Geography Undergrads at the University of Kentucky interviewed households around eight gardens: Roosevelt, Whitney, Race, Georgetown Place, North Lime, Nelson, Smith Street, Bryan Avenue

General Lessons learned

• Many households on the same street as a Seedleaf Garden do not know about Seedleaf or the presence of a garden- even with the current signage.
• Some who did know about the garden had no interest in using it.
• Stigma around gleaning garden produce (its for poor people).
• Garden design is not always inviting.
• Little to no knowledge about bees.
• Many of the people interviewed prefer going to Kroger

General Lessons Learned

• In more successful gardens, reports of there not being enough food.
• Seedleaf's linkage to issues of food security tenuous in some garden locations
• Strong emotional attachments to Nelson Ave. garden, there is a feeling that it is building community
• Students mentioned that neighbors are upset about the Race Street Garden. Trash collection needs to be improved and better education and design around permaculture. 
• There was some anger over the presence of outside volunteers.

Some things to think about:

1. What is our Mission? Are we performing it?

Our Website says: "People lack connection. Seedleaf does its best work when neighbors are sharing work and sharing food, coming together over common tasks and needs.... Seedleaf works to address food insecurity throughout our service area. Many Lexington residents live in food deserts: communities where a concentrated number of households do not own vehicles and are located more than a half mile from a grocery store.

Some things to think about

2. Garden layout, design and maintenance. 

People are intimidated by George town place and Race Street gardens. Also the presence of trash angered some neighbors. Signage needs to be revamped or added to.

Some things to think about

2. Education

There were instances where neighbors complained about the insects attracted to the garden, particularly bees. More education needed on seedleaf's work with pollinators.

Some things to think about

2. Paying for food

Some respondents feel more comfortable paying for food.