Urban nature strips and vacant lands are often sites of high pesticide use for weed control. Gardening Australia (ABC) on August 10th 2018 showcases an alternative approach which has many community and health benefits.
“Ron Finlay is known as the ‘gangsta gardener’ and is from Los Angeles, where he says it’s easier to buy liquor than an organic apple. The South Central area where he lives is known for gang violence, drug dealing and drive-through food outlets, but Ron set out with the weapon of his choice – a shovel – saying that ‘you don’t need a gun or a knife to cultivate’.
An artist and fashion designer, Ron set out to change his neighbourhood and started to garden on the street instead. He started with watermelons on the parkway (what we call a nature strip) and ended up being charged with the ‘offence’ of growing plants on public land.”
Watch the full program here.
