Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

LA Green Grounds

Los Angeles

CA

USA

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
November 9, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Food continues to be one of the most successful instigators of community gathering, engagement, and interaction. It can also be an excellent enabler of public space improvements. In South Los Angeles, the volunteer organization LA Green Grounds has been converting underutilized lawns into edible gardens for public consumption. The project was started in 2011 by Ron Finley who, after being inspired by a gardening class at the Natural History Museum, began planting a garden on the strip of empty land between the sidewalk and road outside his home. By spring, it was blooming with vegetables. It quickly sparked the interest of neighbors who began helping Finley maintain the garden. Much of the produce was given away to those in the community who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

The garden, however, was not appreciated by everyone. Finley received a citation by the Bureau of Street Services to remove the plantings and fought hard to make his case to both city officials and the media. Though the charge was eventually dropped, it was not without a fight from its most impassioned stakeholders. Since then, LA Green Grounds has facilitated over 20 “dig-ins” in which communities come together to transform their front lawns into edible gardens. The projects help build neighborhood ties while addressing the lack of fresh, affordable food options in many Los Angeles neighborhoods with beautiful gardens. Today, LA Green Grounds is active in local politics, working to change city policies that impede access to local, edible gardens.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, from left: LA Green Grounds via Facebook, LA Green Grounds via Facebook, LA Green grounds via Facebook, LA Green Grounds via Flickr, LA Green Grounds via Flickr, LA Green Grounds via Facebook 

Follow LA Green Grounds

Website: lagreengrounds.org

Facebook: facebook.com/lagreengrounds

Twitter: @lagreengrounds

LA Green Grounds
LA Green Grounds promotes active citizenship
LA Green Grounds
Garden reward
LA Green Grounds
Everyone shares in the bounty
LA Green Grounds
A small plot can create food that goes a long way
LA Green Grounds
A front lawn is tranformed into an edible garden
LA Green Grounds
LA Green Grounds
LA Green Grounds

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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