction. Miami beach is both hip and tranquil. You can find an abundance of hot spots or a still zen setting or in the case of Agrigirl, you can seek out community.
The Joseph J. Vallari Victory Garden is a community garden dedicated to the memory of the men and women who were stationed in training camps in Miami Beach during WWII. The garden is under the jurisdiction of the City of Miami Parks and Recreation but operates under the care of a dedicated team of community volunteers. I reached out to one of those volunteers, Jerome Duran, via the Victory Garden facebook page.
Jerome Duran, Victory Garden Community Board Member
Their garden has about 50 plots and for the first time in a while, it is full thanks to the volunteers who take this endeavor seriously. One of the biggest issues is that many people see their plot as an extension of private property. Hence, if there is an individual who is letting weeds go rampant or not using best planting practices, it’s often difficult to achieve resolution. One thing that Jerome and his comrades have found that works well is the idea of a buddy system. When someone is struggling, they are paired up with someone else who understands basic gardening principles.
The second Saturday of each month is a community work-day where weeds are picked, marigolds are dead-headed and general clean-up takes place. The marigold seeds are spread in boxes throughout in order to act as natural pest repellants. They cultivate worms for sharing and harvest rainwater although their current configuration of pulling rainwater in from one of the nearby roofs may in fact, bring about too much salt – given their proximity to the ocean. Wind and salt are elements that this group has to combat as both are soil drying.
Jerome has been gardening long enough to know what grows well and what doesn’t. He’s also zeroed in on the importance of soil preparation and works his frequently. And during the time that he’s been a participant in this garden, he’s noticed a change. People are hanging out at the garden. In fact, he views it as so central to his community that he’s working to get benches and picnic tables installed. In addition, he’s planted fruit trees around the garden that he’s hoping will have a future yield. Most importantly, Jerome eats from his garden every day and has such an abundance in his plot that he gives fresh produce to friends and neighbors.
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- Jerome’s Power Greens
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- Worms
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- A Ripe One
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- Early Fennel?
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- Broccoli
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- The Long View
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- Commemorative Plaque
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- It’s not just vegetables
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- Grow Vitamins!
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- Victory Garden
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- Jerome Duran, Victory Garden Community Board Member
The USDA has a wealth of resources for individuals or neighborhoods that are interested in exploring the Community Garden concept. As evidenced in Miami Beach, Community gardens can beautify neighborhoods and have the power to help bring neighbors closer together. As the Desert Botanical Garden explores a Community Gardening Initiative this year, I’m interested in learning more.
Do you have a community garden where you live or is it a concept that you might explore in the future?
Agrigirl's Blog 
Myrna Greenfield
/ January 19, 2011This is inspiring! There are lots of community gardens in Boston but I haven’t heard of any with such a strong emphasis on community.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I’d love to hear about a couple of your better ones.
Cindy
/ January 19, 2011A very good project. (btw; your top two pics aren’t showing.)
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I think I have the pics fixed now Cindy. Thanks for letting me know.
authorjaneward
/ January 19, 2011Hi Myrna, I’m also from the Boston area. Hi to you, too, Tammy. A friend works for a social service organization in the city that, last summer, launched a community garden as part of their efforts to provide food and industry for the people they work with. I’ll have to find the name and location of the garden and pass it along. It’s fledgling but a solid idea.
Of course, this is also a way to nudge Agrigirl into a New England road trip!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011That would be great!
Melissa
/ January 19, 2011That’s great! I could use a gardening buddy-system.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011We all could!
herbanlifestyle
/ January 19, 2011What a great story! Your photos are wonderful, and are making me long for springtime so that I can get started on my garden again!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Come to the warm country. We’re planting now.
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife
/ January 19, 2011I have heard of this, and we have somewhat of a community garden, which is grown and tended to by the neighboring Hutterite colonies. For the most part, however, people around here have their own gardens.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I’ll have to check out the Hutterite colonies.
Lakia Gordon
/ January 19, 2011I really love the concept and the meaning behind the garden! Thanks for sharing.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011You’re welcome.
Mikalee Byerman
/ January 19, 2011We have a few public schools in our district that have started a community garden — what a great lesson for young children!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I love teaching this to kids at an early stage.
theeclecticwoman
/ January 19, 2011Ditto herbanlifestyle! I cannot wait to start my own garden. I am determined to get most of our produce this year, and every year, from our backyard.
We live too far from a community garden (I checked after I read your post). Maybe I can start one in my neighborhood. It’s huge! We have two schools and a fire department, all brand new. I’m gonna research how to get one started.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011If you do start one, please let me know.
I Made You A Mixtape
/ January 19, 2011Very inspiring read and a wonderful example of a comminuty spirit. The idea of a buddy system is a fabulous one. This is my “good news story” of the day!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I love being someone’s good news story.
humanitarikim
/ January 19, 2011I wish we had something like this in my community. I am so ready for spring, also! Can’t wait to get my hands back into the earth. 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011It does feel good, doesn’t it?
notesfromrumbleycottage
/ January 19, 2011This sounds like a wonderful program. I like the idea of pairing of newbie with someone who is knowledgable, makes the experience more productive. Congrats on being freshly pressed.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Thank you. It was a big surprise.
Ollin
/ January 19, 2011I visited a community garden and long beach and the caretaker explained how all the plants were meant to represent the different types of communities that live in that area. So there were African plants, Latin American plants, etc. The garden was symbol of the community coming together and doing something positive. It was very inspiring and the first time that I realized how powerful gardening was–as a healing tool.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011That’s a great concept. Do you remember where in Long Beach? We all typically think of vegetable gardens but what you’re describing is another take on a community garden.
Connie T
/ January 19, 2011I love to have a garden. My garden last year did not do very good. Too much rain. I have since move to Arizona and live in an Apartment. I miss Florida and the wonderful veggies I can buy and grow there.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I live in AZ too and am hopeful to be involved in the start of a new community gardent.
gvisionaries
/ January 19, 2011@agrigirl:
Let me introduce ourselves. We are Global Visionaries, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Seattle, WA.
We are a youth leadership organization dedicated to providing high school students with training and service projects to help make them the future leaders of our world.
One of our work team projects is called “Local Roots,” where we teach our students the basics of sustainable agriculture. When I stumbled upon your blog, I was immediately intrigued.
We do not have a community garden of our own, but it is definitely something we can explore in the future.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I’d love to hear more about your work. I think working through high school students is a wonderful concept.
nursemyra
/ January 19, 2011Very uplifting start to my day Tammy
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I’m glad you liked it!
dearexgirlfriend
/ January 19, 2011i live in a condo development, and youve inspired me to pitch a community garden to our board next meeting, thanks!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Let me know how it goes.
dellagation
/ January 19, 2011Hi Tammy:
This is a great idea, inspired and new to me, I’ll admit. 🙂 Thank you for adding a colorful garden of words to the canvas of our day!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011You are welcome. I think you might remember me writing about this type of thing in our journaling class.
Hannah
/ January 19, 2011What a fantastic read! I haven’t heard of any community gardens here in Canberra, but it might be time to start asking around and finding out…
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Let me know what you find out Hannah.
Goodie Girls
/ January 19, 2011What an amazing story and I really appreciate you bringing this GOOD news to us! I tend not to watch the news at all because its either bad or gossip. Now THIS is news worth reporting on! THANK YOU!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011You are welcome goodiegirl.
Tim Rueb
/ January 19, 2011Great post. I also agree, your post is very inspiring. I live in Michigan and would love to have something like this, including indoor capabilities for our below freezing winters.
Good luck on the Post a Week goal for the year.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Thanks Tim. That might be a fun future blog on the indoor capabilities. Thanks for the idea.
nrhatch
/ January 19, 2011Awesome!
Glad that you enjoyed your trip to the Sunshine State. Maybe we can hook up next time. 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011Thanks Nancy. I look forward to hooking up!
julieye
/ January 19, 2011My mother is also a gardener. She cultivated of good plants. She can grow a lot of plants in the garden.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011That is wonderful.
herbanlifestyle
/ January 19, 2011Congratulations, by the way, for making it onto the WordPress Freshly Pressed page! It’s a testament to your wonderful blogging!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Thanks so much – very exciting.
Jean
/ January 19, 2011You maybe interested to know that City of Vancouver, British Columbia, surpassed their goal of 2,500 community gardens. http://insidevancouver.ca/2010/03/31/touring-vancouver%e2%80%99s-community-gardens-by-cycling-or-walking/ They originally set a goal of 2, 010 gardens to coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics.
By coincidence and happenstance the city’s community gardens are located near city bike routes. There’s even a map that twin the 2 together for self-guided tours.
I like your template..like mine. 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Great resource Jean. Thank you. I didn’t know about Vancouver but I’m not surprised. I want to visit this summer so that I can see it for myself.
Jean
/ January 19, 2011There is a series of community gardens created in late 2009, on the front lawn of Vancouver city hall that is right by a bike route, Tammy.
The mayor declared that the front lawn be put to better use.
He used to be a farmer, then health food entrepreneur (Happy Planet drinks) before he became mayor. He bikes to city hall daily for work from home.
artwithmeaning
/ January 19, 2011Thanks for the article on community gardening, I’m looking forward to participating in one myself once I finish a master gardener course I’m taking!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011How great that you’re taking that class. My sister in law did that and she learned so much.
Em
/ January 19, 2011Congratulations for highlighting this important topic. I have also been writing about various ways people can garden – indoors and out – often regardless of season.
My city has some CSA plots, but not nearly as many as are requested. I think some carefully-chosen areas in public parks should also be commandeered.
My city just did a tiny bit of that and some are not near bus lines. One is near a community center, but they didn’t have a large enough block to do all they should have, so many useful gardening options won’t be able to be applied there. These gardens are NEEDED now more than ever and should always be a part of real City Planning. There’s lots of fallow land, any where, that could be connected to water and put into production. Time to advocate.
Nearby Portland, OR has a better, much longer-established program, and they are worth tapping for information.
Best to all — Em
http://diabetesdietdialogue.wordpress.com
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I’ll check out some of your posts. I’m interested in the indoor topic that you’re discussing.
pallet racking
/ January 19, 2011it’s really a very good project, thanks for sharing.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011You are very welcome.
montucky
/ January 19, 2011What a great “good news” story! Interesting and exciting post!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Thank you for reading it. I also think it’s an interesting story and love the good news.
Sarah Hanlon
/ January 19, 2011I’m so glad you brought a topic like this to light. Community projects like gardens and markets don’t get the press they deserve, which means they lose business all the time. In this era we think everything just appears on grocery shelves… we’ve lost touch with our need to respect the earth and realize that food actually takes work to create.
Awesome post! 😀
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011Yes connecting to our food and where it comes is a very noble task.
Paige
/ January 19, 2011This is such a wonderful thing. I’d love to do this. I’m not sure I would be able to organize it for the community but it might be worth trying…
Tammy McLeod
/ January 19, 2011I think there are some guides and good information about what works and what doesn’t so it won’t be as hard as it was for others.
acleansurface
/ January 20, 2011A very fine idea and a very fine story. Thank you.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011You are welcome.
SherryGreens
/ January 20, 2011Gardening is such a wonderful thing to do as a community. Grow food, share, love. Mmmm.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011It is a good thing to do but I don’t think it’s as easy as many think. That’s why I’m seeking out stories of those who are successful at it.
foodblogandthedog
/ January 20, 2011I walk past small farms/allotments every day wishing I had the space/knowledge to do it myself. At the moment we have some fennel, broccoli, spring onions and herbs growing in pots on our roof terrace, it’s very exciting! It just makes me want to do more. I was thinking about asking someone who doesn’t use their land if they would let us plant some seedlings and they could share in the harvest….Congrats on your front page by the way, well done!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011From what I know it seems that many start by asking someone they don’t know for the opportunity to use their land.
Brandon
/ January 20, 2011This is a very inspiring post Tammy and congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
It seems that in this tough economic time a community garden is a great way to bring people together for a productive purpose that improves the community.
The township I currently live in has a community garden that is available to all residents through a random-drawing lottery system. The plots are about 20’ x 20’ and there are about 50 plots to go around. Unfortunately, I have yet to be able to participate in the program.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011That is a downside. So, two thoughts I have for you are; see if you can talk with a plot holder about sharing. Or, second, see if you can find available space somewhere else. Someone told me that they find a space at a church. Just a thought and thanks for reading.
TheEverydayMuser
/ January 20, 2011I don’t have a community garden where I live, but I find it an interesting idea. I live in a tight-knit community, where everyone is friends, and we all know when someone needs help. If someone does need help, we come together and give them all the support they need. Starting a community garden can really help bring the community together in a common venture, and it can also help build community and team spirit, because the venture is a team effort.
Ashley, aka TheEverydayMuser
http://www.theeverydaymuser.wordpress.com
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011I think it can be a great thing but think ground rules (ha!) are very important. There are good guides out there so if you decide to pursue, follow the links to the resources.
Sally Mom
/ January 20, 2011Absolutely love this post. I am reinspired. Some friends and me have been talking of doing just this idea. Older ladies, all needing help and wanting to continue to grow our own healthy food. So we found the spot, we just need some sun!
Thanks Tammy!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011I love the idea of helping the elderly. Great idea Sally. I hope you get the sun.
Garrett McKenna
/ January 20, 2011I’ve always loved the idea of a community garden! It’s such a great way for people to share in a hobby and to allow those who don’t have the spacefor their own garden to still do some gardening. Unfortunately, Italy doesn’t have anything like that that I know of (at least not in Milan).
Nice post!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011If I hear of something in Milan, I will let you know. It is a great concept.
Robin Mullet
/ January 20, 2011Hi Tammy,
Just came across your blog. I’ve mentioned you on my latest post:
http://robinmullet.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1078&action=edit
We just had a great time at a community showing of the movie “Fresh” and your post of this community garden fits right in with the theme. It can done. Thanks for this post and I look forward to following you.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011Thanks so much for the mention. I’m interested to see the work that you are doing.
E. Baron
/ January 20, 2011We have two very successful community gardens here in my town (NH). The newest one was created specially for our large refugee community and the organizers are learning a whole new world of gardening from these gardeners. And, as apartment dwellers, they’re so grateful to have a little plot of land to grow food on. It’s been hugely successful. I hope to work in a post on them this summer.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011I have heard that some gardens are working well for refugees. I’m sure that it is so nice for them to have some land. I look forward to your post.
Tracey
/ January 20, 2011Congratulations on being featured on Freshly Pressed!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 20, 2011Thank you Tracey.
croquecamille
/ January 21, 2011I would definitely get involved in a community garden! It sounds like fun, and a good way to learn more about how and when food grows, as well as meeting people with similar interests!
Tammy McLeod
/ January 21, 2011I agree that it has a lot of possibilities. Keep your eyes open and report back if you see one in Paris.
nancy at good food matters
/ January 21, 2011Wow, Tammy, the number of comments on this post really attests to the power of the (community) garden! It heartens me to read about this on the icy day in Tennessee—It will be a while before we can plant! But this is the time to plan.
As we move into spring, I’ll blog about my friend’s Wedgewood Urban Garden–where she took bought up adjoining blighted properties and has turned a funky area into a producing garden oasis. I love seeing crummy urban spots returned to natural beauty, especially when they produce fruits and vegetables. In fact, Everybody loves it.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 21, 2011I can’t wait to hear about it. And this post was fortunate enough to be Freshly Pressed – hence the number of comments.
Kath (Eating for Living)
/ January 21, 2011A community garden is such a wonderful idea! Generally I find that gardening is wonderful. It not only soothens the mind, but also gives you a feeling of connection with nature and the natural rhythms of growing and withering (again). I am dreaming to have a garden and grow herbs and vegetables one day! It doesn’t even have to be big, my dad grows a lot of different vegetables on a few squaremeters, mostly in pots at the roofgarden and in his little greenhouse.
I live in a courtyard community with around 10 tenants (families, students, young adults, and old ladies), and the courtcard is for everybody to share. We grow wine and flowers, but no vegetables and share the work. It’s a nice beginning. 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ January 21, 2011It sounds like a great beginning – not all gardens have to be for eating.
souldipper
/ January 23, 2011When you speak of a Victory Garden, I think of the African women in the ghettos outside of Cape Town, South Africa, who have put together garden plots so they can grow their own food, improve nourishing intake and teach others in their community. The pride of the women as we marveled over their results and asked questions was very moving.
I’m a Canadian Prairie kid who grew up knowing we had endless locations where we could grow food. Hearing what these women went through to cultivate a dozen garden plots was pivotal for me.
They also reminded me of how much I’ve forgotten and how simple it would be to get back to growing more of my own food.
Thanks, Tammy, for writing this great blog.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 23, 2011You are welcome. I would love to see those gardens outside of Cape Town.
OysterCulture
/ January 23, 2011Love this, there are several community gardens near us. What I really love are the schools that have gardens where the kids grow the veggies they eat. For some, this is the first exposure to where their food comes from and it can be a revelation.
Tammy McLeod
/ January 23, 2011If there are one or two that you think are working really well, then let me know. I’d love to talk with them also.
Naomi
/ January 28, 2011Oh how gorgeous! Way to go, Jerome, & thanks for sharing this inspiring story, Tammy! Makes me want to rush out and get my hands dirty 😀
touristjapan
/ February 1, 2011I can’t wait to hear about it. And this post was fortunate enough to be Freshly Pressed – hence the number of comments.
isathreadsoflife
/ February 2, 2011Wonderful blog and project, Tammy, thanks for sharing your enthusiasm. Community gardens are popular over here, small green oases in the center of some cities or in the outskirts. Both peaceful and busy places where people of all cultures meet and get to know one another, share their experiences in gardening.
Tammy McLeod
/ February 2, 2011I think they are becoming even more popular.
Tanner
/ February 24, 2011I really think we should start on those agrigirl packets they would be so cool!!!!!!
Tammy McLeod
/ February 24, 2011Tan the pan,
I think you have an amazing idea. You rock! Let’s think it through.
Garrett McKenna
/ November 4, 2011I’ve always thought a community garden is such a good idea! For people living in the city without the space, it is a great way to relax and enjoy some gardening that may not be suitable or allowed on a balcony!
I wish we had them here in Milan…