Hi - I am looking into starting a Community Garden and wanted to see if anyone else would be interested.  It would be modeled on the community and neighborhood vegetable/flower gardens that have popped up all across the country; a planning committee would be formed; a site would be chosen; small membership dues would be charged to cover common garden area maintenance, tools, plants, soil, etc.  Plots would be available upon payment of the membership dues in which to tend your vegetables, herbs and flowers - all the fresh yumminess grown in your plot would go to your table!! I believe this could be a great neighborhood project and would love to get it started - the growing season is just around the corner!! If you are interested - please check out www.communitygarden.org where you can read all about this exciting, community endeavor that would foster a positive neighborhood spirit, while saving you money on groceries!! I think its a great idea and I know Bluff Park has many excellent gardeners!!  This would also be wonderful for kids!!  I would love to be overwhelmed with positive responses and maybe we could get this project IN the ground ASAP!!  Hope to hear from you!

I believe that the land could be found.  I have a spot in mind, but need to speak with the owner.  As for the model you suggested, I don't believe people have enough time to tend the entire garden and I believe that the people that own their own plots would take care of it very well, since its their own.  I have been to the community garden on Cotton Avenue and it is very inspiring - the plots feed a family of 4 for a $35 fee per season.  They do have a "master gardener" who is there for help, advice, etc - but the neighborhood works their plots together. It is wonderful.

great question! of course, I would rather see veggies being stolen than cars and homes being burglarized, I don't think veggies have all that much street value!  Projects like these survive and even thrive in high crime areas...I bet a case could be made for the value that positive community projects bring to a neighborhood. Bringing people together instead of everyone only doing for themselves...This being said....a good fence and nosy neighbors along with a lot of gardening would most likely deter most criminal mischief. One can only hope! South Avondale is having their community garden kickoff this wknd and Jones Valley Urban Farms...smack dab in the middle of downtown has thrived for many years now. I think Bluff Park can handle it.

 
THANKS, Barden!! I hope there are many others in Bluff Park that feel the same!

I need to speak with the landowner first and see if she is willing.  But I will say it is a very centrally located plot of land.  I am not sure how she would feel about this, but it is my first choice.  There are others - that may require extensive clearing and I would like to avoid that! I will speak with her this weekend and hopefully have an update soon!

Thanks Ht2! It's going to take more than just me though!  But I will get the ball rolling!!

Great Idea!!!!
I feel this will be hugely successful.

Now, I am not a real estate developer - but my Dad is....so I will pitch that idea to him.  I would rather see one in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center....that big brown building at the back near Carto Craft maps - I have no idea what goes on there, but it could have the look of a cool restaurant.  
 
As for the Community Garden - we may need to take the Spring to plan/design and get beds ready and then go for our first crops in Summer.  It just will take time and I got a late start.  Should we have a meeting of all interested and form a committee? I would be happy to host the meeting.  Those who are interested in being on the Planning Committee, just send my a PM and we can discuss.  
 
I am so happy to see such enthusiastic community involvement!!