Where does your garden grow?

By James Way

Tattfoo Tan, who I’ve written about previously, assembled a panel to discuss urban gardening at the Arario Gallery. I showed up expecting that the afore-unidentified panelists would provide tips on starting, maintaining, and harvesting urban greenery. On that front, I left as ignorant as I arrived. But, what I did get were a handful of activists who have made urban gardens their projects, either as a sustainability issue, access to fresh foods, or reconnecting urban dwellers to the fundamentals of nature.

L to R: Andrew Casner, Aki Hirata-Baker, Derek Denckla, and Daniel Bowman

Andrew Casner, an artist and urban gardener, uses his city plot to grow food and make art through organic processes, such as the mounds of dirt and vegetation eroding paper.

Aki Hirata-Baker, co-founder of Adopt-A-Farmbox, builds and donates farm boxes—made from 100% recycled materials—to local schools and community institutions. The mini-farms reconnect people with food.  She cited a study that estimates approximately three million New Yorkers have limited access to fresh foods and are vulnerable to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The best way to overcome these risks is exposure to healthier food options. Focusing on gardening, she is convinced “food is a catalyst for learning about other forms of sustainable activities.”

Derek Denckla, an all-around green activist, advocates using empty lots, underused land, and rooftops for urban gardens. In his researching and exploring best practices in urban agriculture he launched Farm City as both an online and real time forum for workshops, events, and resources. While experienced with sustainable buildings, Derek focuses on food because “food has a daily impact beyond buildings— a massive environmental impact.”

Daniel Bowman Simon, who began composting as a Peace Corps volunteer, has been campaigning tirelessly for a people’s garden at Manhattan City Hall. I’ve seen him at Pecha Kucha, the The City We Imagined exhibition opening; if it’s somewhat related to architecture, design, horticulture, health food he’s there with petition in hand.

While I may have missed the planting season this year, I now have a list of resources where I can get further information.