22 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com They have been used to beautify vacant lots, clean up polluted environments, build stronger ties among people in neighborhoods and produce food for needy families. But in the 274 years since the first one was established in the United States, community gardens have not only grown to impressive numbers across all 50 states – their original concept of bringing communities together for a common purpose is probably more important now than ever. “We have at least 10 functioning community gardens in Greenville County,” said Aerin Brownlee, program coordinator with Greenville County Recreation. “And besides providing an additional recreation opportunity for our community members, there are so many other benefits that community gardens bring to any neighborhood.” For example, gardening in general has long been recognized as a primary way to relieve stress. Brownlee pointed out that when people work a community garden, they retain a balance between work and wellness in ways that aren’t always apparent in the hustle of everyday life. “Community gardening is something that helps us slow down, clear the head and recharge for all the things we have to do,” she said. “And, even if we don’t realize it at first, it also helps us better our surroundings in ways we are often unaware of.” Many of these ways include: BEAUTIFYING THE LANDSCAPE - Urban neighborhoods often contain vacant lots that have fallen into disuse and neglect, inviting unwanted elements to grow. A community garden in these areas creates a green, living space where birds and beneficial insects congregate. Community gardens also can increase property values. CLEANING UP THE ENVIRONMENT - Plants naturally contribute to cleaner air by adding oxygen to the air and removing air pollution. Plants also absorb rainwater, which means less runoff in streets and less pollutants washed into rivers, streams and lakes. “The increased biodiversity and beauty also benefits the general public as our gardens were placed in spaces where previously only mowed turf was grown,” Brownlee said. BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES - Participating in a community garden allows neighbors to personally connect and get to know each other. This means not only stronger neighborhood bonds but a tendency for criminal elements to stay away. BETTER NUTRITION - Obtaining fresh produce is often a challenge for families living in urban areas. COMMUNITY GARDENS CULTIVATE MANY PURPOSES By L. C. Leach III A young gardener in Greenville gets a lesson and tip on how to care for community garden plants.
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