Philadelphia, PA: Daily News Gardener Profile

Posted on Wed, Aug. 25, 2004





He tends an oasis in West Philly


HAYWARD FORD

Age: 63

Lives: Wynnewood

Family: Father of four children, Kenneth, Rosalind, Terrence and Andre.

Making Philadelphia beautiful: Twenty-five-year volunteer at Aspen Farms, a community garden at 49th and Aspen streets that he describes as a "green oasis on a concrete platform." He spends a minimum of 40 hours per week helping to maintain the property and lending a hand to the outdoor science classes held at the garden from two local schools. He is also on the board of both the Neighborhood Gardens Association and the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society.

Why it matters: Says that the garden "has a ripple effect on the community as far as beautification and upkeep, and serves as a motivational tool for the rest of the area."

Background: Attended Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University. He ran a photography studio for 15 years. After he retired in 1990, the garden "has become my life project."

If he ran the city: "I would increase the funding for all the established gardening, the beautification of the city." Says that improving one's surroundings can also go toward "the beautification of one's mind. If you live in a beautiful area, you've gotta be nice to the next person. You can only be so mean if the area is beautiful."

Know someone who is making our city better? Help us give them the credit they deserve by e-mailing rethink@philly.com.

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