Taken as a whole , these core beliefs emphasize the importance of being inclusive , making room for diverse ideas and utilizing local assets when starting a community garden . They also demonstrate the importance of using a bottom-up or grassroots approach when developing a garden . As the authors have learned over the years , most successful community gardens are initiated , established and managed by the gardeners themselves . When gardeners have the opportunity to take ownership in a project , they are more likely to invest their time and effort in making the garden a success .
Additionally , keeping these suggestions in mind may help you overcome some of the challenges that arise when moving forward with a community garden project . For example , the people involved in your project will likely come from different backgrounds and have different ways of relating to each other and the project . They will bring their unique personalities , perceptions , knowledge , skills and experience to a group situation . They will have different ideas about how to accomplish a project . Some group members may learn faster than others . Some will be more pessimistic . Others will be more optimistic . Regardless of these differences , the group should be committed to remaining open and patient with all group members and creating the time and space to facilitate dialogue about the best way to accomplish the tasks at hand .
Five core beliefs of working in groups
� Core belief 1 " There are many ways to start and manage a community garden ." Although this may be a given , it helps to remember that community gardens can serve many purposes and take many forms .
� Core belief 2 " In order for a garden to be sustainable as a true community resource , it must grow from local conditions and reflect the strengths , needs and desires of the local community ." Assistance from people or organizations outside of the community can be helpful . However , those who will be using the garden should make most of the decisions about how the garden is developed and managed .
� Core belief 3 " Diverse participation and leadership , at all phases of garden operation , enrich and strengthen a community garden ." Gardens can be stronger when they are developed and led by people from different backgrounds .
� Core belief 4 " Each community member has something to contribute ." Useful skills and good suggestions are often overlooked because of how people communicate . People should be given a chance to make their own unique contributions to the garden .
� Core belief 5 " Gardens are communities in themselves , as well as part of a larger community ." This is a reminder to involve and be aware of the larger community when making decisions .
From idea to action — Ten steps to success
The Growing Communities Curriculum notes that community gardens generally start in one of the following two ways . Scenario one : One person or a small group of people has the idea to start a community garden . Scenario two : An outside group or local agency has the idea and land available to start a community garden . Whether you are involved in a volunteer group or part of a local agency , the basic steps for moving from an idea to planting the first seed are the same . The following 10 steps can serve as your guide .
Step 1 Talk with friends , neighbors and local organizations about your idea . As you talk to people , collect names and numbers of those who are interested . If people voice opposition or concern , take note and be sure to address these concerns in future meetings . As a general rule , aim to find at least 10 interested individuals or families who want to be a part of the garden before moving to the next step .
Purpose , values , vision and action planning
Your first meeting may be an appropriate time to define your group ' s purpose , values and vision . This can help your group develop a common understanding of why you are embarking on a community garden project ( purpose ), the beliefs and principles you share that underlie your purpose ( values ) and the long-term goal or outcome you hope to achieve ( vision ).
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