South Africa is in the middle of a food revolution and it is very exciting to witness; food security is being combatted in the form of pavement gardens.
South Africa (12 November 2020) – If you have missed it, South Africa is in the middle of a food revolution! Thousands of people are taking a step back and growing their own food, schools are converting baren spaces into gardens and communities are transforming into urban farms, you name it, it is happening! You can see the 50+ stories we have shared over the last few months here for even more inspiration.
Pavement gardens are also a great way to offer help to others while allowing people to remain anonymous in their need. For some, asking for help can be a point of pride.
Back in 2017, we shared the story of Johan Scott, a retired policeman from Heidelberg, South Africa who started a vegetable garden on his pavement after his cauliflower was stolen. He realised that there were people that are hungry in his neighbourhood, so he decided to cultivate an even bigger garden on his pavement to feed more people. The story went viral because it was such a simple act of kindness.
These days, more people are in need than ever before so the concept of a pavement garden is even more appealing than ever before. Many are collaborating together to start food gardens as a way to feed entire communities and they are the stories we are loving.
There are several groups dedicated to pavement gardens and gardens in vacant spaces. Sidewalk Food Gardens SA has been launched where people are celebrating each other and the gardens they see all over South Africa. If you have a garden or know of one, you can join the group here. You can also find more about these gardens on the Creating EDEN Facebook page.
As the weeks go by, we see more and more pavement gardens. Take a look at a few new ones being celebrated below.
- Garden by Ghalema Easton
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