Gardens provide a safe place outdoors to experience sights, sounds, fragrances and tactile sensations. Working in the soil brings people together to share their success and helps others beautify the neighborhood while developing self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment and leadership skills. For some, producing fresh, nutritious produce is a byproduct of the gardening experience. For others, saving a little money on their food bill is an added incentive. Community gardens are located near the people who need them and are run by the people of a community.
Community gardening gives people a chance to meet and mingle with their neighbors.
And building neighborhood relationships strengthens communities. A study of the Philadelphia Urban Gardening Program found that gardeners were more likely to regard their neighbors as friendly. A community activity such as gardening can be used to break the isolation, creating a sense of neighborliness among residents. Ill. According to Diane Relf of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a leader in the study of people-plant interaction, the benefits of plants and greening activities translate directly into tangible economic and social benefits of reduced crime, higher property values, nutritious food from community gardens and increased business activity in attractive, green neighborhoods. Jesse Hewlett, area Extension agent in Hamilton, Bradley and Marion counties, coordinates community gardens at four sites in Chattanooga.