Urban Gardens

"We learn from our gardens to deal with the most urgent question of the time: How much is enough?"
- Wendell Barry
Yesterday the kids and I went to the jubilation at Brooks Park in honor of the work and sacrifice of those who have seen this old urban park restored. Not so long ago it was vandalized, grafittied, littered. It was a haven for open drug use and dealing. The community garden opened as a symbol of unity and as an invitation for neighbors to come out and enjoy the garden in the city. It's now a haven for rest and reflection; a place for kids to climb and play; its a habitation for indigenous California vegitation. It's really a beautiful place. The restoration of this place is actually better than it ever was in it's prime years ago when the Brooks family donated their land for public use. It's a place to walk, explore, gather together, plant, cultivate, and thrive. A small group of commited people have worked for years to see this day come. Whereas the park was once overun with those who would lead the young in the way of destruction- on this day it was full of goodness, happiness, and hope.
I've decided to start gardening at Brooks Park. Not because I can't do it in my own backyard, but because it's an oppportunity to join in, add to, and cultivate our urban garden.