Urban Gardens: Where Nature Meets Concrete

High Line Park, New York City © Carlos Neto | Dreamstime

Rooftop and small space gardens are cropping up in metropolitan areas across the globe. Urban gardening — from greenhouses to rooftop planters — adding color and providing fresh food to urban communities.

Although sustenance farming, or raising enough produce to feed your family, is an old idea, new communities are embracing the idea of growing their own food. From trendy herb gardens to community-organized endeavors, these gardens are changing the landscape of our cities.

Urban farming is an excellent way to make use of vertical city-space while cutting down on transportation costs. Los Angeles is capitalizing on the trend in rooftop farming and taking advantage of its year-round sunshine. The company, L.A Urban Farms, offers beautifully functional planters designed for city farms.

Mural along High Line Park, New York City © Erin Cadigan | Dreamstime

Other cities are integrating rooftop gardens and creating public green spaces on top of skyscrapers. In New York City, the Highline Park offers an oasis above the city streets. This abandoned rail line is now home to gardens, art and restaurants.

Urban farming is a creative solution to food scarcity and a unique way to bring nature back into the concrete jungle. They provide fresh, local ingredients for restaurants and give city dwellers a chance to connect with their roots.