redwhiteandgrew.com

A Central Texas Victory Garden, Summer 2008

Food For Thought

Q: Why "Victory Gardens"? Aren't the war connotations negative? What about another name? "Peace Gardens," maybe?

A: This matter will undoubtedly be parsed through by some folks. Actually, we happen to feel that a respectful discourse about the movement's name is good...healthy even...and we invite discourse on the topic on our Take Action! page's guestbook. 

However, we're frankly partial to this response by leading VG-proponent Amy Franceschini: "I wanted to keep that word 'victory' because we are in a time of war, [but] we should change what that word means so that victory should mean self-reliance and independence from corporate food systems." ("Victory Gardens Revive World War II Project, with a Modern Twist," Dallas Morning News, 29 February 2008). 

So, "Victory" is a multi-dimensional term in the case of sustainable gardening. What you personally choose to direct your efforts toward is up to you. Currently, there seems to be a common desire for victory over food insecurity, fuel scarcity and climate change. And, again, we are indeed at war right now. Most importantly, because the phrase "Victory Garden" has positive connotations for so many Americans who participated in the earlier efforts (or recall their older family members talking about it), there's much to be said for promoting a renewed sense of commonality by using the term. 

For a playful take on the garden name game, click here.

____________