Ripping
up the front lawn and planting a garden may sound rash, but not only is
this new trend improving the diets and culinary skills of many families
across the country, it's also a great way to strike up conversations
with neighbors, and make a statement about the importance of fresh,
local, seasonal eating.
Architect and artist Fritz Haeg is part of a project called 'Edible Estates' (the book, due out in 2008, is called Edible Estates:
Attack on the Front Lawn),
and says he's been overwhelmed by the response people have had to the
front yard garden, and who want him to design their front garden next.
'People
are obsessed with their homes, creating these cocoons that
isolate them,' he said. 'This project is about reaching out, getting
them connected to their streets." Not only will it look beautiful,
but, as one front gardener points out, growing your own organic fruits,
veggies and herbs will ensure clean, healthy eating without breaking
the bank. It may help you make new friends, too: Some front-yard
gardeners say that ripping out the sod and putting in
vegetables gave the neighbors their first-ever excuse to speak to them.
We
live on a busy suburban street - and only know a handful of our
neighbors. I'm thinking this could be just what the doctor ordered - a
great conversation piece, and a healthy family project to boot! Think
the car exhaust would contaminate the crops, though?
[Via NewforParents.org]
