South African Community gardens put you in touch with the earth and each other, growing relationships, as we grow food in your retirement and golden years. The concept is popular around the world and exists in various forms. It’s best to think of a community garden as a shared space where people work together, voluntarily, to maintain and harvest fruit, vegetables, and often flowers.
Arrangements vary, the land provided can either be divided into small sections for each individual or can be cultivated together. The plant beds need constant care such as water and pest control and sharing the work with others will reduce the load.
If you’ve ever planted a vegetable or fruit tree you would know how abundant the yield can be. Generally, the food, like the work, is shared by the group. The abundant nature of these projects often leads to communities extending a hand to their neighbours, assisting soup kitchens or the impoverished in surrounding areas with food security and building a better quality of life.
Community gardens have increasingly grown popular in estate living, where developers are noticing the benefits of creating these spaces to enhance authentic well-being. We take a look at these holistic benefits and why it’s a great opportunity to start your own or become part of another.
Most consumers are aware of the many miles food is transported to get to us and the carbon emissions involved in the process. We can all do our part to cut down on pollution if we farm and buy locally.
Growing your food yourself means you can keep it organic, and ensure you’re not consuming dangerous pesticides. Often homegrown food consumed the day they are picked, will have a higher nutritional value. Not to mention how much better it will taste.
Sharing the fruits of one’s labour with friends and family or those in need can be truly fulfilling and give one purpose. In the same way, when you have the responsibility of fulfilling tasks at a community garden, you are accountable and this adds meaning as well.
Plant-based foods are also good for you and combat obesity, a serious dilemma in the developing world, that leans in heavily on fast foods. Having a neighbourhood food garden also allows everyone to compost and reduces waste. Having a purpose is closely linked to making a difference.
Perhaps the gym is not for you, but you’re needing to stay active. While you bend down to place a plant in the ground or tend to weeds, walk around the gardens or dig up spaces for new additions, you are being physical. Maintaining a garden allows you to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while you stay moving and even reap the rewards.
Time spent in nature is known to have a positive impact on one’s mental health and the therapeutic nature of gardening is well-documented too. In fact, some research suggests it aids memory and physical health. Gardening may remind you of gardening as a child – this sense of nostalgia will keep your memories alive. Repetitive use of acquired knowledge will also help maintain connective pathways in the brain, keeping the mind stimulated and firing those neurons.
Meanwhile, sharing in a community garden can contribute to a positive culture in your neighbourhood. Working with others in your community will present opportunities to socialise, network or combat loneliness with like-minded individuals. It’s a chance to foster a sense of community with neighbours, promote positive emotions and relieve stress.
Give community gardening a try. You can start with a few pots or build raised beds. The scale is entirely up to you. Started your community gardening adventures by volunteering at an established group at a school, hospital, or place of worship. Bring your neighbours together, visit the nursery gardens and pick some colourful flowers to add a splash of colour to your estate.
