history of community gardening/farming
Lately I have been getting really curious about the history of community gardening/urban farming...especially their beginnings as centers of urban resistance, and their connection to things like guerilla gardening or other forms of urban community organizing. I know there's a pretty deep history of gardening functioning as a means of resistance - like the gardens that sprang up in jewish ghettos during WW2, as well as internment camps here in the US. I'm interested in exploring the intersection of community, resistance, environmental justice and the like that happens when communities come together to produce their own food...it isn't the most well formed thought yet, but that's my next point! I was wondering if anyone would be willing to put together a class with me based on some of these ideas...could be someone who has experience working in community gardens or has done research on the subject, but I think all we really need is a few brains in one room to wade through some of the concepts. If there are any folks out there interested in stewing up some kind of class...let's do it!
That sounds lovely! I am very enthusiastic about urban farming as a way to build our communities, eat healthier, opt out of the corporate food system, love our environment, and fight poverty.
Send me a message and let's brainstorm!
Want to hear more about urban agriculture? Come ask an expert, Roger Peterson, at this event:
Saturday, February 6 - URBANFARM VISITING DAY
A Get-together for everyone interested in sustainable design, architecture, and community gardening, where we can learn about the Urban Farm site which has grown organic vegetables and herbs for 30 years. From 3- 8 pm each Saturday, all are welcome around the bonfire,in the back yard of 1087 27th Ave. SE, in Como neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Potluck/ BYOB, or bring some wood to burn instead.
This Saturday's project is finishing up the snow sculpture of the Green Dragon of UrbanFarm. Green split peas (cheap, and good bird food) will be sprinkled on the snow sculpture once we get the shaping done.
Does this happen every Saturday? If so, I am very interested! I have been trying to find like-minded urban farmers in the cities and ways to get involved locally.
~Hannah
Yes, every Saturday Roger welcomes people over to his bonfire between the rows of snow-covered vegetable beds. It's most acccessible from the alley, which is accessible from Hennepin Ave. E., and if you don't see anyone just knock on the door of the lean-to.
That sounds like a lot of fun! Unfortunately I won't be able to join you for the next couple of weeks due to my work schedule. Thanks for the invite! :)
Urban Agriculture is thought to have evolved from the European system of allotment gardens. These gardens, similar to the plots found around mideaival cities, first appeared around the edges of towns in the 18th century 640-721 due to “agricultural transformation, urbanization and industrialization.” (Warner, 1987) in countries such as Germany, England, Sweden, and Holland. Immigrants 640-816 from these countries took allotment gardens to the United States where they became important for food security in poor urban areas such as Boston and New York (Williamson).Urban relief gardens played an important role in sustaining large populations of Americans during economic depressions. At the same time, upper-class city dwellers vcp certification became worried about crime, safety, and cleanliness of cities. The began the City Beautiful Movement, a reform movement to clean up and revitalize urban centers and create beautiful spaces. This movement sparked the start of school gardens and garden clubs in the vacant lots and backyards of many cities.
Thanks Richard! I know a little bit about the city beautiful movement, but I wasn't aware of the deeper roots of allotment gardens. I'd be pretty interesting in researching those older forms of urban gardening...especially in those moments when the urban context was beginning to take on more and more significance in people's lives. That's exactly the sort of collaborative thinking I was hoping to bring to an urban ag/community gardening class. Want to talk more? Any thoughts on how to move forward with this?
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