FALL 2011 URBAN GARDENING ISSUE # 76 COMMUNITY
6
GARDENS
THE GARDEN:
RURAL / URBAN
Surroundings usually blur into our daily lives and become backdrops to a routine. I have had the clarifying privilege these past six months of changing my surroundings since moving to St. Louis. Coming from a small farm in northern Minnesota to St. Louis, I am constantly reminded of the differences in how we interact with food and our surrounding communities. Both have presented challenges and successes that show the passion people have for providing fresh, healthy produce to their families and neighbors. Rural concerns taken for granted such as fertile land and space are not issues that are forgotten
about in an urban environment. In fact, they are usually the first concern of community gardeners, and rightfully so. Land that has been built upon multiple times carries with it remnants of the past. Still, solutions are found, raised beds are constructed and people wanting to not only eat healthier but make a positive change in the community follow the opportunity. Unlike rural areas, urban community gardens are collective entities, a mash-up of personalities and beliefs. This is what makes them unique. Not only do they provide fresh vegetables and facilitate health benefits for those involved, they create
welcoming community spaces and grow support networks in neighborhoods. People are the focus. Rural landscapes promote growing as a lifestyle, a business, a way of life. Community and urban gardens breathe revival, new life and change. They transform forgotten space into a symbol of fellowship. I have found that it’s the people and communities that grow, not just the contents of their gardens. -Matt Evan Americorps VISTA Community Outreach