Stacy Amoroso of Bucks County is a community activist and has always believed that the power to create positive change lies within the community itself. One of the most impactful ways to bring people together and improve our neighborhoods is by starting a community garden. In the following article, Stacy Amoroso discusses how not only does this service provide access to fresh, healthy produce, but it also promotes community engagement, education, and ensures environmental stability for years to come. There are few ways more beautiful or beneficial to improve a community than a garden. Besides helping the environment and local ecosystems, it is beautiful to look at and visit, and can even increase property values! To start a community garden in any neighborhood, it is important to first organize several likeminded individuals to aid in the process. Then, after gaining approval from local agencies, select a fertile site and engage in the planting process. This is especially beneficial in urban areas where a building has collapsed or there is abandoned open space within a development.

Benefits of a Community Garden

Stacy Amoroso of Bucks County says that there are several reasons to plant a garden around the home. After all, a homeowner may enjoy gardening as a hobby, or prefer a favorite flower, or even decide to grow their own vegetables and fruits. As popular as home gardens are, their prevalence can sometimes cause the benefits of a community garden to be overlooked. Below is a list of shared garden benefits, so that individuals from all walks of life, apartment renters, and those with limited outdoor space can enjoy the joy that gardens bring:

• Beauty – The first benefit is plain and simple; a community garden can raise the overall appeal of a location with the beauty of flowers or fresh greenery; this is especially true if the garden is well-planned for and well-maintained and has a park-like feel.
• Community Bonding – Having a communal space to enjoy together can knit a neighborhood tighter and unite them in a common goal.
• Property Value Increase – The closer the neighborhood, and more beautiful the garden makes that neighborhood, the more valuable and appealing it can become to new buyers. Oftentimes these areas are noticed as emerging communities.

How to Start a Community Garden

Stacy Amoroso suggests that to uncomplicate the gardening process in a shared space, there is a step-by-step procedure to follow to ensure that everyone gets involved who wants to, and the proper planning and approval processes are considered and followed as well.

Organize the Neighbors

Stacy Amoroso says that planning and executing the planting of a garden together is a great way to improve neighborly interactions as you unite over a common goal. Find community members who are like-minded and excited about the benefits of gardening in general. It may be helpful to organize an official garden-governing committee, which will decide what gets planted where. This can help encourage area youth to take a look at what is being done, how much everyone who is currently involved is enjoying it, and take a stab at maintaining some of the areas themselves. Stacy Amoroso of Bucks County reports that this is especially helpful because different individuals will bring a variety of perspectives and see more obstacles and solutions than one person alone.

Get Proper Approval

After a committee for the garden has been formed, use those strengths in numbers to obtain approval by local governing officials. This can look like a City and Park Board, or simply a horticultural society. Whoever owns the land that the garden is projected to be planted in should also approve the project. Stacy Amoroso also says to be prepared to fill out some paperwork. The best way to know what kinds of forms or permits will be necessary is simply to ask, as every community or neighborhood will be different.

Plant with a Plan

Now that a committee is formed and cleared for action by the proper agencies, select a viable site for the community garden. Remember that the location determines much of what can be planted. Vegetables and fruits will have different soil needs than some plants, and the exposure to sunlight in the area as opposed to shade is another factor to consider. Consider installing raised bed in certain sites to have more control over the soil requirements. Stacy Amoroso of Bucks County suggests listening to all members of the committee. Plant a garden that reflects the community’s unique blend of personalities and values, be they nutrition, recycling, or simple appreciation of local flora!

In Conclusion

Getting started with a local shared garden and improving neighborhoods is all about working together. By getting a committee together and approval from authorities, a variety of voices can contribute to the best garden the neighborhood has ever seen!