EVERYDAY I’M BRUSSELIN’

By Marina Hernandez

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, I found myself with the gift of two hours of free time. The possibilities! My heart drifts to nature immediately and I am behind the wheel cruising down familiar streets with a wildlife center pinned as my final destination. I park under a lush canopy of trees shading a row of cars. Stepping out of my car I remember that there is a community garden nearby and I consider checking it out. When I approach, I’m disappointed by the sight of a tightly latched gate. As I inquisitively peer inside, the once firmly locked gate seems to magically burst open, the sun momentarily shines a little brighter and the garden beckons me in! For acres, I can see arbors and trellises dotted with hanging vegetables; I can hear the melody of birds whipping around open blooms; I can feel that I have just stumbled upon a personal sanctuary.

The community garden of YOUR dreams is also within reach and, lucky for you, the options in Long Beach are bountiful. Some gardens are nestled in neighborhoods, while others cover a wide expanse; some have sizable ground plots, while others have rows of modest raised beds. Whichever setting or size you prefer, there are clear wellness benefits to digging in. According to a 2018 article from the National Library of Medicine titled, Gardening for Health: A Regular Dose of Gardening, “Sunlight lowers blood pressure, as well as, increasing vitamin D levels in the summer, and the fruit and vegetables that are produced have a positive impact on the diet. Working in the garden restores dexterity and strength, and the aerobic exercise that is involved can easily use the same number of calories as might be expended in a gym.”

Joining a Community Garden has even more added benefits. I know what you're thinking… How could it get any better?!? Unlike personal gardens, community gardens promote a sense of communal belonging, offer on-the-job training by other experienced gardeners and will ultimately fill your veggie drawer to the brim with a good harvest.

Why Do YOU Garden?

Responses from members of our Long Beach community gardens:

“Gardening is my little bit of paradise, watching a seed grow into nutritious food.” - Greg Marcotte, 7 year member

“Gardening literally grounds me, real effort, real produce, real satisfaction.” - Anne Simoneau, 20 year member

“I garden to teach my kids where their food comes from and the importance of nurturing what nourishes us.”

- Kristan Chuka, 8 year member

“Spending time outdoors, surrounded by plants, can improve mood and overall well-being.” - Fidel Rodriguez, 4 year member

“Watching plants grow and producing your own food can be incredibly satisfying.” - Clarissa Nakata, 2 year member

“Gardening is in my history and my blood. I gardened with my family as a child and it became my passion after retirement. This garden is special and has touched the lives of many who have gardened here.” - Carol Meyer, 14 year member

“It grounds me to the earth." - Gary Wall, 2 year member

“I garden for relaxation, enjoyment and to have fresh veggies.” - Nancy B, 77 years of gardening

LIST OF LONG BEACH’S COMMUNITY GARDENS

Ready to plant your own garden? Join a community garden!

90802

Pacific & Sixth Community Garden (12 plots) | 616 Pacific Ave | longbeachorganic.org

Cesar Chavez Park Children's Gateway Garden (30 plots) | 401 Golden Ave | (562) 570-8890

90804

Crown Victory Community Garden (22 plots) | 914 Redondo Ave | longbeachorganic.org

Orizaba Park Community Garden (12 plots) | 1435 Orizaba Ave | longbeachorganic.org

Zaferia Junction Community Garden (90 plots) | 3709 E. 10th St | longbeachorganic.org

90805

North LB Community Garden (18 plots) | 6895 Myrtle Ave

Grace Park Garden (24 plots) | Plymouth St and Elm Ave | longbeachorganic.org

90806

MLK Community Peace Garden (13 plots) | 1950 Lemon Ave

90807

Captain Charles Moore Urban Community Garden (30 plots) | 3121 Long Beach Blvd | longbeachorganic.org

90810

Mary Molina Garden (24 plots) | 1640 W. 20th St | longbeachorganic.org

Hudson Community Garden (84 plots) | 2351 W. Hill St

90813

Seventh & Chestnut Community Garden (22 plots) | 348 W. 7th St | longbeachorganic.org

90815

Long Beach Community Garden (303 plots) | 7600 E. Spring St | lbcga.president@gmail.com