Fruit in the City

As a perpetual renter in the city, I've never really had a garden of my own. There's something appealing about growing your own food, but I think there's more to it than that. As Lindley Karstens from NoProblemGarden.com says, "Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."

Sure, some really dedicated city residents will get a lot in a community garden to grow their own food, herbs, and flowers, but most of us don't have the time, money, or knowledge to coax life from a plot of land. That's where EarthWorks comes in.

EarthWorks is a non-profit that works with community groups to plant and maintain urban orchards in Boston. They concentrate on communities with limited resources where they can have the biggest potential impact. EarthWorks tries to connect the neighborhood residents with nature - something that seems quite far off in the middle of the city.

The orchards are more than just trees - they produce fruit! In fact, EarthWorks is currently harvesting sour cherries from trees across the city. The cherries are going to be used by JP Licks to make a cherry ice cream, profits from which will be used to support the EarthWorks program.

If harvesting fruit is something you'd like to be involved in, this is your chance! Email Ben at Earthworks (Ben@EarthWorks.com) to help pick on July 7, or to find out about other picking opportunities.

I give orchards a thumbs up. In fact, I can hardly wait for OYFP's apple picking and wine tasting event in September!

Related Posts: Wine in Boston; Fruit Ripens When?; Jamming, the local way; Community Supported Agriculture Rocks

Photos courtesy of me, myself, and I.