Exploring guerrilla gardening: gauging public views on the grassroots activity

Adams, D; Hardman, M; Larkham, P

Abstract

The literature on guerrilla gardening is developing rapidly. The majority of these
accounts currently derive from North America, with little academic exploration
apparent beyond this context: they focus explicitly on the grass-roots gardeners and
show little regard for those surrounding the action’s location. Guerrilla gardeners
often colonise land not only without the permission from authorities, but also with
little regard for those who surround the space; transforming areas without consulting
with the local communities. This paper explores those affected by guerrilla gardening;
grounding our argument in evidence gathered from the activities of three guerrilla
groups. In doing so, we investigate the public’s views of several informal gardening
projects, questioning their value and impact on the surrounding areas. The emerging
responses are very mixed, ranging from positive comments about improving
aesthetics, to negative remarks surrounding the practices of some groups. Ultimately,
this paper demonstrates how, although often promoted and perceived to be a
constructive activity, guerrilla gardening can result in adverse impacts on those who
surround colonised sites.

Citation

Adams, D., Hardman, M., & Larkham, P. (2014). Exploring guerrilla gardening: gauging public views on the grassroots activity. Local Environment, 20(10), 1231-1246. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2014.980227

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 20, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2014
• Publication Date: Nov 21, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2015
• Journal: Local Environment - The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability
• Print ISSN: 1354-9839
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-6711
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1231-1246
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2014.980227
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2014.980227
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/13549839.asp