Public gardens have always enjoyed the respect of the communities in which they are located. They are resources for recreation, as well as education and research opportunities. In many communities, public gardens are an oasis and refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, but this characteristic has also meant inherently that one has get to a garden in order to benefit from it. Today, public gardens must reach out to spread their benefits and address the recognized need and opportunity for their communities – merely maintaining their refuge will not suffice.

Public gardens can play very significant roles in sustainable community development. Gardens across the country are employing a “Mission without Walls” practice of actively taking their expertise out into the community, addressing issues and concerns. But what makes a community program not only successful but sustainable? What are the important elements that successful community partnerships have in common? When should program groundwork be laid, what modifications should be considered along the way, and how does an institution measure and evaluate its success?

http://publicgardens.org/files/files/Sustainable%20Communities%202011.pdf