THIS summer, Tony Tomelden hopes to be making bloody marys at the Pug in Washington, D.C., with tomatoes and chilies grown above the bar, thanks to the city's incentives for green roofs.
Mr. Tomelden, the Pug's principal owner, says he's planting a garden to take advantage of tax subsidies the city offers in his neighborhood if he covers his roof with plants.
"If I can do something in my corner for the environment, that seemed a reasonable thing to do," he said. "Plus I can save money on the tomatoes."
There won't be bloody marys at P.S. 6 on New York's Upper East Side, but one-third of its roof will be planted with vegetables and herbs next spring for the cafeteria. The school is using about $950,000 in city funds that it has put aside, and parents and alumni are providing almost a half-million dollars more.
"For the children, it's exciting when you grow something edible," said the school's principal, Lauren Fontana.
Aeries are cropping up on America's skylines, filled with the promise of juicy tomatoes, tiny Alpine strawberries and the heady perfume of basil and lavender. High above the noise and grime of urban streets, gardeners are raising fruits and vegetables. Some are simply finding the joys of backyard gardens several stories up, others are doing it for the environment and some because they know local food sells well.
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Urban Farming, a Bit Closer to the Sun
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By Marian Burros
The New York Times, June 16, 2009
Straight to the Source
