From Today's Oregonian, Southeast Portland resident Joseph Huth writes a letter to the editor about the importance of community gardens in building community:

"In my work in a Portland Parks and Recreation community garden, I have witnessed how a community garden builds community beyond the borders of the garden.

A community garden creates relationships between the gardeners and with the neighborhood. It provides education for children and adults from across the city. Local food banks benefit from the surplus harvest the community gardens provide. Fees paid by community gardeners provide funds to improve city parks. The local and global environment benefits through an increase in biodiversity. Community gardening connects us to each other and to nature.

Vandalizing the Earl Boyles Community Garden was a senseless act of destruction. This unfortunate incident should not discourage the citizens of Portland, but motivate us to further strengthen the community gardens program."

We will hold a Community Rally next Saturday, August 22nd from 10am to noon for the Earl Boyles Community Garden.

Please join us as we support the families in East Portland by making a community statement that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our parks.

WHAT:   Community Rally and Re-Planting

WHERE: Earl Boyles Community Garden at SE 110th & Francis St.

WHEN: Sat, August 22nd: 10AM-NOON

WHO: Gardeners, Neighbors, Community Supporters, City Officials

Thanks to Kenneth Aaron, of Neighborhood Notes, for the photo.

Also check out the complete Community Garden Tour.