Would you fight for your Garden?
by Angie Aller
Amy Becerra, might not be Michelle Obama, but she certainly should have the same rights to grow in her own back yard as Michelle, no? Well the The Weston Hills/North Hills Homeowners Association begs to differ.
Last Wednesday Amy went to court to fight for her right to keep her organic garden. If she looses the case against her, she will be forced to pay a fine of $100 per DAY that her garden remains in her yard. The argument form the HOA is it goes against community uniformity. I can see and understand both sides of the argument, however, in a time where even our president is encouraging home grown gardens we must find a middle ground.
In my community I have counted many fruit trees and spotted many more small herb gardens. Having my own garden bed and experiencing first hand what a difference it makes in a household (specially with children), I must agree with Amy in fighting for our rights to be allowed to grow our own organic goodies.
So are you wondering what was the verdict last Wednesday, well: ”At the hearing, the HOA’s management company told her it needed additional time to review the matter, but have not given her a time frame.” Amy is staying positive and is happy to at least be allowed to keep her organic garden for a wee bit longer :)
What is your personal opinion should all home owners conform to uniformity even if it hinders our health and personal growth, or should HOA’s become more lenient in allowing their home owners to grow their own gardens?
For support in fighting your own battles click here to access the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ ( FFL ) for some valuable information on:
- Solutions for your yard
- A one-stop information kit on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ communities, maintenance, principles and legislation
- Information about Green Industries Best Management Practices and the FYN Builder & Developer Program
- Articles and videos about the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
- Landscaping FAQs
Now if you are more of a grower and not a fighter, than you might want to opt for moving to one of the growing communities that encourage sustainable living and a harmonious life style with nature like Saddle Ridge.
To read the full article about Amy Becerra and The Weston Hills/North Hills Home owners Association click here.
HI1 It’s me, Amy Becerra. There are over 100 other homeowners with fruit trees including one of the BOARD members ( he has a crab apple). Remember victory gardens anyone?? The government sponsored a campaign to promote growing your own food right after WWII. They made posters and encouraged American citizens to plant vegetable gardens! What happened? We have become drones who only know how to drive to the grocery store and purchase our food. Kids do not even know what a carrot plant looks like. How sad is this? Most of our food is polluted with disgusting chemicals and pesticides. The Florida law promotes wildlife habitats that grow fruit, berries, and specialty gardens such as raised vegetable gardens. HOA’s may ” not prohibit nor enforce covenants prohibiting the Florida -Friendly Landscaping Law”.
Although the law is clear, I still want to reming folks that this is the American way, self-reliance! Japan was a rude awakening, be prepared for the worst. The stores may not have enough food to feed your family, then what?? I know, go toyour garden and cook some food so you won’t starve!!
Amy, thank you so much for commenting and for having the courage to do what you’re doing, our freedom, health, and that of future generations are at stake. With out warriors no battles will ever be won and the above will vanish for all of us.
Feel free to let us know how the case is going and if there is any way we can help.
Your green family at A Cup of Green.
Hi Amy
What was the outcome? Did they allow you to keep your garden?
Damien
hi Amy, we are having a very similar situation…Could you contact me? Dleonrealtor@aol.com