World We Dare to Imagine - PT III

 World We Dare to Imagine PT III

Anastazja Ball

The Greater Good of the Garden Foundation (GGG) pitch to Anima Mundi Development Partners

The world is slowly starting to turn into a big pile of hot garbage; everything is made of plastic and coated in who knows what. From our playgrounds to the fruits in our grocery stores, people are desperately seeking fresh alternatives and natural environments to disconnect and come back to what’s raw and real. Gardens are almost non-existent in the common person's lives, as well as the knowledge of how beneficial they are. When was the last time you ran through a garden with your feet in the grass, picked your own berries, watched your own seeds develop and grow over time? 

The Mission

Greater Good of the Garden Foundation is a foundation created to put gardens and greenery back into the community. A community garden is a two-in-one deal that provides a safe space for individuals to gather in nature, as well as growing a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that go back into the community; creating a healthier and brighter future. 

Why We Love What We Grow (Do)

Food scarcity and insecurity is an ever growing problem in society; costs of fresh and healthy foods are nearly impossible to afford, especially for the working class. This also goes hand in hand with accessibility to parks and green environments, which are significantly less available in those lower and working class neighborhoods.

I remember my summers as a child growing up and visiting farmland in Europe, where my brother and I ran barefoot through endless fields. It was in that garden that I learned how my food grows and how to care for nature from seed to flower, and I will always remember that. That memory drives the mission of the Greater Good of the Garden, who wishes every person to have the privilege of those same experiences. 

What Makes GGG Special

Gardens exist in some places, but what makes GGG special? Many communities lack parks and garden spaces, GGG is one of the first dedicated to installing these places into neighborhoods that need it most. The Greater Good of the Garden is also unique for actually providing the resources and education needed to create a long lasting and successful environment. Each community space also includes a tea house that turns the garden space into a third space, a place for individuals to find a moment of peace as well. 

GGG not only provides the space, but guidance in building the garden and educating community members on how to tend the space. This hands on approach eases the extra stresses and worries about maintaining a space such as a garden by guiding and enlightening individuals. 

Planting Seeds to a Greater Future; Our Business Model

The GGG is dedicated to the people, that is why this foundation runs off of 3 main pillars. 

The Greater Picture: 

Gardens are the future; whether hydroponic (water based) or a patch of land. They are extremely versatile and can be made from recycled materials such as old drawers, random plastic buckets, even old shoes can hold a new seedling! Old food scraps make for great compost as well, creating a recycling habit that is good for the environment. With the rise of global warming and overproduction of goods, re-use of items and composting can help slow down the effects of climate change. 

The Good: 

Gardens are also a great opportunity to better not only the bodies of people, but the minds as well. Outside of being able to provide fresh food and vegetables every season; they are also an incredible educational opportunity. Not many people know where their food comes from or how it is even made. Having a garden teaches individuals how their food is made, as well as the patience and knowledge of growing a seed from start to finish. 

The Garden:

Many communities lack green spaces for people to surround themselves in nature. A garden is the perfect environment for somewhere quiet and green, which is known to boost moods and de-stress. They also allow individuals to physically interact with the greenery, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging in a community space such as this one. 

Why Invest?

The Greater Good of the Garden Foundation is seeking a one million dollar investment from Anima Mundi Development Partners in order to provide our neighborhoods with community gardens. While this is a considerably large investment, it is imperative to consider the cost of land purchase alone, as well as materials to build a strong and successful garden that is self sustainable and long-lasting.