Why not take the idea of community gardens and apply it to the entire community?  The town of Todmorden in the UK has created a program where gardens have been started throughout the town and are being used to feed the entire town.  The concept is ‘brilliant’.

Think about having garden in everyone’s yard.  You can grow things that you like and share extra produce with others.  What if you had chickens and could trade the eggs with your neighbor for fresh rosemary, tomatoes or potatoes?

Maybe the elders in the community who have had experience tending gardens and growing vegetables and herbs could use their experience to teach others.  Retirement communities could even become classrooms for teaching.  And, in turn, school yards become laboratories for learning.  Think about all of the partnerships and collaborations that will develop. Parks, fire stations, libraries, churches and other properties should be considered.

I know in my small hamlet of Medford, we have started a garden at our church to feed the needy.  All of the produce raised is donated to two homeless centers.  The vegetables were raised, in partnership with the Middle School students.  We have just expanded the garden to include garden plots for other gardeners to help grow vegetables.

These are truly community Therapeutic Gardens.  Check out the Incredible Edible web site at   http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/projects