Concrete Garden Archive

Publication Lifespan: 2012-2017

ISSN: 2291-9449, 2291-9430

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History of the Journal:

Born from a UVic magazine publishing class, Concrete Garden evolved into a sought-after semi-annual print publication in Victoria focused on sustainable urban agriculture. It explored the ingenuity of local communities, organizations, and individuals involved in urban agriculture, from balcony tomatoes and urban beekeeping to large-scale projects like the Mason Street City Farm. Concrete Garden covered the full spectrum of urban food production, including the "culture" of agriculture – the architecture, green businesses, and political structures that shape our food systems.

The magazine featured stories on local businesses and community programs supporting food security, Indigenous food practices and food sovereignty, green architecture, and global ecological issues viewed through a local lens. It also included how-to articles, and reviews of books, restaurants, technology, and films with a sustainable slant.

Focus & Scope:

Concrete Garden focused on sustainable urban agriculture and environmentally conscious living in Greater Victoria and southern Vancouver Island. Its content explored local food systems, covering topics from small-scale gardening to large-scale urban farms, and the broader context of food production, including green businesses, architecture, and food policy. Further, the magazine examined food security, Indigenous food practices and food sovereignty, and global ecological issues with a local perspective.

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Media:

Growing the Concrete Garden by John Threlfall
Gardening in the city via UVic knowlEDGE