The 'Gangsta Gardener'

Sue Deacon · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 10:02 am Post subject: The 'Gangsta Gardener'

Every month Gardens Illustrated run a profile of someone in the gardening world. This month it is Ron Finley. Never heard of him? Neither had I. But oh, what a hero he has just become.

I followed the links at the bottom of the page and watched a short talk given by him - inspirational! You can find him on ronfinley.com and watch the film on TED talk at ted.com

Just the thing to warm the cockles of your heart on this miserable day.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 1:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that, Sue. I'll look him up later. Do you get Gardens Illustrated online? I used to buy the mag, years ago, mainly for the wonderful photography., but I gave it up due to cost, storage ( hard to throw out!). I'd consider getting it online though. Do you get to archive back numbers?

Sue Deacon · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 1:49 pm Post subject:

No, I buy the magazine. I used to subscribe but got a bit fed up with the 'lifestyle' being thrown at me - £95.00 designer wellies etc. So now I flip through a copy and see if it's worth it. I know what you mean though and I can't throw old copies away.

Let me know what you think about Ron Finley and what he is trying to achieve.

Greengage · Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:50 pm Post subject:

I used like that Mag but gave it up due to cost. Pity

Good guy · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 12:15 am Post subject:

I agree about the ads Sue - I can just about stomach those in The Garden. But I think you have the right idea, just to get the issues that appeal to you.

Good guy · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:01 pm Post subject:

Sue I've just spent the most inspiring hour or so checking out Ron Finely and his projects to bring urban land to life in South L. A. Great stuff. I've seen references to "guerrila gardening" before, but not such detailed coverage. His ideas could well be emulated here - how many hundreds of acres of land are unused in our towns and cities.
While I was at it I also had a look at videos on the work of Stephen Ritz, a teacher bent on greening the South Bronx and improving outcomes for deprived children and also Britta Riley who has instigated a worldwide RnDIY (Research and Do It Yourself) project on window gardens. It is interesting to see how these are developments that seek to bypass "The System", empowering citizens.
I'm really glad you brought this to my attention. Thanks.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:14 pm Post subject:

Yes, very uplifting and inspiring. I must have a look at the window gardens - I didn't see them.

Good guy · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:17 pm Post subject:

What I found fascinating about Britta Riley's project was the design/development process - keeping it in the hands of ordinary citizens and empowering them.