Gardens also help inspire a positive, cohesive community image for residents and nonresidents alike and create opportunities for people to work together to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. And finally, the PPC says, all of these pluses translate directly into the tangible benefits of flowers and nutritious food as well as higher property values, increased business activity and reduced crime rates in attractive greened areas. The Clinton Community Garden in New York City's infamous Hell's Kitchen neighborhood is a model of urban transformation. Amazingly, the Clinton Garden rambles-a neat trick in a space only 100 by 150 feet. There are mature shade trees, a native-plant garden and a beehive.
Migratory birds swoop overhead.
Denver provides another interesting, and fairly typical, example of big-city gardening. The gardens are also gathering spaces for festivals, art exhibits and music and dance performances, Buchenau says, and serve as educational facilities for communities. Nearly a third are located on school property. We have demonstrations for kids, and everyone else, by master gardeners or teachers. We encourage organic methods and the cultivation of native plants.