Ron Finley is dedicated to creating and maintaining sustainable gardens in oft neglected neighbourhoods.

For the inhabitants of American neighbourhoods noted for their lack of social mobility, the dearth of fresh produce is a clear demarcation between the haves and the have-nots.

Ron Finley, a native of South Central L.A., grew so frustrated with his inability to find fresh fruit and vegetables in the local stores that he began to plant tomatoes, carrots, kale, corn, bananas, tangerines and much more in the 150 foot long kerbside strip outside his home.

Despite his well-meaning intentions, Finley then had to do battle with the local council in order to have his guerilla garden left alone. Only succeeding by circulating a popular petition, and fortuitously bending the ear of a local city council member.

Since this time, Ron has established L.A Green Grounds, a scheme dedicated to replicating his initial efforts of building vegetable gardens in kerbside space, vacant lots and in areas blighted by deprivation.

Having always viewed this plan as an adjunct to a larger vision that held gardening up as an essential life skill, the next step is the Ron Finley Project. A training facility attached to the gardens that will also teach woodwork, aquaponics, fashion and art to local kids.

I’m trying to repair a dysfunctional system of food “prisons” around the United States. We’re imprisoned by bad choices, which result in real harm. Here in L.A. I’ve heard of grade school kids having heart attacks.