I was taking Romeo on our daily walk around the Bias, and I had an epiphany! (Yes it happens even to old Agnostics like me) Why do Cities have a problem seeing the answers right before their eyes? What I am ranting about is P-Patches, community gardens call them what you will. I was watching the city contractors mow, and trying to fix the sprinkler systems around the new Burien Town Square Park. And then it came to me- if they would allow community garden spots in some of these areas, they could save the costs of contractors, maintenance and having something interesting growing. Contractors wouldn't be needed, maintenance would be no problem - p-patch subscribers do the maintenance, and the only cost for the city would be water.
Seems pretty simple to me- And since I am a patriotic rant here about community gardening-Why plant all those trees along the street. Now I am all for trees, this area traditionally plants Oak. elm and other trees that are susceptible to disease and generally have to be removed, but why not plant some fruit trees? And the grass strips along streets could be p-patches as well. I don't mean to get on a rant here, but it seems to me that all the city managers, mayors and collective council folks should be embracing community gardening- in public places. Saves tax dollars, helps with city budgets. And while I am at it, the schools in our area aren't taking care of the landscaping around the school yards... I say let the students put in plots and then they could raise veggies for their lunch in the cafeterias. A lot healthier than "Mystery Meat", and probably tastier too (although I have a penchant for the pizza that my grade school use to make)
Maybe they are afraid it will make the city look like Mayberry, but then whats wrong with that?
Mayberry seems like a nice place, everyone helps each other. Only problem is that vixen Aunt Bea yelling all the time- "Opie!" "Andy!" Could be worse places to live.
4 comments:
The only problem I see with student growing veggie gardens in chilly areas (like here!) is that the growing season and the school year are opposites!
But I do plan to get permission to let my students plant some bulbs, tubers, rhizomes this fall so we can see them bloom in the spring, right in our not-so-great courtyard.
And btw- I agree with a lot of what you say here!
Abbie- what? no summer school? no students wanting extra Credit for the Fall? Whaddya live in Stepford?
J/K but seriuosly students who need extra credit could certainly take care of the garden in the summer!
Rob, Have you heard of the edible schoolyard program set up by Alice Waters?
http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/
It is a definite start. perhaps you could get your local schools to start something like it.
Hey, I think you are on to something!!! We tried to get a community garden in our town and the cash strapped town was totally against it. Never thought about it saving them money for maintenance and such.
As for the schools, we live in California and can pretty much grow year round. I think we're moving in that direction but summer is more challenging. Not alot of need for extra credit in kindergarten. :)
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