It seems that one of the newest fads to hit the urban garden scene is “guerilla gardening.” Essentially gardening do-gooders use the cover of darkness to beautify neglected public spaces by getting rid of weeds and planting something else in their place.
The general concensus seems to be that guerilla gardening is the best thing since sliced bread. There is even (or should I say “of course there is”?) a website dedicated to “mobilzing the troops.” While I haven’t totally made up my mind on the topic, the only difference I can find between grafiti and guerilla gardening is that in most cases guerilla gardening is better looking than grafiti. They both are usually done at night. They both involve altering someone else’s property without their permission. They both cost the property owner money to remove. They’re both illegal…
What do you think?
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Great idea! If there are any ‘guerilla gardeners’ in Cypress, CA, I have just the spot. The city has ignored the area on the east side of my house for the 20 years I have lived there. I keep it weed free, but it is in need of some planting. Low water usage planting would be great, because the area is not served by sprinklers.
LOL. I guess that’s one vote in favor of guerrilla gardening.
Fern,
I’d have to agree with your fence riding on this one. On the one hand, abandoned property that is being truly neglected can often use a little help to keep clear of weed trees, rodents, and to discourage suspicious persons from lurking about….on the other hand, when I am managing properties on the job there is nothing I hate more than having to fix something after a “guerilla” has broken, absconded with, or added to a designed area.
The “Guerillas” I run into on the job are perpetually taking apart my pond fountains in the spirit of “fixing” them, and adding fish into ponds that can’t support them. Of course this has led to many a happy office person later, who has been the recipient of a large goldfish for their desk aquarium – so I guess in some ways it ends up being a winner all around?
Thanks for sharing your experience with guerilla gardening Amy. I think I have softened my stance on guerilla gardening of abandoned spaces. The points you make are good ones (getting rid of weeds, debris, rodents, pest infestations, etc). But I definitely draw the line at altering or adding to property that is being actively cared for. We may or may not agree with how it is being tended, but when someone is putting their blood, sweat and tears into a garden everyone should respect their right to have the garden they want to have.
Guerilla gardeners are not gardening in any areas the are being property managed. Amy, perhaps you should take to your tenants about your fountain issues.
The guerilla gardeners I know have started working with the city of Long Beach so the gardens are not overwatered and kill the gardens. These gardens are actually conserving water and beautifying a would be blighted area. I’ll actually be working with guerilla gardeners in Wrigley to bring our neighborhood much needed gardens.
Adriana–I’ve softened my tone when it comes to guerilla gardening, especially those gardeners that are officially sanctioned. But there are times when it totally crosses the line.
Adriana – many of us have a different take on this in the UK. There are some truly blighted urban areas where local councils don’t invest in gardening and communities neglect to act. At least UK guerrilla gardeners are brightening up these environments and stimulating councils to consider their position.
Jorrit–I think you meant to direct your comment to me, not Adriana?
Hey Roberta, email me if you still want to do something in Cypress. I think if you click on my name it will open an email to me.
Fern, I totally see where your coming from, I just recently heard about the movement, it sound interesting and fun as long as there is respect and understanding along with it. I definitely agree with Amy.
….aaaaannnd i just realized that I’m a few years too late on this topic… dang.
No worries David!
I’ve recently done a bit of guerilla gardening, it was a lot of fun and we beautified an area the city had neglected.
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