The best community gardens aren’t just gardens, but also act as place where neighbors can relax, hang out with their kids, enjoy the gardens, maybe even host small community events.
“Have a place for people to sit when they’re not gardening,” says Spencer. “Put some character in your garden to make it fun like artwork to make it colorful, and very welcoming place.” City Slicker Farms has areas with shaded benches, a play structure for kids, grassy areas for picnicking, and a covered space for workshops and classes.
Determining rules is also an important step to ensure the community is enjoying the space in a respectful way towards everyone sharing it. Creating those rules as a group is the best way to go, so everyone can agree on acceptable and unacceptable activities in the garden, and when and how the garden is used.