Growing Gardens

Can you dig it?
Breaking new ground in Brook Park, South Bronx.

We love to help create new community gardens, and to help them
grow and flourish. It all starts with a “cleanup” of a derelict
vacant lot. A good way to find such a lot is to contact
GreenThumb.

Here’s how it works: TIME’S UP! brings Hands-On Help:
volunteers, music and the food. GreenThumb usually kicks in the
materials, fences, shovels, compost, etc. Prior to cleanup day there
are several trips made out to the community to do outreach and encourage
local folks to get involved in decision-making and organizing around the
garden. Volunteers work with community members on planting and garden
repairs.

Through this process, communities become more invested in their
garden and have the opportunity to develop group decision-making
while partnering with TIME’S UP! They may spin off their own
community organization devoted to the garden.

Clearing out stones for Greene Acres Community Garden.
First you move the stones …

TIME’S UP! worked with local kids to create the
Greene Acres Community Garden in Bed-Stuy.

Building raised beds
Putting in raised beds.
… then you build some hexagonal
raised beds.
Another bed.
Now, just add water (and soil, compost, plants, insects, and love).

In 2003 TIME’S UP! began working with GreenThumb to help community
gardens that are threatened by development projects. We are
coordinating volunteers to assist with planting, cleaning, and
relocating. This is a great opportunity for you to actively help make
these gardens permanent and have fun gardening. Please come out —
everyone is welcome.

Guerilla Gardening

Guerilla Gardening
May Day guerilla gardening under the Williamsburg Bridge.

Sometimes people just find a vacant lot and plant a garden there.
This is called “guerilla gardening,” and it’s what got the community
garden movement started in the first place.

Reclaiming land for gardens is generally good for the city, the
community, and the Earth.

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