Gardens | Community Gardens Are In Residents’ Hands
Community gardens can be just as important as public parks, especially in low-income areas with poor access to healthy foods, Lawson said.
But groups need several ingredients to be successful – and they often don’t realize the level of commitment it takes, Lawson said. Access to water and good soil are obvious needs. Groups also need fencing and security to ward off thieves and vandals.
And they need help from city governments, too. Many cities perceive gardens as “interim” uses with less value than housing or other development. Policies are needed to protect land and provide guidance for first-timers.
Raleigh gardening advocates weighed in with their own ideas and suggestions after Lawson’s talk.
Successful gardens are usually the product of strong partnerships between neighbors and outside volunteers, said Josh Burton, who helps build affordable housing with the N.C. Housing Finance Agency.
Triangle universities could team up with low-income neighborhoods to lend expertise with soil testing, watering practices and security, Burton said.
“A little bit of volunteering from some college students can go a long way,” he said.
Raleigh reacts to trend
The movement will continue to thrive in Raleigh, predicted
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