A guerilla gardener in South Central LA | Ron Finley

Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA -- in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys."

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[RFinleysuniverse]

I'm honored and humbled that so many have been inspired by my talk. We can change the game! Now go #plantsomeshit !!

[LauraSnip]

"Growing your own food is like printing your own money." I love this!!

[OurKitchenClassroom]

This TED Talk *literally* changed my life! The very next day after watching it, my young son and I went out and planted herbs and vegetables in a plot out in front of our house. The next season, we began gardening with the children in the international Montessori school we founded in central Japan, using that produce to prepare school lunches. A few years later, we sold it all and my family and I moved to Italy, where I studied sustainable food systems at a cooking school in Sicily. Now, we travel the world full time, learning about and sharing the languages and global culinary traditions of every place we've lived (and even some of the places we still want to go!). Thank you, Mr. Finley, for sharing your passion with the world in such a powerful way!!! #plantsomeshit

[africanmom]

Why am I crying! As an African when my feet touched American soil I was appalled at the waste of green grass and sprinklers..green perfectly trimmed lawns. I asked my host why are people not putting this so much energy and water on lawns with edible plants instead. Giving the fact that I was already traumatized seeing unhealthy Americans at the airport and everywhere my eyes looked. Seeing this man speak my mind is a blessing!! Respect!!

[calliekuykendall]

This is one of the best Ted Talks I've ever seen

[JP-]

Gardens are not only good for people's individual health, they're also good for the city's environment. Many plants can absorb things like smog and other harmful chemicals, and rooftop gardens can help reduce temperatures on the streets down below.

They're also very effective at increasing biodiversity and social cohesion while also reducing stress.

[theplantlifecanada]

BIGGEST tip for gardening: Just start. (You'll learn as you grow.)

[basilallen]

“Gardening is my graffiti. I grow my art.” I think my life has changed forever.

[awesomeawesomesauce]

He's got syle AND substance. People that talk flashy like he does usually only have the style. That's pretty rare. It's fairly difficult to be accurate, precise and inspiring at the same time. Yet somehow he does it. 

[fayetoliver]

Whose reading this in 2020...in the mist of a Pandemic...SMH
He sent the answer 7 years ago...God is GOOD

[jebes]

This is by far the most potentially trans-formative ted talk.   I love this one.

[donmwade]

"To change a community, change the composition of the soil!!" Great Quote!

[thetrashyboy]

"Funny thing about sustainability...you have to sustain it." I love it!!!

[kewlbns]

"get gangsta wit yo shovel!" now that's a good idea! :D

[OzavoguAbdul]

Here in 2020 and this is one of the best TED Talks ever.

[onlinemoney]

God is using this brother! This is what I want to see on a TED talk!

[marykelly]

"the soil as your canvas" this could start a movement especially in these times when our food supply may be compromised - grow your own

[ricardoquesadaandrade]

Here's an uplifting reminder that for every problem we face, there are people working on brilliant, innovative solutions

[She-travels]

Gardening IS therapeutic!! I absolutely LOVE this message. As a child I watched my mom plant any and everything. As an adult, gardening is one of the ways my mom and I connect. And having my own home, it is absolutely what makes me happy!

This talk was inspiring beyond words! Thank you Mr. Finley.

[JimGriffOne]

This is how to take power back, not with violent revolution. The power has always been with the people but we have been convinced that it has been taken from us. Top guy. I'm already following in his footsteps by learning how to grow my own food to take back my health.