One of the major hurdles which Emily identified in our meeting on Friday is the water hook up for new community gardens. It can be expensive and time consuming to deal with the bureaucratic processes involved. Community gardening is in part about finding ways around the system, so in line with this philosophy, I've been researching alternatives.
This collaborative project implemented at six schools in the middle east, was especially interesting. The participants involved took advantage of open design processes. Students, teachers and scientists all participated. There are also lots of projects on Instructables which are applicable. This is also a point where my research for the myhomeyourhome project overlaps with Rachelgrows- I've already done a great deal of research on rainwater collection.
If there is a building on the premises, it can be as simple as channeling the water off the roof and into a rain catching barrel. Here is a simple step-by-step on how to make one. This Instructable is very clear, and best of all talks about how to build for about 20$.
I would be interested in helping a local community garden set up a water collection system this month. It would be great to learn by doing, and to help a group become less dependent on the city's water grid.
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