You are in Blogs / Green Space in the Barrio / Volunteer Green Warrior /

Category: Volunteer Green Warrior | Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:33 am

---

It's a simple thing to do. A bag of dirt $2.00, if that much. Seeds can be passed from gardener to gardener. Much like the vegetable garden movement is spreading at my apartment complex. My garden encompasses three small areas. An upstairs neighbor [with four children in tow] broke ground and planted her garden next to mine. There will be one more completed four doors down by the end of the weekend.

It's really quite a simple thing to promote change.
It all starts with admiration for what you've accomplished. Tell them how all of this is possible for them next time you're complimented on your garden. Some times all it takes is the basic gesture of seeds to get someone started and you've just become part of the solution. Four children will help me release beneficial insects next week. You bet they'll learn something. They'll also become protectors of every garden in the area.

Unfortunately, the same four children also know what it's like to go hungry. They had pan bread drizzled with borrowed syrup for dinner last night. Their mother broke ground on a garden for her family yesterday. A statement empowering her family and an active lesson for her children. I know first hand that the need is there and I'm there to help them as best I can. Somewhere there's another gardener, many, I'm sure, doing the very same thing.


Last edited: Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:42 pm

This blog entry has been viewed 529 times

---

Frank wrote on Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:44 pm:

Way to spread the gardening spirit mixme, long may it continue!

---

Jewell2009 wrote on Sat Sep 05, 2009 5:00 pm:

I love the fact that you are encouraging gardening by gardening. I work with people of multi-generational poverty and am always saddened by the priorities set by families who live in a culture of poverty. They seldom know how to use/cook fresh produce or foods I consider staples like rice, potatoes, and dry beans.

You are the proverbial teacher that teaches how to fish and doesn't just give them the fish. In todays world it often needs to include how to cook the fish also.

---

lulu1107 wrote on Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:16 pm:

Fantastic! I am one of those people who has a double purpose to gardening. I do it because I love it, but it also helps us with our food bills a lot. You are helping these families to enable themselves. I am also impressed with how you are getting the kids outside. I am saddened by how little outside time many kids get.Sunshine and fresh air is so essential and a garden has a way of charming people to the outdoors, doesn't it.

---

Leave a Comment

You are in Blogs / Green Space in the Barrio / Volunteer Green Warrior /