Educational Media Reviews Online

A Lot in Common follows the efforts of a group of neighbors in Berkeley, California to transform a desolate lot into a community garden. The independent documentary traces the evolution of the project over a five year period as a vibrant green space eventually emerges to foster a sense of community.

The concept of this urban garden and “common area” was the brainchild of landscape architect and psychologist Karl Linn. Inspired by Linn’s idea, neighbors decided to dedicate the vacant lot to a community garden – a green space maintained by community members, not separate plots farmed by different people. They also wanted the garden to incorporate work by local artists with room for community events. With these objectives in mind, Linn designed the space and oversaw the hard work of a diverse group of volunteers.

The film highlights the numerous factors required to realize the community’s goals, including construction, plant selection, job definitions, and cooperation. Despite minor disagreements among participants and opposition from a few area residents, a beautiful, welcoming garden emerged to become the center of peaceful community activity.

The documentary includes interviews with Linn, gardeners and artists, and community residents. In addition, urban planning visionary Jane Jacobs, PBS NewsHour's senior correspondent Ray Suarez, and environmentalist Paul Hawken provide context and background about the project.

For people interested in constructing a community garden, A Lot in Common offers an overview of some of the work involved and the challenges that can arise. It primarily emphasizes the positive aspects of an eco-friendly community space. At 76 minutes, however, the film seemed too long; the 57-minute version may be preferable.

Recommended.