Part one A – the community group

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I hope you have read the pdf. “The Process of Starting Your Own Community Garden In Toronto” * - this directs your attention toward the community group and how to build it up, and that is where we will start. Page 6 of the Community Garden Handbook (2008 Version). In my story, I used the comparison between a sunflower plant and a full tree of the same diameter. In one season the sunflower can can grow seven to eight feet tall, and have a big flower head but it doesn't make it through the winter. A tree, on the other hand, will take several years to reach that size, however, it has strong roots that can weather the seasons and will continue to grow strong and endure. Your group might have some roots in the neighbourhood already, however, you want to get them to expand on that – reach out into the community to find the rest of your garden group.

The reason I use this example - Two points

• First - There may be one or two people that are inspired to start that garden, but you need to have at least five or six people as the core of the community group to begin this project. And - they need to be ready to stick with it through thick and thin, and be able to endure the setbacks – because there will be disappointments along the way. That is why I say that this group should have strong roots in the community already. They should be able to draw on this strength and they should be able to hear what the community folks are saying - what type of community garden is the best fit for their area.
• The second point is that it might take up to a year for your group to get approval to start your garden, so take the time to build them up.

We also need to talk about the public meetings – getting the city councillor on board is very helpful, whether you plan to have it in a city park or on private land. As well, if your plan is for a city park, you will need to be in touch with the Park Supervisor for that ward. Now - you and your group will need to make presentations - to describe the plan of the garden, what you hope to achieve by placing it in the area you have picked out, and who will benefit from this garden.

You basically need to “sell” the garden concept to the public meeting. Please see the pdf. The Steps that lead to a Strong Sustainable Community Garden And the story: What Are Community Gardens? and the one about Access. These should help you get ideas for your presentations that you will need for your audience.

As well, you need to be prepared for the “Nay-sayers” - please see the pdf. Benefits of Community Gardens – page 3. - Common Complaints about Gardens and how to refute them. -

Up until now, you have been speaking with like minded people about the garden and have had very good feed-back. However, now comes one of the first challenges: the nay-sayers!. You have to listen to people’s concerns about your proposed garden - it might be difficult, but it is very important to stay calm. They are a very important part of the process, and you must hear what they have to say! Hearing someone criticize your idea for what may seem to be unimportant reasons can often make you feel under attack. However, the focus should always be on building consensus. Ask for suggestions of how the idea could be adapted to suit their concerns rather than going on the defensive. If it is clear that the person critiquing your plan is not willing to be flexible, let them know that the garden committee will discuss their concerns and that you will agree upon a way to address them. It doesn't happen very often, however if you face a particularly aggressive group, it might be worth stating at the outset that personal attacks and aggressive behaviour (shouting, name calling) are not permitted in the discussion.

This is just the first stage of the community group - see also Part 2 B - Organizational sustainability

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