Increasing populations means decreasing spaces, and although the age old sentiment of "the more the merrier" comes to mind, it certainly leaves less room for some of the more miscellaneous joys of life. One of these joys is gardening; over the years it has become incredibly difficult for new families to raise their own gardens, forcing them to spend more on grocery shopping or voiding them of the simple pleasures of seeing your own work come to fruition. However, as usual, humans find a way, and in this situation community gardens have provided an answer.
Offering benefits to both individuals and whole neighborhoods, community gardens provide a shared space for people to grow their own food, learn new skills, and connect with both nature and their green-thumbed neighbors. In a period of trying grocery prices, these gardens give a sense of food security, providing healthy produce to a number of communities that are lucky enough to have them. This is especially a blessing in urban areas, where access to nutritious food can be limited. Growing their own crops reducing the dependence on store-bought produce, lessening their carbon footprint and decreasing the tax on the environment all while enjoying locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Despite the benefits of community gardens, however, they can be difficult to maintain. The various needs of the individuals can damage the overall benefits, and the required knowledge of horticulture and plant care surely varies amongst members of the community, potentially leading to mishaps or damaged crops. For this reason, the City of Rosemead, California is seeking to award a one year contract for professional services at the Del Mar Community Garden and the Glendon Way Community Garden. They are looking for a vendor that will show a record of reliability, as well as the ability to provide quality programs and services to the community at a competitive price. Professional services bring expertise in soil health, pest management, and plant care, helping to make sure the garden remains aesthetically pleasing but most importantly, productive. Additionally, professional gardeners can give much needed guidance on the best plants for local climates and optimize the limited space to yield the maximum output of crops while still taking care of the soil and surrounding areas.
If interested in providing these services and helping to prolong the this sustainable and enjoyable resource for the Rosemead Community, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes on January 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM PST.
