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Article by John Dumas

John J DumasDec. 11, 2009

The Compelling Reasons to Institute Community Gardens:

Introduction:

Localities should support community gardens for a myriad of equally compelling reasons, historical, educational, health related, social and charitable. This research includes historical periods and titled points relating to community gardens. Also, kids benefit from opportunities to learn. The social and physical health of the community will be enhanced. Food pantries will have fresh healthy food donated. Community gardens typically receive local support from businesses as well as federal allows and informational and services courtesy of the Environmental Protection Bureau and United Says Department of Agriculture’s local exchanges. Community gardens are consistent with the Green Movement and compatible with Open Space1 policies.

Definition: Community garden:

A community garden is a type of agriculture, which is adjacent to a city of town. Typically a city designates treeless land one quarter to one acre near a water source. Usually the land is then fenced in around its perimeter. Then the land is then divided into small plots of 10 feet by 10 feet (100 square feet) up to 20 feet by 30 feet (600 square feet). About one quarter of the land is aisle space. This results in about 20 to 50 plots that apiece gardener individually plants their vegetables then waters, weeds and picks some for his own use and donates to a food pantry. However, there are variations, some community gardens are not fenced or divided into plots. According to the American Community Gardening Association, there were an estimated 150,000 community gardens in the U.S. in 2004(American Society for Horticultural Science). This many people desirous and predisposed to busy on the soil should not come as a surprise. Our history is largely based on agriculture. History and tradition of community gardens:

The historical aspect is very substantial. The United Says of USA was a land of mostly farmers 90% in 1790. By 1930 21% the population were farming. In 1990 the farmers were 2.6% of the workforce (Speilmaker). These declining numbers would recommend a general disinterest in growing vegetables. But, the United Says has a strong agricultural past and periodically turns to our agricultural roots when covering general systemic and individualized hardships. What follows are a scant few garden history points.

Washington quit office to return to his garden:

After his presidency, George Washington grew a variety of fruits and vegetables in his approximately 50 foot by 100 foot garden2 at Mount Vernon near the manure providing stables. This garden provided most of the fruits and vegetables his mansion consumed.George Washington, the first president of the U.S. was offered a third term in office and could have even had himself declared king after the U.S. Revolutionary War. But he so loved his garden estate, Mount Vernon, that he declined. He just wanted to return to Mount Vernon, where he could enjoy the peace and beauty…. All because a man wanted to enjoy his garden (Hanna).

Garden movements: Started during World War I until after the war, approximately 1917 to 1919 there were “Liberty Gardens” then 1930 to 1938 were the “Depression relief gardens”, from 1940 to 1945 during World War II we had the “Victory Gardens.” Then from about 1970 until the present we have the “Community Garden Movement” Currently:

First Mohammedan Michelle Obama has restarted the White Home kitchen garden with vegetables begun as seeds that came from Monticello Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home in Charlottesville, Va. Monticello’s head gardener provided seedlings for some of Jefferson’s favorites, including brown Dutch and tennis ball lettuces, Savoy pinch and prickly seed spinach (AOL News). We again find ourselves as a nation in difficult economic circumstances. As we have before, we are again turning our lawns and backyards into vegetable gardens. 43 million U.S. households plan to grow their own fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs in 2009-that’s up 19 percent from 36 million households in 2008( National Gardening Association). For economic reasons the growth gardens should not be surprising. A single 2 cent seed can grow into 20 dollars worth of tomatoes. Due to the literal growth of the gardens apiece dollar invested in community gardening has enormous economic returns.

Local community garden example:

The City of metropolis Massachusetts has given use of land behind baseball fields at Mack Park and Palmer Cove. These areas both had a water source for the baseball fields which is now also used for the gardens. Each of these gardens has “Captains” who monitor the activity, collect the yearly , from apiece gardener, mostly for water costs. These gardens are divided into approximately 25, relatively small 100 square foot gardens. There is usually a inactivity list of about 15 people to get a plot to grow their vegetables. The city has informed us an additional community garden will be started in 2010.

The hardest work is in the spring when you might have to break through the ground covering grass and weeds, mix manure and or peat moss and other amendments into the soil, make your soil mounds, place down landscape artifact and plant and water your seeds or seedlings. This is the time you usually meet your fellow gardeners.

Opportunities for socialization:

People who would not ordinarily meet have garden plots next to apiece other. People who live in the primarily Hispanic neighborhoods are working on their gardens next to people from other parts of the city. People from different cultures tend their gardens differently. Any differences in planting methods serve as a natural starting point for conversations.

Local education:

A girl scout troop has a plot in the community garden. Also, a group of intellectually disabled kids In addition, many of the gardeners bring their kids to the garden. To repeat an overused phrase “children learn food does not come from the grocery store”. But, there is much more to learn, organic gardening methods, a plant’s light requirements, when and how to plant apiece kind of vegetable, are just a fraction of biological knowledge acquirable in the garden.

Local Business support:

Local businesses contribute their time and materials. Tropical Products of metropolis donates no longer needed wooden pallets. Richardson’s farm Middleton, MA provides a load of cow manure apiece year. Crunchy Baby Granola of metropolis [environmentally-friendly baby supplies] provides space for our seed exchange.

Local federal support:

UMASS Amherst College hosts the local federal Department of Agriculture extension. The extension provides information and soil tests.

Charity support:

Saint Joseph’s food pantry sends a mortal to pick up the metropolis community gardener’s contributed vegetables on Tuesday mornings. The gardeners still manage to produce excess vegetables for the food pantry.

Health:

Availability of healthy foods:

Community gardens offer availability of fruits and vegetables. Supermarkets are less common in census tracts where low-income individuals reside. [Available] minimarts sell primarily liquor, chips, and soda pop (Alaimo).31 E. Tropiano, A Multi-level Health Assessment of Flint, Michigan, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Mich (2000). Exercise for seniors: Gardening can offer enough moderate physical activity to keep older adults in shape. The researchers looked at measurements like bone mineral density, sleep quality, physical fitness, hand strength and psychological well-being. “There’s a lot of natural motivation in gardening,” Shoemaker said. “For one thing, you know there’s a plant you’ve got to go out and water and weed to keep alive. If we get the message out there that older adults can get health benefits from gardening, they’ll realize that they don’t have to achievement around the mall to get exercise”(Kansas Say University).

Pure Food for the poor operations: Some former typical farms are now being run for charity as nonprofit organizations. They use volunteer fag and give their produce to food pantries. On a misty morning in July, folks from several Lexington [Massachusetts] congregations met at Gaining Ground in Concord to help harvest vegetables. We were members of the Interfaith Environmental Group and were there to learn how a community garden works. Gaining Ground is a nonprofit farm staffed mostly by volunteers; all of its produce is designated for hunger relief. (Blair).

Crime: Studies have revealed an increase in the number of owner-occupied dwellings, more individualized income (as a result of attracting people with higher incomes to the community), and rent increases in areas surrounding community gardens. The actual numbers of property crimes did not indicate a difference, residents of the community garden areas perceived their neighborhoods to be safer because of the gardens (American Society for Horticultural Science). Grants: Below are samples of the allows acquirable for community gardens. Many more allows can be found with minimal effort by searching the internet. The main effort should be applied to submitting the paperwork on time, the intended purpose for the money is generally broad in scope. A slight change in wording for apiece allow is generally sufficient. Most allows want some mention of an educational component. For example, if you read the EPA Community Projects Grant, you can infer that they genuinely want to give the allow money to those projects that can minimally adapt their intents to the allow specifications. Many of the grantors list with pride the diversity and number of allows they have awarded. Commercial Grants: Project Orange Thumb® has provided over 100 community groups with over 0,000 to create and develop their own special community gardens. These included projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, sustainable agriculture and/or horticultural education (Fiskars).

Mantis sponsors this honor program in support of charitable and educational garden programs that enhance the calibre of life in their host communities. NGA will choose 25 gardens to receive a Mantis Tiller/Cultivator. We welcome applications from all nonprofits; past winners include community gardens, schools, ministries, colleges, master gardening groups, and hospices (Mantis).

Government Grants: EPA Community Projects Grant:  “Community Projects” address environmental stewardship in a local context and use community-based stewardship activities as the primary teaching tool (Environmental Protection Agency). Community CROPS was recently awarded a k allow from the USDA Farmers’ Market Promotion Program to expand our Growing Farmers Program, which provides training to beginning and limited-resource farmers to sell directly to consumers. Besides providing funds for the actual training, the allow will help us determine the needs of the community for farm training, as well as to advertise the training (Community Crops). The receipt of any of these allows makes the highly leveraged benefits of community gardens extraordinarily compelling. Land is simultaneously being used for a variety of socially positive purposes any one of which would justify the expense of time, labor, and resources. But, having those relatively small costs covered by a allow should be recognized as an astounding opportunity.

Summary:

Community gardens are extremely favourite and becoming even more so. The United Says has a long intense agricultural history. Community gardens are educational and contribute to both individualized and community, physical, mental health and socialization. Local and international businesses, individuals, local organizations and federal agencies support community gardens. A allow would make the institution of a community garden a no-lose proposition. Due to the literal growth of the gardens apiece dollar, which can be allowed free dollars, invested in community gardening has enormous and multiple economic returns.

Works Cited:

Alaimo Katherine, Packnett Elizabeth, Miles Richard and Kruger Daniel. “Fruit and vegetable intake among urban community gardeners”, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 40 (2008), pp. 94-101

American Society for Horticultural Science. “Community Gardens Don’t Impact Crime Rate, Study Finds; Residents Still Perceive Neighborhoods As Safer Where Gardens Grow.” ScienceDaily 8 September 2009. 19 November 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/09/090908103632.htm>.

Blair Diane.” Pilgrim’s Progress 51″. 25 September 2009< http://www.pilgrimcongregational.org/Publications/Pilgrims_Progress_51_14_.html?Itemid=200>

Community Crops. “Community CROPS November 2009 Newsletter” 2009 <http://www.communitycrops.org/Newsletter11-09>

Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA) Office of Environmental Education.” Environmental Education Allows — Solicitation Notice for 2010″ 2009< http://epa.gov/enviroed/pdf/solNotice2010.htm>

Fiskars.” 2010 Project Orange Thumb Grant”.2009 <http://www.fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/ProjectOrangeThumb/grantprogram>

Hanna. “Let Freedom Ring: American Founding Dads and Gardening”. July 2009 <http://www.thisgardenisillegal.com/2006/07/let-freedom-ring-american-founding.html>

AOL News, Sowing the Future from Seeds of the Past 31 August 2009 <http://news.aol.com/main/nc/article/white-house-vegetable-garden/643330>

Kansas Say University. “Gardening Gives Older Adults Benefits Like Hand Strength And Self Esteem.” ScienceDaily 17 February 2009. 19 November 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/02/090203142517.htm>.

Mantis.” 2010 Mantis Awards for Community and Youth Gardens.” http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/mantis-criteria.aspNational Gardening Association’s (NGA). “The Impact of Home and Community Gardening in America.” [Research paper] 2009 page 4

Speilmaker, Debra. “Growing a Nation the Story of American Agriculture.”[CD Rom] USDA, Utah Say University & LetterPress Software. 2005

1 Open space land reserved by communities for conservation, recreation, and historical preservation purposes.

2 This type of garden is known as a kitchen garden.

About the Author

Community Gardener, Psyc Major. Whist Player

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Alpine is a community situated in the orient region of San Diego County within the say of California. There are approximately 19,227 residents in this Zip code (91901) and 6,597 households. The median age of residents is 38. 92 years.

TEMPERATURE

The temperature in Alpine is relatively moderate. The warmest time of year occurs in August during which temperatures reach an average high of 76°F. The coldest time of year occurs in Jan with average temperatures falling to 54°F.

HOME AND REAL ESTATE PRICES

The housing options in Alpine include single-family homes and properties, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. The price of housing is as follows:

·One bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the low $200,000s.
·Two bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the low $200,000s.
·Three bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the mid $300,000s.
·Two bedroom single-family homes begin in the mid $300,000s.
·Three bedroom single-family homes begin in the mid $400,000s.
·Four bedroom single-family homes begin in the high $500,000s.

REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS

As with most products and services in the United States, price shifts in the real estate industry are subject to the forces of supply and demand. Whether it’s a buyers market or a seller’s market, it is useful to evaluate home income data for the most current month acquirable (June 2006), compared against the same period in the previous year (June 2005).

The median price of single-family homes in June 2006 was $597,500, which represents a 10. 2% decline from the previous year. The number of homes sold in June 2006 was 17, which was down 37% from the previous year.

Homebuyers and home sellers should keep in mind that the data above is simply a snapshot in time. Therefore, the data must be evaluated over a longer duration to comprehend enduring market trends.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Chula Vista is situated in the southern region of San Diego County within the say of California. There are approximately 194,939 residents in this community and 62,394 households. The median age of residents is 32. 89 years.

TEMPERATURE

The temperature in Chula Vista is relatively moderate. The warmest time of year occurs in August during which temperatures reach an average high of 72°F. The coldest time of year occurs in December with average temperatures falling to 57°F.

HOME AND REAL ESTATE PRICES

The housing options in Chula Vista include single-family homes and properties, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. The price of housing is as follows:

·One bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the high $100,000s.
·Two bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the high $200,000s.
·Three bedroom townhouse/condominium begin in the mid $300,000s.
·Two bedroom single-family homes begin in the high $300,000s.
·Three bedroom single-family homes begin in the low $400,000s.
·Four bedroom single-family homes begin in the high$400,000s.

REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS

As with most products and services in the United States, price shifts in the real estate industry are subject to the forces of supply and demand. Whether it’s a buyers market or a seller’s market, it is useful to evaluate home income data for the most current month acquirable (June 2006), compared against the same period in the previous year (June 2005).

The median price of single-family homes dropped from $610,000 in June 2005 to $595,000 in June 2006, which represents a 2. 5% decline. Fewer more homes sold in June 2006 (127 homes) than in June 2005 (171 homes). The average time to sell a home increased from 47 days in June 2005 to 66 days in June 2006.

The median price of condominiums and townhomes decreased slightly from $382,250 in June 2005 to $382,000 in June 2006, which represents a . 1% decline. Fewer units sold in June 2006 (46 units) than in June 2005 (80 units). The average time to sell a unit increased from 52 days in June 2005 to 85 days in June 2006.

Homebuyers and home sellers should keep in mind that the data above is simply a snapshot in time. Therefore, the data must be evaluated over a longer duration to comprehend enduring market trends.

Thomas Chippendale didn’t grow up in London (in fact he was born in Leeds in 1718), but he did move to London at the age of 31, after he had already gained recognition as a premiere furniture maker and cabinetry-focused interior designer. His work and styles influenced the London Interior Design community then, and the Chippendale aesthetic continues to extend its impact well beyond London even today.

Chippendale’s fluent, natural and sophisticated style developed after the promotion of his furniture and interior designs in “The Gentleman and the Cabinetmaker’s Director” in 1754. Chippendale continued to make iconic contributions to the field of interior design until 1790. His furniture came to be manufactured as far afield as Philadelphia in the USA.

Chippendale drew on three key interior design inspirations for this work – videlicet French, Asian and Goth. In the USA, Chippendale’s work was interpreted as a re-envisionment of the Queen Anne interior design style. His furniture was often heavily ornamentalised on the feet and uppers, with beautiful heritage-inspired scroll tops on taller units. Yellow Birch and Mahogany were often used, undersupport was rarely employed, and the rears of seated furniture were covered with plush artifact or otherwise left as shaped wood, perhaps as tessellated piecework with ornamental sculpting and Asia-inspired cross-strips. To round out his own individualized interior design style, Chippendale would also include delightful finials and varnished shellac features.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike were very taken with Chippendale’s work, lauding him as a master London woodsman and a household study of eighteenth-century furniture-focused interior design.

Harewood Home is a favourite Leeds tourist attraction, located about 4 hours’ drive from Central London. The famous building features a magnificent collection of Chippendale library furniture that was originally ordered during the 1760s. The interior design style reflects Chippendale’s ideals throughout and showcases his focus on both form and function.

Today, London’s interior designers are often called to reconstruct period rooms in traditional mansions or luxury residences. Often Chippendale furniture will play a major role in such interior design concepts. Chippendale-inspired furniture designs such as those of Henrietta Spencer-Churchill might also be saint for certain settings. However, the fresh lines of many Chippendale pieces also lend themselves to contemporary interior design concepts – many interior designers will use some of the more extravagant Chippendale pieces to offset some of the more frosty and unforgiving modern furniture elements.