Why is it that people are always trying to break records? Why are we always trying to push the limits of what’s possible, and who is the best?
Records prove that the unlikely and incredible are possible. They practically beg to be broken as soon as they are set.
While I haven’t been living in the Milwaukee area for very long, I’m already working on breaking a local record.
It might not be one you’ve heard about yet, but I’m here to make sure that this year’s Victory Garden Blitz is bigger than it’s ever been before. The Blitz is a yearly event put on by Shorewood’s own Victory Garden Initiative, a local nonprofit that seeks to create communities of people growing their own food, reintegrating human and food ecology.
We make it easy to start a brand new food producing garden by installing raised garden beds all across the city during the Blitz — in backyards, front yards, school yards, church yards and just about anywhere in between.
By removing some of the barriers that prevent people from growing their own food, we can significantly increase the amount of fresh, healthy, scrumptious food that is grown right here in Milwaukee.
Last year, volunteers installed about 130 new gardens all in one day. This year, the Blitz has grown so large that we’re going to need a week to do it all, starting on May 19 and culminating in our biggest day on May 26.
During this week, we’ll be going from neighborhood to neighborhood to install gardens using all volunteer labor. Our target? Three HUNDRED new gardens by the end of that week.
Since our first installation is only 3 and a half weeks away, our heads are starting to spin a little bit thinking about all the soil, lumber and manpower that needs to come together to make this a success, but we’re confident we can pull it off…with a little luck, perhaps.
As is the case with many record-setting attempts, it’s going to come down to the homestretch to make all the difference for this year’s Blitz. We‘re recruiting volunteers, soil movers (got a pickup?), and yes — garden recipients. But unlike some record attempts, we’re going for a lot more than bragging rights here.
The Blitz is a way for you to get involved in creating a sustainable food system and a stronger community. Don’t just meet your neighbors; help install a garden in their yard. Grow your own food in your front yard and you’ll have the benefit of eating the fruits of your own labor, but I bet you’ll also be surprised by who stops by to chat about the carrots.
With 300 of these gardens going in this year, and even more next year (doubtless our new record will be broken), we’re making a real contribution to Milwaukee’s renaissance.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Check us out at VictoryGardenInitiative.org/Blitz to sign up for a garden or a volunteer opportunity. Help us break our record, and we’ll help you change Shorewood.
This is a grassroots movement. Move grass. Grow Food.
