Urban Restoration Projects - Giving a Truly 'Green' Gift

Growing up as a video gaming-obsessed kid, I never would have imagined that I would one day develop a fondness for gardening. Trees, bushes and other assorted greenery were, after all, just unremarkable background scenery, unworthy of much attention. When my attitude finally changed and I took up this new hobby, I wish I could say I did out of a benevolent desire to help 'green' the urban landscape. To be honest, it was a fascination with culinary experimentation that eventually led to my horticultural pursuits.

My experimentation with the unusual berry known as the miracle fruit was the main reason behind my decision to try cultivating plants. I had gotten addicted to the fruit's unusual properties, but found it too expensive to maintain the habit by purchasing the fruits individually. But from this initial selfish motivation, I discovered that I actually enjoyed planting, so it didn't take a whole lot of effort for friends to convince me to get involved with urban restoration projects such as the NYRP.

The NYRP's urban cleanup and restoration mission is based on the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life and that parks and other open spaces can play a important role in controlling air, water and noise pollution. It's a highly rewarding project that's worthy of your attention whether you are an individual or a corporation seeking to build a greener image. I encourage all ecologically minded people to look into similar projects in their home cities. Like Green Drinks, it's an excellent opportunity to meet and socialize with like-minded people.

Whether you are a veteran of urban landscaping or amateur hobbyist, why not try to get your friends involved as well? Give a gift of promotional plants or gardening tools to help them get started. If they are leery of the whole gardening thing, maybe you'll have some luck starting them off on these useful and easy to cultivate herbs.