The Development of the First Community Gardens

Did you know that during World War II 40% of all vegetable produced in the US were from backyard and community gardens? Coined 'Victory Gardens' the American people were encouraged to plant their own gardens to produced an un-rationed source of food.  An unfortunate cause of the reduction in food was from the internment of Japanese Americans, who at the time produced nearly half of all produce in the US.   This caused food shortages and the government to encourage the American people to plant gardens of their own.  People were allowed to plant in open lots, rooftops and even public parks in some cases.

A resurgence has also occurred in our times toward the benefit on having your own garden and communities that include cities and churches have accommodated these interests.  In my own city a very beautiful community garden has been erected in an area where only green grass had grown prior.  The Memorial Park Community Garden was opened in 2011 and is located at the Memorial Park North Recreation Center at 340 N. Orange Place, "featur[ing] forty plots available to the community, either as individuals or as an organization. The cost of each 4’ x 10’ plot is $30.00 annually + a $20.00 initial deposit. (Applications are accepted at the Administrative Offices at Memorial Park, 320 N. Orange Place in Azusa.  For further information, please call (626) 812-5280.)