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. Two of the gardens are located at city community centers and two are on Chattanooga Boys Club property. Fifty youth work in the gardens two to four days a week.
Teams consist of one teen leader and four to six younger students.
Participants receive weekly lessons in basic production, such as when to plant, what varieties to select and weed and insect control. Students document results and enter a minimum of one vegetable each in the Hamilton County Fair in September. Even a small garden plot gives a child a sense of ownership, control and responsibility. Another community garden in Chattanooga is located on Greenway Farms, a city park. Auto experts say dirty headlights can reduce night vision by as much as 75 percent, she said.