• Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Showroom
  • Contact
  • Cart
    • Account
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest

Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics

Gracious living that's light on the earth

You are here: Home / 31 Days Project / Gardens Build Community

in 31 Days Project· Portfolio

Gardens Build Community

Gardens Build Community

Gardens Build Community by Lindsay Curren. Photo: Lindsay Curren.

It’s been a while since I added a piece to this website as I work my way through all 31 pieces in this show. But as I began to work on a couple of recent pieces on urban farms proper, container gardening, and rooftop farms, I discovered that I hadn’t yet posted my latest piece on community gardens.

Having run a community garden myself for four years, I know first hand the value of utilizing precious and often rare urban green space to build food gardens that community members can join in to grow food. I, myself, have profoundly enjoyed producing a good 1/4 to a 1/3 of my produce year-round (or preserving it for year-round use) and I only want to amp up that production more.

Gifts and challenges

In the best circumstances, community gardens do both things in their name — they provide a place for gardening, but they also build community. In this case, much depends on how much the land is valued, and how much its members value contributing to not only their own food production, but the surrounding garden as well.

In some communities, this is such an important counterpoint to to the complexities of urban life that it can palpably be felt as an oasis in a desert, or a shelter in a storm. And the food produced can quite literally be the difference between going hungry and being fed. Gardens can also form a hub around which skills are built and shared, jobs bloom, nutrition improves, and a relationship with nature nourishes the soul.

In other communities, urban community gardens may be seen as a luxury, where producing one’s own food and committing to larger participation is a big hurdle in the face of cheaply available food (even if they prefer locally grown). Privilege causes a different evaluation of priorities, and community gardens might struggle to get the support they need, even if not all potential participants are privileged.

Community gardens can even face local opposition, such as when they’re seen as an impediment to commercial growth when an otherwise empty lot is taken up with food and flowers as opposed to the ongoing revenue of a viable business. This can lead to zoning restrictions and other hurdles for organizers that can discourage projects.

At the same time, anecdotally and in some limited research there are claims that community gardens actually improve nearby property values, lower crime rates, and increase neighborhood connections for a feeling of safety, security, and belonging.

Let it bloom

I don’t know what are the most tangible statistics could support the most glowing claims of the community garden movement. Frankly, I kinda don’t care.

As an artist and a writer, as a gardener myself, I refuse to give over the whole of life to the unfeeling power of capital and its irrationally rational demands.

Instead I’ll rest easy in the empirical evidence of smiling at a bay of sunflowers against a busy street. I’ll luxuriate in a soup I made having all ingredients but one produced in my own little plot. I’ll feel gratitude when participants, volunteers, and advisors offer time and counsel to help improve the community space. I’ll feel pride when someone asks if they can use the garden for an event. And I’ll feel joy when we can share the food and the smiles and some time together in a little green space with any member of — or visitor to — our garden community.

Cause that’s what it’s all about.

Purchase the print in my Etsy Shop Lady Virginia Vintage.

— Lindsay Curren, 31 Days of Urban Agriculture

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest

About Lindsay Curren

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Previous Post: « Vivify Burger & Lounge is Designed To Please
Next Post: Virginia foodie delights at Kybecca, Fredericksburg »

Primary Sidebar

Product categories

  • Vintage Fabric BTY/Piece
  • Vintage Fabric Samples
  • Vintage Kids' Fabrics
  • Vintage Fabric Scraps
  • Vintage Home Textiles
  • 21st Century Fabrics

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay connected to get all the latest

We'll never share or sell your contact information.

  • About
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Footer

more about lady virginia

A Christian, mama, and writer, Lindsay Curren (aka Lady Virginia) is also a passionate lifelong collector of vintage fabrics. "There's something inexplicable about the pull textiles have on me. I simply can't resist sourcing them, using them, and now selling them. Other fabric addicts will understand!"

Product categories

  • Vintage Fabric BTY/Piece
  • Vintage Fabric Samples
  • Vintage Kids' Fabrics
  • Vintage Fabric Scraps
  • Vintage Home Textiles
  • 21st Century Fabrics

let’s connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

looking for something?

Get Our Free E-Book

Get free ebook

Latest on Instagram

More of this pretty blue #leopardprint upholstery More of this pretty blue #leopardprint upholstery fabric by P Kaufmann goes out to Texas today. We’ve got 4 continuous yards left (and two single cut yards, too). Snap it up before it’s all gone.

$39/yards w/ free shipping in the US. Find it in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#fabric #animalprint #vintagefabric #vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabrics #fabricaddiction #fabriclovers #texas #lonestarstate
This pretty and ultra lightweight vintage Italian This pretty and ultra lightweight vintage Italian paisley striped batiste heads to California today— seven yards, perhaps for a Jane Austen Festival Regency gown? We shall see!

Come find your favorite #vintagefabric in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio).

.
.
.
#janeausten #janeaustenfestival #regencydress #vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabrics #ladyvirginiavintage #fabricaddiction #vintagefabriclove #fabriclovers #vintagesewing #cali #california #goldenstate
Sweet #vintage craft squares in a luscious firm gl Sweet #vintage craft squares in a luscious firm glazed chintz (17” square) that are perfect for #quilting, #framing, appliqué, tote fronts, little message boards, and more. Each features a wild berry. Each square is $39 w/ free shipping in the US. Find them and 100s more #vintagefabrics in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics. Link in bio. 

.
.
.
.
.
#wildberries #berries #berrybotanicalflower #vintagefabric #vintagefabricforsale #wildstrawberry #wildstrawberries #wildblueberries #wildblackberries #wildgooseberries #wildcurrants #wildcranberries #quilters #vintagequilting #crafting #ladyvirginiavintage
Amazing— AMAZING— Mid Century Modern abstract Amazing— AMAZING— Mid Century Modern abstract linen heads out to Arizona today. Can’t wait to see what she does with it.

We have some STUNNING mid century pieces for your authentic (and sustainable) #reupholsteryproject . Stop by Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics on @etsy to find a statement piece for your #springrefresh . Link in bio. 

.
.
.
.
#etsy #etsyshop #vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #1960s #1970s #midcentury #midcenturymodern #abstract #abstractfabric #upholstery #vintageupholstery #vintageupholsteryfabric #reupholstery #diy #makers #ladyvirginiavintage #fabric #fabriclovers #fabricaddiction #arizona #thecopperstate #copperstate #grandcanyonstate
Super charming #1950s Zinnia cotton quilting fabri Super charming #1950s Zinnia cotton quilting fabric rolls out to Arizona today for someone’s #diyproject or textiles collection. 

Come find your dream #vintagefabric among our 100s listed on #etsy. Moms love fabric — pick up a unique piece for #mothersday. Find them in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#zinniasofinstagram #vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabrics #mothersdaygift #mothers #momslovefabric #vintagefabricfinds #fabric #fabricaddiction #ladyvirginiavintage #flowersofinstagram #makers #textilescollection #mommakers #makermom #makermomma
These gorgeous valances flew off to Utah this week These gorgeous valances flew off to Utah this week but never you fear — we have three others in the red colorway and scraps of what is shown in big enough pieces for pillows, dining chair seats, and more! Valances $329 ea w/ free shipping in the US. Find them in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics. Link in bio. 

DETAILS: These are utterly gorgeous vintage 1990s custom-made cascading, six-paneled valances in a sumptuous 18th century style Chinoiserie fabric by Kravet titled "Regal Kyoto." The red ones are backed with a luscious sea foam green silk taffeta and trimmed with luxe braid and ball tassels in copper and silvery sage. 

These valances will grace any #grandmillennial or traditional space with stately aplomb! The maker is an amazing DIYer and home seamstress (among her many other talents) who used these in a secondary cottage on her property (and it was entirely non-smoking and pet-free). Impeccably rendered, these can be paired with solid curtains or shades or used on their own. Mounted on a simple wooden plank with bracket hardware (screws not included.) Our apologies that a door was the only place we could photograph these. 

SIZE: Each panel is mounted on a wood plank 38 & 5/8th" wide at the top and 5/8th" deep; Center motif comes down 11" (14" w/ fringe); side fabric cascades down at intervals — 23", 28", 35", 41", 49", 56.5". Expertly pattern matched. 

#valances #chinoiserie #cinoiseriechic #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillennialstyle #grannychic #kyoto
Stunning #1970s era Greeff Fabrics chintz titled “Linton” (presumably because it was found in a house called Linton) features expressive Phoenix birds amidst 18th century style Indienne flowers and floral borders. 

We’ve only got one piece — 
55" wide x 68.5" long. Double-width center border motif is 4 3/8" wide; Side borders are 2.25”. 

$149 w/ free shipping in the US. Find it in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #phoenix #phoenixbird #greefffabrics #etsy #ladyvirginiavintage #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #grandmillenial #grandmillennialstyle #chintz #18thcentury
This delightful #1980s #jayyang piece titled “Wo This delightful #1980s #jayyang piece titled “Woodco” heads to Texas today for someone’s #diyproject or #textilescollection . We’ve got several more #vintage Jay Yang fabrics and many #vintagefabrics in inspiring #yellow for your #springrefresh . Find them in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
.
#vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabric #fabriclovers #chintz #grandmillennial #grandmillennialdecor #decoratorfabrics #fabricaddiction #texas #lonestarstate #makers #vintagesewing #etsysellersofinstagram #vintageseller
Just listed: Stunning and vividly colored, this he Just listed: Stunning and vividly colored, this heavyweight cotton-linen upholstery fabric — “Gardenia” by Moygashel of Ireland — offers distinct, oversized gardenias set against a midnight blue background. 56” wide x 1 yard increments. Four yards available at $69/yard with free shipping in the US. Find it in our #etsyshop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics (link in bio). 

.
.
.
,
#vintagefabric #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #vintagefabricfinds #gardenia #floralupholstery #ladyvirginiavintage #ireland #irishlinen #moygashel #fabric #upholsteryfabric #fabriclovers #fabricaddiction
This 1981 piece titled “Bird Vase Atelier” hea This 1981 piece titled “Bird Vase Atelier” heads to Massachusetts this week. We have two more glorious yards (actually 2.5 yards if you want more) and then it’s gone . $44/yard w/ free shipping in the US. Find it in our @etsy shop Lady Virginia Vintage Fabrics. Link in bio. 

.
.
.
.
.
#putabirdonit #atelier #massachusetts #thebaystate #baystate #oldcolonystate #birdfabric #etsyshop #ladyvirginiavintage #fabric #vintagefabric #1981 #1980s #vintagefabrics #vintagefabricforsale #fabriclovers #fabricaddiction #upholsteryfabrics #vintagefabriclove
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 Lady Virginia Vintage · 11 E. Beverley Street · 3rd floor, Suite 21 · Staunton, VA 24401 · Contact Us Online