Seems like lots of thoughts reside in my subconsciousness as a seed, waiting to take root, before they begin to grow and become big enough to notice. Thoughts of community gardens were like that for me. Many years ago, staring out the window of an Amtrak train as it lumbered into Chicago's Union Station, I was mesmerized by the collection of urban gardens both big and small passing by outside my window. From my seat on the train, peering down into each garden, the community garden seed was planted in my brain as I was struck by the uniqueness of each garden and the diversity of the plants growing within them.At the time I just wanted to know more about the people who were growing those urban gardens, but as the seed grew, I found myself branching out and doing research on schoolyard gardens, community garden plots that could be rented by individuals, and gardens that entire communities of people worked in and shared the bounty of.
Just recently, as I began work at my local food pantry, my subconscious thoughts came closer to the surface as I witnessed the lack of adequate amounts of fresh food being delivered to the clients of the pantry. I found myself feeling frustration that a certain segment of our population didn't have access to produce- either because they couldn't afford it or lived in a place without access to it. After a few months of working at the pantry, all of my latent community garden thoughts bubbled up and came together as I felt a huge desire to learn all I could about food justice and how community gardening and farmer's markets can bring fresh produce to those that aren't getting it.
These food justice thoughts of mine have been circling in my head for the last few months and were circling around in my head yesterday as I was walking through Harlem and stumbled upon a community garden overseen by the New York City Parks and Recreation's Green Thumb Program . Located at the corner of 112th and Park Ave., the garden, named Villa Santurce Jardineras, is a literal breath of fresh air in an otherwise concrete jungle. The garden contains trees, perennials, vines, and raised beds with vegetables. Gazebos are provided for shade as well as chairs and couches for resting and relaxing.The Green Thumb program is one of the largest community garden programs in the country with 600 member gardens serving 20,000 NYC residents. The program started in 1978 and is committed to providing support to help strengthen gardens, gardener skills, and communities. Originally vacant derelict lots, they have been renovated by volunteers and provide valuable green space along with a sense of community.
The Villa Santurce Jardineras garden was well tended and charming. A very welcoming place that was obviously well loved. It made me feel good to see fresh food growing in an area of the city where produce may be hard to come by. Surrounded by a chain-link fence, the garden was also protected from those that may not appreciate it. Each Green Thumb garden is required to be open at least 10 hours per week for the community to enjoy and work in. I would have loved to been there during the open hours to talk to those who work the garden. To hear how the garden came about and how it continues each year. 
Every garden has a story and as I looked at this one, I was reminded of my long ago trip through Chicago when I gazed out the train window and wanted to know the story behind the gardens I was passing. On this day though, I felt closer to understanding the story of urban gardens and those responsible for tending them. As I gazed up at the Puerto Rican flag flying alongside the American one, I could imagine the proud people who work in and benefit from this garden. A group of people coming together with the common goal of gardening but strengthening their community in the process. This garden serves as the fiber that connects. It is nature that serves as the common thread woven around and stitching them to one another. Garden, Nature, People, Connection...maybe I have figured out one part of the story behind urban community gardens and I look forward to finding out more.
