Yard-sharing in Chicago
I want to find out who would be interested in yard-sharing. This is an arrangement in which a property owner makes an agreement to share his or her space with a gardener who doesn't have access to a yard or a community garden plot. You can imagine that there are quite a few people in that category in Chicago.
In many situations, the gardener enters into an agreement whereby he or she grows whatever is desired, then splits the harvest with the property owner. The percentages of the produce taken by the gardener and the property owner can vary: either 80-20, 60-40 or 50-50. Those conditions, as well as the responsibilities for utility costs, seeds, soil et cetera, are subject to the needs and requirements of the parties involved. All of that obviously needs to be worked out before the first seedling goes into the ground.
Yard-sharing arrangements are gaining acceptance and popularity in a number of cities and towns across the country. There are a number of national and regional websites that provide a way for those with land but not enough time or skill to connect with people with green thumbs who don't have enough space. Look up Hyperlocavore, Portland's Yardsharing site or Sharing Backyards. You'll find lots of information on drawing up agreements, choosing a good sharing partner and insight into people's experiences. You'll also notice that there isn't a whole lot going on (yet) in Chicago.
I received word that the 49th Ward (Rogers Park) Green Corps will promote yard-sharing this year. It would be good to see that kind of initiative taken up all over the city. Even if people didn't want anyone else on their property, collaborative efforts among neighbors on the same block -- pooling garden resources (tools, materials, plants) and sharing what's grown in yards and on trees -- could have tremendously positive social and ecological outcomes.
They're ideas. If you want to connect and work to develop them further, then contact me at oceandesetoilesATyahooDOTcom.
In many situations, the gardener enters into an agreement whereby he or she grows whatever is desired, then splits the harvest with the property owner. The percentages of the produce taken by the gardener and the property owner can vary: either 80-20, 60-40 or 50-50. Those conditions, as well as the responsibilities for utility costs, seeds, soil et cetera, are subject to the needs and requirements of the parties involved. All of that obviously needs to be worked out before the first seedling goes into the ground.
Yard-sharing arrangements are gaining acceptance and popularity in a number of cities and towns across the country. There are a number of national and regional websites that provide a way for those with land but not enough time or skill to connect with people with green thumbs who don't have enough space. Look up Hyperlocavore, Portland's Yardsharing site or Sharing Backyards. You'll find lots of information on drawing up agreements, choosing a good sharing partner and insight into people's experiences. You'll also notice that there isn't a whole lot going on (yet) in Chicago.
I received word that the 49th Ward (Rogers Park) Green Corps will promote yard-sharing this year. It would be good to see that kind of initiative taken up all over the city. Even if people didn't want anyone else on their property, collaborative efforts among neighbors on the same block -- pooling garden resources (tools, materials, plants) and sharing what's grown in yards and on trees -- could have tremendously positive social and ecological outcomes.
They're ideas. If you want to connect and work to develop them further, then contact me at oceandesetoilesATyahooDOTcom.
posted by mr damon at
12:27 PM
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