On this once vacant lot in the city of Ventura, California, there is more growing than just vegetables....
John Wilner is certainly a Killer Bee, and his gardens are special indeed. Sponsored by the Ventura organization COLOR, for which Wilner is the President, the conceptualized community garden is intended to grow relationships within the community. When seeds like these are planted, amazing things sprout.
When I spoke with John on the phone today, he said with great pride that in just the time since the Garden was launched in March of this year, they have been able to produce and donate over 300lbs of vegetables to local area food banks.
"In the beginning we didn't have our own water, and it was all brought in by the "water brigade", and a very kind neighbor with a really long hose."
COLOR is a Gay/Straight Alliance, and their mission is to promote a community of acceptance. I do believe its working. Wilner added "I have been really impressed with the diversity of the volunteers themselves.They're from all walks of life. Some are interested in feeding the hungry, some in gardening, or beautifying the neighborhood, and some for all of those reasons."
"What we're doing here can be replicated anywhere, in any community in which there is a vacant lot. A vacant lot can feed half of a neighborhood."
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