Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where “the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.”

Finley recorded a TED Talk (available below) explaining why and how urban gardening is a powerful tool for people in his community.

From Ron’s website, RonFinley.com:

Ron is realizing his vision for community gardening and rejuvenation. Let’s grow this seed of urban gangsta gardening into a school of nourishment and change. Help spread his dream of edible gardens, one city at a time.

It’s time for Americans to learn to transform food deserts to food forests. Help them learn to regenerate their lands into creative business models. Let’s make Ron’s philosophy mushroom across the country, and the world.

In part of this effort, Ron is planning to build an urban garden in South Central LA that will serve as an example of a well-balanced, fruit-and-veggie oasis  called “HQ”.

Inspired by the idea of turning unused space such as parkways and vacant lots into fruitful endeavor
s, this garden and gathering place will be a community hub, where people learn about nutrition and join together to plant, work and unwind.