Communal gardening takes root in valley

Patches of green are sprouting up across the arid desert as Coachella Valley residents join a nationwide trend of community gardening.

Following in the footsteps of Palm Desert, which opened its first of two community gardens in 1999, Indian Wells is poised to give its residents the opportunity to get their hands dirty, too.

Valley schools also are trying to plant the seed with local youth — Agua Caliente Elementary School in Cathedral City started a garden this year and Desert Ridge Academy in Indio is working on cultivating a program for its students as well.

“As both the health community and consumers become more aware of food and its effect on health it’s going to be a real popular issue,” said Glenda Humiston, state director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

Indian Wells Mayor Larry Spicer announced in July the city’s interest in creating its own community garden similar to Palm Desert’s. Since then, 60 residents have contacted Indian Wells City Hall about participating, officials said.

“Part of our council’s goal is to provide a variety of venues and activities in our city, and that’s just one more to be considered,” Spicer said. “There’s a social element to this where it can turn into a get-together-with-your-neighbors-and-friends kind of place.”

Nardozzi said community gardens have proven to be great community builders that can strengthen a neighborhood socially and even bring up property values.

“It can start out with a community garden, but soon, cities start holding events and festivals or begin beautification projects, too,” Nardozzi said.

That said, the top five reasons people opt to grow their own food include a desire to save money on their food bills and to ensure the food they eat is safe, according to the National Gardening Association.

“We’ve seen this happen before: When the economy goes down, people become concerned with their livelihood,” said Nardozzi. “Plus, there’s psychological aspect to it. It helps people feel like, ‘I’m doing something to help myself out here.’”

Read the full story: Communal gardening takes root in valley | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun by Mariecar Mendoza