Community gardens have a long history. Traced back to Michigan in the 1890s, during an economic crisis, potato patch farms were developed on urban vacant lots in an effort to provide a source of food, skill-building, and income for the unemployed. In 1960s New York City, community gardens started to spring up on abandoned city lots. Residents sought to improve the neighbourhood aesthetics, as well as to provide fresh produce for their families. Community gardens today can be found in most cities and neighbourhoods in North America, and the movement is becoming more popular in Europe. Calgary is home to over 75 community gardens.
England uses a different system – that of allotment gardens. This system has its roots in the 19th century with land given over for food production to those living in poverty. Today, allotment gardens are typically owned by local authorities. Spaces are leased and allotment holders pay rent. Gardeners operate independently and are not considered an organized collective.
Food gardening in any space has inherent benefits – fresh produce, improved green space, an urban oasis, and habitat for local wildlife. But community gardens also bring people together. And not just when gardeners happen to bump into each other in the course of their gardening chores. Community gardens – like the CKE’s Garden – have committees that work to actively enhance the benefits to not just the gardening members, but the greater community.
We invite you to enjoy the refuge that our garden offers and join us for the events and workshops that we set up each year. Stay tuned for details on Cooking with Rhubarb, and a tour of The Urban Farm School coming up in June.
There may still be plots available for this summer and if people are interested, they can email [email protected].
Happy Gardening!
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