Let’s face it – concrete usually lacks certain aesthetic qualities – especially when it defines an unused urban setting.

But rather than writing them off as typical city characteristics, Columbus is actually trying to develop and revitalize these spaces – and turn them into productive gardening spots that benefit entire neighborhoods.

Community gardening is a concept that’s been around since the late 1930s and 40s – when taller buildings began monopolizing downtown landscapes and asphalt and automobiles became more familiar. At that time, families were asked to replenish their own food sources because of World War II. Since, community gardens have evolved into something fun, visual and healthy.

They’re not required by the federal government anymore, but are a way to create resourceful and fruitful land – land that would otherwise be neglected, even unsafe.

How fitting they’re making a strong comeback, then, considering the recent trends in environmental-consciousness. Columbus is on the ball with this “green” mentality, especially behind Franklin Park Conservatory’s Growing to Green program, which started in 2000, and Mayor Michael Coleman’s Get Green Columbus initiative, which was introduced in 2005.

The Growing to Green program provides free community resources for community gardening and beautification. The concept has caught on big time, with a dramatic increase in projects around Central Ohio. Since its inception, it has assisted in more than 100 garden and beautification projects in the area. Bill Dawson, who coordinates the program, says the basic idea of urban gardening is common in bigger cities, but what makes Columbus unique is that its efforts are actually facilitated through a large public entity like the FPC.

“Usually it’s the Park and Recreation Department or grassroots efforts in individual neighborhoods or something along those lines. But I can count on one hand the cities in the country that have a resource like Columbus does, where everything is provided in one place and resources are free,” Dawson says.

It’s caused a buzz. The American Community Garden Association moved its headquarters from New York City to Columbus last summer, and the city will host the 2007 Ohio Community Gardening Conference March 16 and 17. The conference will feature speakers from all over the country, and will attract participants and vendors from bordering states, as well. This is the first year it is big enough to span two days’ worth of classes and information.

The Growing to Green program is buoyed financially by the Columbus Foundation, Chase Bank and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, among other sponsors. Additionally, Scotts Miracle-Gro hosts a series of courses designed to provide the skills and resources needed to implement and sustain a community garden.

According to Dawson, the benefits of such efforts are abundant and obvious.

“These gardens have such an impact on the neighborhood. People might think of them as being a lot with tomatoes in the middle of the city, but it really is so much more than that. They beautify, they provide education and socialization for our youth, they create opportunities for multicultural mixing and understanding, there is an intergenerational connection, there is the nutrition aspect because these gardens are providing fresh, local food,” Dawson says.

Dawson says people really connect over the food aspect. “They take ownership in these gardens. If they plant it, they’re more likely to eat it and this is food that is nutritious. And even if these folks’ neighbors don’t garden, anytime you bring food to the table it brings people together,” he says.

There is a benevolent side to community gardening, as well. The program has donated more than 10,000 pounds of produce to area shelters. Because of these benefits, the biggest challenge, perhaps, comes with sustainability. The program offers plenty of information and resources for people to sustain their garden, and Dawson even goes out to assure the long-term quality of any garden projects.

The breadth of these gardens is far-reaching – from schools, to memorial gardens and neighborhood entrances. At schools, they offer outdoor learning environments for students who want to learn entrepreneurship or a new hobby; at the Franklin County Juvenile Center, they offer a chance for educational community service projects for first time offenders; in dark, problematic urban areas, they lighten and clean things up and cause troublemakers to go elsewhere.

“There is a trickle down effect that comes with these gardens, and we want to continue to expand and get bigger so that we can spur healthier and safer lifestyles,” Dawson says. “This isn’t going to bring world peace, but it’s at least a start. We just want to make our neighborhood and city a better place to work, live and play.”

For more information on the Community Gardening program, its classes, grant opportunities or conference, visit www.fpconservatory.org/growingtogreen.htm.