Community+Gardening

**Research Concept**
My original concept explored the proportions of green space to urban living space in Toronto. While this topic is both interesting and rich in depth of research material, it is perhaps too large in scope for this particular project. So I decided to look at ways of narrowing down my subject matter to a more manageable size. After much thought and further research into the uses of greenspace, I came across a newly developing form of communal interaction occuring within parks.

Living in Toronto, for many means living under tight land restraints. As more and more people move to Toronto (0.8% growth rate per year), land is becoming a precious commodity. People are building upwards and nolonger have the luxury of owning their own gardens. With so many people living in residential environments with little or no access to yard space, many people wish to seek out a place of shared gardening. The logical solution to this need for gardening space was the idea of communal gardening. Community gardens are small plots of land (often times found within public greenspaces) that are allocated to nearby residents without access to gardens. These gardens are often run by organizations that hold the lease to the land and offer plots for sale, or through government grants provide the land free of charge.

How is the concept of Community Gardening a benefit to the ever increasing population of Toronto. What is the proportion of green space to urban living space within Toronto? How does being involved in a community gardening effort affect the way we feel and the way we interact with others in our community? How can Toronto plan to increase gardens per capita as the city population continues to increase? What are the benefits, challenges and disadvantages of community gardening?

**Critical Position**
I believe that gardens and green spaces are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, while living in a city. Not only do they provide a viable place for individuals and families to exercise and stay fit and eat healthy, they also provide a valuable place of social interaction and for many, an essential place of escape from the fast paced world of city life. I feel that Toronto is facing and will continue to face problems, of diminishing space available for use as parks and community gardens. As such, access to decent local parks will become more and more difficult as the city strains under a constantly increasing population. With careful planning though, Toronto may be able to sustain much higher percentages of green spaces and gardens than cities of similar sizes as it is not constrained by the same space limitations of other metropolises such as Tokyo or London. A factor that may aid Toronto in becoming a ‘greener city’ is its comparatively low land values when placed side-by-side to other cities around the globe.

Gardening in Canada is the second most popular form of leisure activity. According to a recent study performed by 'Go For Green: The Active Living Environment Program', 72% of Canadian adults enjoy gardening as a common pastime. Community Gardening encourages an active lifestyle, provides stress relief and encourages individuals to become a part of their community. The gardeners take on the responsibility and initiative of organising, designing and maintaining an integral part of their community.

**Research Statement**
I plan to do some investigative research into the physical, social and psychological benefits afforded by community gardens. I hope to look closely at the benefits, disadvantages and challenges facing community gardens in Toronto both economically, socially and environmentally.


 * Concept Maps**

Photos
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