In the Spotlight
 ... Highlights from District X

NEW ... COMMUNITY 'PEP' GARDENS - Cultivating a Sense of Community


Introducing an exciting new initiative of the National Garden Clubs and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs...Community 'PEP' Gardens.

Community gardening has been around for centuries in both urban and rura areas. Some people may remember Victory Gardens during the wars.

This new concept takes community gardeing a step further. I guess you could say that it is a community garden with just a little more 'PEP'! It offers a defined area for gardening, food production, learning, play, socialization, and interaction.
Community Gardening is about PEOPLE!
A Community Garden creates a specific sense of 'place' within a neighborhood or town.
It brings people together, lifts the spirit, and strengthen's the individual and the community.
Gardening is an inclusive and intergenerational activity. Whether you are young or a senior; able-bodied or challenged; working or retired, there is something for everyone in a community garden. Community Gardening is people working together to cultivate a community, and harvest new friends along the way.
  What is a PEP Garden?

 P...Productive...Encourages the planting and harvesting of produce, vegetables, and herbs while reaping the benefits and knowledge of proper nutrition, as well as sharing the bounty with others. Produce may be used by the community; distributed to Food Cooperatives, or sold at local Farmer's Markets to raise funds for the maintenance of the garden.


E...Educational... Fosters a curiosity of where food comes from and how it grows while learning about organic gardeing, water conservation, composting, and pest control. From seed... to earth... to harvest... to table... each phase of the growing cycle is a new adventure!
Now kids and adults both can 'dig in' and 'eat' their homework!


P...Pretty... Making the garden 'picture perfect' by including colorful fowers and herbs that are not only pretty, but edible as well, and as a plus may also repel certain insects.
Where and How Does My Garden Grow?
A Community Garden can be established by Garden Clubs or individuals within many specified areas such as:
- Habitat for Humanity Communities
- Senior Centers or Nursing Homes
- Condominium or Homeowners Associations
- Schools
- Garden Clubs
- Businesses or Civic Associations inclulding vacant property adjacent to a company or store.
- Boy's and Girl's Clubs/ 4-H Clubs, etc.
- Youth Centers
A Community Garden may also be established in cooperation with local, city, or town municipalities, often as a designated area of an established park.
Information and Resources for establishing Community Gardens is available from the American Community Gardening Association at: http:/communitygarden.org

Information my also be obtained through the FFGC at:
http://ffgc.org/projects/community_gardens/index.html

For additional information or to schedule a program on Community 'PEP' Gardens contact:
Joan Black, District X Chairman for Community 'PEP' Gardens at:
email: casablacka@earthlink.net or telephone 772-231-1014

FYI in District X: Visit the Garden Club of Indian River County
Community 'PEP' Therapy Garden listing on the ACGA website at: http://acga.localharvest.org/garden/M724


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