Green Neighbourhoods

Image credit: Wolbert van Dijk

Reserve space for community/allotment gardens

Conduct a survey of the demand, and use this inventory to provide spaces of varying size throughout the city for people to grow their own food. By scattering gardens across the city, people are able to garden closer to home, exchange ideas and seeds with neighbours, and stimulate others to participate

Claim land in the city for urban farming

Cities can encourage and educate residents about the temporary development of vacant lots into green oases of food and flowers, they can sponsor events and plants, or they can support community gardening that emerges from resident initiatives. This not only provides healthy food for residents, gets them active and engaged in healthy outdoor activities, but also helps buffer water runoff in neighbourhoods and beautifies otherwise empty holes in the urban landscape. When development does eventually reclaim the land, the city can help residents find a new parcel to garden. Larger parcels of land on the edge of the city where traditional industry is declining can provide more space for market gardens and allotment gardens.

Provide areas for edible green in public parks

Involve nearby residents in the design and maintenance of public green spaces and allow them to share in the harvesting of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Only provide edible plant beds if neighbouring residents are enthusiastic, and keep the design flexible so changes can be made to the gardens as residents and needs change over time.

Reach residents who do not participate directly

Demonstrations for children, programs for the homeless, and food production for shelters are all ways to spread the benefits of urban gardening. Farmers markets bring local producers and consumers in contact with each other, something that city people really appreciate

Provide opportunities for urban residents to grow their own food within the city limits or even within their own neighbourhood.