trend is dealing with the quality of ur- ban soil and testing for possible toxins. Often, urban soil must be improved us- ing compost and other nutrients before plants can prosper. A nearby irrigation source is also required.
“One potential problem for urban
gardeners may be the community reac- tion to an edible landscape,” admits Strauss. “In some cities, edible gardens in the front yard or even the common parking strip are celebrated and even of- ficially encouraged. But in communities where lawn is still king and city codes regarding vegetation are vague and open to interpretation, one complaint from an anonymous neighbor can become an exhausting political and legal fight.”
Feeding Community Community gardens often transform vacant lots and other marginal land into green growing places. In Chicago, The Peterson Garden Project, an award- winning nonprofit program, has been turning unsightly empty lots into raised- beds in which residents learn to grow their own food since 2010. “Nationally, it’s been found that
having a community garden on unused land increases property values, decreas- es crime and promotes a sense of unity with neighbors and others,” explains LaManda Joy, president and founder of the project. “We work with property owners on the short-term use of their land to enhance the community in which they eventually plan to develop.” “Participating in a community
garden serves up a lot of individual victories,” says Joy. “Improved health and nutrition, learning a new skill, teaching kids where food comes from, productive exercise, mental well-being, connecting with others and saving money—community gardens help make all of this possible.”
Being Prepared “How many recalls have we seen be- cause some food item has been con- taminated and people have suffered or died as a result? I am concerned about the safety and security of our food sup- ply,” says Wendy Brown, whose family tends a quarter-acre garden with raised and landscaped beds and containers wrapped around their home plus an on-
site greenhouse in a beach resort sub- urb of Portland, Maine. “As a mother, it concerns me that I might feed my children something that will hurt them. High-fructose corn syrup, genetically engineered crops and BPA-lined cans are all making headlines. It just seems smarter to grow it myself; that way, we have more control over what our fam- ily is eating.” Brown is one of more than 3 mil-
lion Americans that are following FEMA recommendations in preparing for any event that might disrupt food supplies. Her book, Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs, shares everything her fam- ily has done to safeguard themselves, including growing produce, caring for animals and canning, freezing, drying, cold storage or fermenting foods for later use.
“For me, it’s more about being prepared for the everyday things that are happening, like increases in food and fuel prices or a loss of family income,” Brown says. “If we’re growing at least some of our own food, I have a lot less to worry about when such things hap- pen.”
The family also keeps rabbits and
ducks, plus egg-laying and meat-provid- ing chickens that can total 40 animals in the summer at their “nanofarm”. These also supply natural fertilizer for the crops. Nearby beehives provide 20 pounds of honey each year. Because the foods they produce are solely for their personal use, the Browns are exempt from regulatory restrictions. “Our neighbors love what we’re
doing,” says Brown, whose house is close enough they can chat across their front porches. “One says our initiative reminds him of growing up in Maine pretty much self-sufficient. The other tells friends and coworkers they aren’t worried if things really go bad because they have us as neighbors.”
Growing Green Thumbs “With some effort, urban gardeners can grow great vegetables anyplace that affords enough light and warmth,” ad- vises Strauss, who gardens primarily in raised beds in her front and back yards. “I garden on the scale I do because I love it. It’s both relaxing and challeng- ing, and we eat well.”
MWHC 2013 Ad-NA-1/3pg Horiz_Layout 1 1/19/13 12:25 PM Page 1
Join us for the 2nd
Annual Conference Nourishing Our Roots and
Healing From the Ground Up June 7, 8 and 9, 2013
(preconference workshops on June 7 begin at 9:30am) Held at the Beber Camp in Mukwonago,WI
40+workshops, film screenings, 14 plant walks,
preconference workshops with our featured guest speakers, kids camp, teen circle, community, fun and much more!
Featured Guests: Aviva Romm and Susun Weed Entertainment,Workshops, Opening & Closing Circles with Ubaka Hill & Celia Ferran
Registration for the weekend as well as
preconference workshops is available on our website:
www.midwestwomensherbal.com
natural awakenings March 2013 15
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