Language
Country/Area
No result found
From Workers' Gardens to Modern Times: How have the history of community gardens impacted our cities?
The concept of community gardens has gradually emerged in North America and Europe since the 19th century. As the industrial revolution and urbanization accelerated, these gardens not only became a place for urban residents to obtain fresh food, but also became a bridge for them to connect with nature and each other. . The history of community gardens can be traced back to the Jardin d'ouvrier period, when urban workers had to grow some basic crops to improve their diet due to poor living conditions.
Over time, community gardens have experienced three waves of development in different historical contexts, each driven by social needs.
The first wave appeared in the 19th century. With the urbanization process brought about by the Industrial Revolution, workers began to look for arable land in the city. The second period was between the First and Second World Wars, when the gardens were known as Liberty Gardens and Victory Gardens and were designed to help families overcome shortages caused by the war. . In the 1970s, in response to the OPEC crisis and food insecurity, community gardens were revived and became part of a grassroots movement.
The current renaissance of community gardens is often closely linked to the current ecological crisis, climate change and health crisis.
Community gardens come in various forms. In some places, community gardens are located on residential roofs or balconies, while in others they are independent open spaces. These gardens can range in size from a few square meters to large community farms. These gardens are often run as public-private partnerships or non-profit organizations and focus on food production. Prices for community gardens will vary based on local economic conditions, allowing residents of different communities to participate according to their abilities.
Social benefits of community gardens
Community gardens not only provide fresh produce, but also greatly enhance interaction and social interaction among residents. Particularly in some cities, community gardens are being used to address food deserts (i.e., areas lacking healthy food options). The existence of community gardens allows local residents to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables, so that they do not have to rely on high-calorie processed foods.
Many community gardens not only address food shortages but also provide opportunities for residents to connect with nature.
In addition, the management of community gardens is usually the responsibility of residents themselves. This operating model promotes mutual support among community members and increases residents’ sense of ownership of the garden. Participation in community gardens can also help improve physical and mental health, as research shows community gardening can reduce stress, boost mood, and promote cohesion among groups.
Challenges and future of community gardens
However, the existence and development of community gardens is not without challenges. Among them, land ownership and security issues are particularly prominent. Many community gardens are located in vacant or neglected sites in cities, often at risk of development. To address this problem, policymakers everywhere have begun exploring how to protect community gardens and prevent them from disappearing amid urban development. Community gardens across Asia, North America and Europe often have to fight for political legitimacy.
The development of community gardens today requires more attention, especially adjustments to urban planning and land use regulations.
As global interest in sustainable agriculture and community ownership grows, the future of community gardens remains promising. In this coming era of prosperity, how will community gardens impact our urban living and food production patterns in the future?
