Summit Edible Landscaping Project
Summit at Liberty Proposal:
Expanding Edible Landscaping in Our Community
Dear Neighbors,
I am excited to propose an initiative that aims to enhance our community's beauty, foster engagement, and provide us with fresh, healthy food: expanding edible landscaping throughout our property. This would encompass common areas and, with individual permission, private spaces.
Imagine walking through our Summit community and being able to pick fresh herbs for your dinner or enjoying the beauty of fruit trees bearing ripe produce.
This initiative can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, productive gardens, using permaculture techniques to ensure sustainability and ease of maintenance.
Building on Our Existing Community Garden
Our community already boasts a thriving garden with over 20 raised beds actively used by residents. This demonstrates our collective interest in gardening and provides a solid foundation for expanding edible landscaping.
To further enhance our existing gardens, we can introduce permaculture-based edible landscaping that works in harmony with nature and minimizes upkeep.
Permaculture Strategies for Edible Landscaping
Perennial Plants – Introduce long-lasting crops like fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs that require minimal replanting.
Companion Planting – Grow plants together that naturally support each other, improving yields and reducing pests.
Water Conservation – Use mulching techniques to retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
Pollinator-Friendly Design – Include plants that attract beneficial insects to aid fruit and vegetable production.
Composting & Soil Regeneration – Create a community composting system to nourish our soil naturally.
Perennial Plants – Introduce long-lasting crops like fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs that require minimal replanting.
Companion Planting – Grow plants together that naturally support each other, improving yields and reducing pests.
Water Conservation – Use mulching techniques to retain moisture and reduce watering needs.
Pollinator-Friendly Design – Include plants that attract beneficial insects to aid fruit and vegetable production.
Composting & Soil Regeneration – Create a community composting system to nourish our soil naturally.
Enhancing Soil & Sustainability with Community Composting
A community composting system offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to improve the dense clay soil in our Summit neighborhood, reducing reliance on store-bought soil amendments. Compost provides essential organic matter, breaking up compacted soil, improving drainage, and enriching fertility, making edible landscaping more sustainable and successful.
A community composting system offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to improve the dense clay soil in our Summit neighborhood, reducing reliance on store-bought soil amendments. Compost provides essential organic matter, breaking up compacted soil, improving drainage, and enriching fertility, making edible landscaping more sustainable and successful.
How Composting Benefits Our Soil & Edible Landscape
Transforms Organic Waste into Fertilizer – Kitchen scraps, leaves, and plant trimmings decompose into nutrient-rich compost that naturally nourishes fruit trees, herb gardens, and edible plants.
Improves Dense Clay Soil – Compost loosens compacted clay, creating better aeration and drainage for stronger root development.
Reduces Dependence on Store-Bought Amendments – Instead of purchasing fertilizer or synthetic soil treatments, residents can use community-generated compost.
Supports Sustainable Landscaping – Compost retains moisture, reducing watering needs and making edible plants more resilient during dry seasons.
Boosts Biodiversity – Encourages beneficial microbes and earthworms that enhance soil health, leading to stronger yields and healthier plants.
Transforms Organic Waste into Fertilizer – Kitchen scraps, leaves, and plant trimmings decompose into nutrient-rich compost that naturally nourishes fruit trees, herb gardens, and edible plants.
Improves Dense Clay Soil – Compost loosens compacted clay, creating better aeration and drainage for stronger root development.
Reduces Dependence on Store-Bought Amendments – Instead of purchasing fertilizer or synthetic soil treatments, residents can use community-generated compost.
Supports Sustainable Landscaping – Compost retains moisture, reducing watering needs and making edible plants more resilient during dry seasons.
Boosts Biodiversity – Encourages beneficial microbes and earthworms that enhance soil health, leading to stronger yields and healthier plants.
Implementation Plan for Summit
Designated Composting Stations – Establish compost bins in communal areas for food scraps, garden trimmings, and organic waste collection.
On-Site Compost Processing – Introduce enclosed composting systems or community-managed piles to efficiently break down organic matter.
Resident Education & Workshops – Host learning sessions to teach residents how to contribute to and use compost effectively.
Compost Application for Landscaping – Distribute finished compost to improve soil conditions in edible landscaping areas and fruit orchards.
Ongoing Monitoring & Expansion – Evaluate success through soil health improvements and expand composting initiatives accordingly.
Designated Composting Stations – Establish compost bins in communal areas for food scraps, garden trimmings, and organic waste collection.
On-Site Compost Processing – Introduce enclosed composting systems or community-managed piles to efficiently break down organic matter.
Resident Education & Workshops – Host learning sessions to teach residents how to contribute to and use compost effectively.
Compost Application for Landscaping – Distribute finished compost to improve soil conditions in edible landscaping areas and fruit orchards.
Ongoing Monitoring & Expansion – Evaluate success through soil health improvements and expand composting initiatives accordingly.
Financial & Environmental Benefits
Lower HOA Expenses – Reducing the need for professional soil amendments and fertilizers could cut landscaping costs over time.
Community Savings – Compost replaces expensive gardening products, helping residents save on soil conditioners and plant nutrients.
Eco-Friendly Impact – Diverting organic waste from landfills lowers community waste disposal costs and contributes to carbon footprint reduction.
With a community-driven composting system, we can significantly improve soil quality, reduce expenses, and enhance the beauty and productivity of our edible landscaping efforts.
Lower HOA Expenses – Reducing the need for professional soil amendments and fertilizers could cut landscaping costs over time.
Community Savings – Compost replaces expensive gardening products, helping residents save on soil conditioners and plant nutrients.
Eco-Friendly Impact – Diverting organic waste from landfills lowers community waste disposal costs and contributes to carbon footprint reduction.
With a community-driven composting system, we can significantly improve soil quality, reduce expenses, and enhance the beauty and productivity of our edible landscaping efforts.
🌟 Benefits of Edible Landscaping
Health & Nutrition – Fresh, homegrown food promotes better health and well-being.
Community Engagement – Strengthens social ties and fosters neighborly connections.
Environmental Sustainability – Supports biodiversity, reduces food waste, and lowers reliance on store-bought produce.
SUMMIT EDIBLE LANDSCAPING PROJECT
BENEFITS
This project has the potential to bring significant savings and benefits to the community in terms of HOA landscaping expenses. Here’s how it could impact costs and financial efficiency:
Health & Nutrition – Fresh, homegrown food promotes better health and well-being.
Community Engagement – Strengthens social ties and fosters neighborly connections.
Environmental Sustainability – Supports biodiversity, reduces food waste, and lowers reliance on store-bought produce.
SUMMIT EDIBLE LANDSCAPING PROJECT
BENEFITS
This project has the potential to bring significant savings and benefits to the community in terms of HOA landscaping expenses. Here’s how it could impact costs and financial efficiency:
Cost Savings for HOA Landscaping
Reduced Maintenance Expenses – Traditional landscaping requires frequent mowing, trimming, and upkeep. Edible landscaping, especially with perennial plants like fruit trees and berry bushes, reduces ongoing maintenance needs once established.
Lower Water Usage – Implementing permaculture techniques such as mulching and companion planting decreases water consumption, cutting irrigation costs.
Less Need for Commercial Landscaping Services – By shifting to edible landscaping with community involvement, HOA reliance on hired landscaping crews may decrease over time.
Minimized Lawn Care Costs – Grass requires mowing, fertilizing, and reseeding, while edible plants provide value in the form of fresh produce and biodiversity.
Reduced Maintenance Expenses – Traditional landscaping requires frequent mowing, trimming, and upkeep. Edible landscaping, especially with perennial plants like fruit trees and berry bushes, reduces ongoing maintenance needs once established.
Lower Water Usage – Implementing permaculture techniques such as mulching and companion planting decreases water consumption, cutting irrigation costs.
Less Need for Commercial Landscaping Services – By shifting to edible landscaping with community involvement, HOA reliance on hired landscaping crews may decrease over time.
Minimized Lawn Care Costs – Grass requires mowing, fertilizing, and reseeding, while edible plants provide value in the form of fresh produce and biodiversity.
Savings for Residents
Access to Free, Fresh Produce – Instead of purchasing herbs, fruits, and vegetables from stores, residents could enjoy harvests from communal areas.
Lower Grocery Bills – Fruit trees and edible gardens contribute to household food savings, especially when scaled up with permaculture techniques.
Reduced Waste Management Costs – Composting initiatives could lead to lower trash removal expenses by repurposing food waste as natural fertilizer.
DIY Gardening & Learning Opportunities – Residents could save money on gardening classes by participating in educational workshops within the community.
Access to Free, Fresh Produce – Instead of purchasing herbs, fruits, and vegetables from stores, residents could enjoy harvests from communal areas.
Lower Grocery Bills – Fruit trees and edible gardens contribute to household food savings, especially when scaled up with permaculture techniques.
Reduced Waste Management Costs – Composting initiatives could lead to lower trash removal expenses by repurposing food waste as natural fertilizer.
DIY Gardening & Learning Opportunities – Residents could save money on gardening classes by participating in educational workshops within the community.
Additional Financial Considerations
Potential HOA Fee Reductions – If edible landscaping lowers long-term maintenance costs significantly, it could translate into lower HOA fees.
Increased Property Value – Homes in communities with sustainability-focused landscaping may see increased desirability and market value.
Funding & Grants – Local governments and environmental groups may offer grants or funding for green community initiatives like edible landscaping, further offsetting costs.
Potential HOA Fee Reductions – If edible landscaping lowers long-term maintenance costs significantly, it could translate into lower HOA fees.
Increased Property Value – Homes in communities with sustainability-focused landscaping may see increased desirability and market value.
Funding & Grants – Local governments and environmental groups may offer grants or funding for green community initiatives like edible landscaping, further offsetting costs.
🛠️ Implementation Plan
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable process for everyone, we propose the following steps:
Voluntary Participation – Residents can choose whether to take part; no one is required to plant edibles on their private property.
Designated Areas & Guidelines – Identify common areas for edible landscaping while maintaining community aesthetics.
Educational Workshops – Offer sessions on easy-to-grow plants, permaculture techniques, and composting to support residents.
Phased Implementation – Start with a pilot project and expand based on feedback.
Low-Maintenance Focus – Prioritize edible plants that require little care, making gardening accessible to all.
🌍 Inspiring Examples from Around the World
To show how successful edible landscaping can be, here are some inspiring models:
Inspiration from Nearby Communities
Our project isn’t starting from scratch — other communities in Solano County have already shown how edible, drought‑tolerant landscapes can thrive in neighborhood settings. One of the leading examples is Sustainable Solano, a nonprofit that has created dozens of “food forest” demonstration gardens in front yards, schools, and community spaces.
Their work shows that:
- Edible landscapes can be beautiful, water‑wise, and productive.
- Projects succeed when neighbors volunteer, share costs, or partner with local organizations.
- Food forests can strengthen community ties while providing fresh produce, habitat for pollinators, and reduced water use.
By learning from groups like Sustainable Solano, the Summit community can move forward with confidence that these ideas are both practical and successful. How the could help us?
1. Expertise & Education
They have experience with community edible landscapes (they’ve done them in Fairfield, Vallejo, Benicia, etc.).
They can advise on plant selection, design, and permaculture methods that work best in Solano’s climate.
They offer workshops and talks that could be hosted at Summit to engage residents.
They have experience with community edible landscapes (they’ve done them in Fairfield, Vallejo, Benicia, etc.).
They can advise on plant selection, design, and permaculture methods that work best in Solano’s climate.
They offer workshops and talks that could be hosted at Summit to engage residents.
2. Funding & Grants
Sustainable Solano often acts as a grant administrator for community garden and water-wise landscaping projects.
They may connect Summit with city or county funding for sustainability initiatives (water conservation, urban agriculture, drought-tolerant landscaping).
They sometimes bring in outside donors or foundation support for community-led projects.
Sustainable Solano often acts as a grant administrator for community garden and water-wise landscaping projects.
They may connect Summit with city or county funding for sustainability initiatives (water conservation, urban agriculture, drought-tolerant landscaping).
They sometimes bring in outside donors or foundation support for community-led projects.
3. Community Building
They specialize in community engagement — getting residents involved in planning, planting, and maintaining edible landscapes.
Could help organize our committee(if it is approved by HOA), facilitate visioning sessions, and keep the project resident-led but professionally supported.
They specialize in community engagement — getting residents involved in planning, planting, and maintaining edible landscapes.
Could help organize our committee(if it is approved by HOA), facilitate visioning sessions, and keep the project resident-led but professionally supported.
4. Partnerships
Sustainable Solano has relationships with local farms, master gardeners, and water agencies.
They could bring in outside speakers, interns, or volunteers to supplement resident efforts.
Their credibility could also reassure the HOA board that the project is realistic and well-managed.
Beacon Food Forest, Seattle, USA – A 7-acre public food forest that transformed a park into a shared edible landscape, fostering community engagement and sustainability. It follows permaculture principles, mimicking a natural forest ecosystem with edible plants, fruit trees, and shrubs.Incredible Edible Todmorden, UK – A community-driven initiative that turned public spaces into food-growing sites, supporting local residents with free produce and inspiring similar projects worldwide.
Sustainable Solano has relationships with local farms, master gardeners, and water agencies.
They could bring in outside speakers, interns, or volunteers to supplement resident efforts.
Their credibility could also reassure the HOA board that the project is realistic and well-managed.
Incredible Edible Todmorden, UK – A community-driven initiative that turned public spaces into food-growing sites, supporting local residents with free produce and inspiring similar projects worldwide.
Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill, Atlanta, USA – The largest public food forest in the U.S., addressing food insecurity by providing fresh, locally grown food to the community.
Misuse or overuse:
To create an edible landscaping area in a gated residential community that is both functional and beautiful , while also deterring misuse or overuse , you can combine several of the strategies mentioned earlier into cohesive, aesthetically pleasing systems.
Here are 4 distinct design combinations , each blending multiple protective and attractive elements. These options balance visual appeal , community engagement , and sustainable use :
🌿 Option 1: "Community Stewardship Garden"
🔧 Key Features:
- Volunteer stewardship program + clear signage + scheduled harvest events
- Design includes raised beds, ornamental borders (e.g., lavender or rosemary), and labeled plants.
👍 Benefits:
- Encourages ownership and pride among residents.
- Maintains aesthetics with curated plant layouts.
- Harvesting only during organized times reduces unsupervised picking.
📝 Signage Example:
“Welcome to Our Community Garden – Pick Freely, but Leave Plenty for Others!”
“Welcome to Our Community Garden – Pick Freely, but Leave Plenty for Others!”
🌺 Option 2: "Elegant Edible Landscape"
🔧 Key Features:
- Smart garden design (blending edible and ornamental plants) + education & awareness campaigns + logbook system
- Use trellises, berry cages, and fruit trees as part of the landscape design.
👍 Benefits:
- Looks like part of the neighborhood’s landscaping — not just a farm.
- Residents learn about the value of the space through workshops and signs.
- Logbook helps track usage without restricting access.
📝 Aesthetic Tip:
Mix strawberries with flowers, herbs with shrubs, and fruit trees with seating areas.
🛡️ Option 3: "Controlled Access Garden"
🔧 Key Features:
- Scheduled harvest times + lockable gate or gatekeeper access + fruit netting/cages
- Beautiful fencing or living walls (like espaliered fruit trees) around the perimeter.
👍 Benefits:
- Limits access to specific hours or days.
- Keeps out pets and prevents nighttime misuse.
- Still visually appealing with thoughtful design.
📝 Note:
Only allow access via a key or code known to residents who’ve signed up or attended an orientation.
🌳 Option 4: "Shared Abundance Model"
🔧 Key Features:
- Plant extra produce + education + trackable logbook or app + consequences for abuse
- Include self-picking zones with clear guidelines and designated "donation" areas.
👍 Benefits:
- Promotes fairness by growing more than enough.
- Tracks who uses what and encourages respectful behavior.
- Allows open access but still deters overharvesting.
📝 Bonus:
Encourage neighbors to donate excess produce to local food banks or community centers.
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🌱 Estimated Investment for 1–2 Acres of Edible Landscaping
1. Site Preparation and Infrastructure
Item 1 Acre 2 Acres Soil testing and amendments (if needed beyond compost) $500–$1,000 $1,000–$2,000 Sheet mulching, initial weed control, prep labor $2,000–$3,000 $3,500–$5,000 Compost bins / station materials (DIY or prefab) $500–$1,500 $1,000–$2,500 Water access updates (hoses, drip extensions, timers) $1,000–$2,000 $2,000–$3,000 Subtotal $4,000–$7,500 $7,500–$12,500
| Item | 1 Acre | 2 Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Soil testing and amendments (if needed beyond compost) | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Sheet mulching, initial weed control, prep labor | $2,000–$3,000 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Compost bins / station materials (DIY or prefab) | $500–$1,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Water access updates (hoses, drip extensions, timers) | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Subtotal | $4,000–$7,500 | $7,500–$12,500 |
2. Plant Material (Edibles & Pollinators)
Item 1 Acre 2 Acres Fruit trees (15–30 per acre @ $40–$70/tree) $600–$2,100 $1,200–$4,200 Berry bushes, herbs, perennials $1,000–$2,000 $2,000–$4,000 Companion/pollinator plants & seeds $500–$1,000 $1,000–$2,000 Mulch, soil (beyond compost), tree stakes, cages $500–$1,000 $1,000–$2,000 Subtotal $2,600–$6,100 $5,200–$12,200
| Item | 1 Acre | 2 Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit trees (15–30 per acre @ $40–$70/tree) | $600–$2,100 | $1,200–$4,200 |
| Berry bushes, herbs, perennials | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Companion/pollinator plants & seeds | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Mulch, soil (beyond compost), tree stakes, cages | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Subtotal | $2,600–$6,100 | $5,200–$12,200 |
3. Education & Community Engagement
Item 1 Acre 2 Acres Workshop materials & signs (DIY + printing) $300–$700 $500–$1,000 Informational signage (wood/metal posts, graphics) $400–$1,000 $800–$1,500 Printed outreach (flyers, forms, logbooks) $100–$300 $200–$500 Subtotal $800–$2,000 $1,500–$3,000
| Item | 1 Acre | 2 Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop materials & signs (DIY + printing) | $300–$700 | $500–$1,000 |
| Informational signage (wood/metal posts, graphics) | $400–$1,000 | $800–$1,500 |
| Printed outreach (flyers, forms, logbooks) | $100–$300 | $200–$500 |
| Subtotal | $800–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
4. Optional Enhancements
Item 1 Acre 2 Acres Raised beds, fencing, trellises, benches $1,000–$3,000 $2,000–$5,000 Controlled access features (gates, lockable bins) $500–$1,000 $1,000–$1,500 App or tracking system (if used) Free–$300 Free–$500 Subtotal $1,500–$4,300 $3,000–$7,000
| Item | 1 Acre | 2 Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Raised beds, fencing, trellises, benches | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Controlled access features (gates, lockable bins) | $500–$1,000 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| App or tracking system (if used) | Free–$300 | Free–$500 |
| Subtotal | $1,500–$4,300 | $3,000–$7,000 |
✅ TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT ESTIMATE
Area Low Range High Range 1 Acre $8,900 $19,900 2 Acres $17,200 $34,700
| Area | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Acre | $8,900 | $19,900 |
| 2 Acres | $17,200 | $34,700 |
💸 Potential Offsets & Support
Volunteer labor & workshops: May cut labor costs significantly.
Grants: Local food/agriculture or environmental grants can offset 25–75%.
Partnerships: Nonprofits or garden orgs may donate seeds, trees, or signage.
Donations/In-kind contributions: Tools, compost, and time from residents.
Volunteer labor & workshops: May cut labor costs significantly.
Grants: Local food/agriculture or environmental grants can offset 25–75%.
Partnerships: Nonprofits or garden orgs may donate seeds, trees, or signage.
Donations/In-kind contributions: Tools, compost, and time from residents.
🧩 Additional Considerations
Start with a 1-acre pilot and expand to 2 acres over 1–2 years.
Phase expensive items (fruit trees, signage, fences) over seasons.
Create a budget sheet per zone (e.g., trees, compost station, seating) for grant proposals or HOA transparency.
Start with a 1-acre pilot and expand to 2 acres over 1–2 years.
Phase expensive items (fruit trees, signage, fences) over seasons.
Create a budget sheet per zone (e.g., trees, compost station, seating) for grant proposals or HOA transparency.
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🌿 Estimated Monthly Maintenance Costs (1–2 Acres)
Option A: Part-Time Garden Coordinator (10–15 hrs/week)
Ideal for: Managing compost, watering, pruning, supervising volunteers, guiding harvests, and reporting to HOA.
| Item | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (experienced gardener or permaculture specialist) | $25–$40/hr |
| Monthly hours (40–60 hrs/month) | |
| Subtotal | $1,000–$2,400/month |
Option B: Landscaping Service Contract
Ideal for: Full-service outsourcing (weeding, watering, pruning, compost turning, basic maintenance).
| Service Level | 1 Acre | 2 Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Low intensity (biweekly visits, light upkeep) | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Moderate (weekly visits, more hands-on work) | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| High intensity (twice weekly, pruning, compost mgmt., irrigation checks) | $2,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$4,000 |
📦 Additional Monthly Costs
Item Estimate Compost bin repairs/tools/supplies $50–$100 Organic pest control & mulch top-up $50–$150 Printing/signage (seasonal) $10–$30 Subtotal $100–$280/month
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Compost bin repairs/tools/supplies | $50–$100 |
| Organic pest control & mulch top-up | $50–$150 |
| Printing/signage (seasonal) | $10–$30 |
| Subtotal | $100–$280/month |
✅ Realistic Monthly Budget Range
Coverage Total Monthly Cost 1 Acre (mod. intensity) $1,200–$2,500 2 Acres (mod. to high) $2,200–$3,800
| Coverage | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Acre (mod. intensity) | $1,200–$2,500 |
| 2 Acres (mod. to high) | $2,200–$3,800 |
💡 Cost-Control Ideas
Hire a part-time local resident with garden knowledge.
Internship or master gardener program partnership.
Volunteer team rotation with oversight from a paid coordinator.
Use workshops to perform light maintenance (mulching, pruning, compost turning).
Hire a part-time local resident with garden knowledge.
Internship or master gardener program partnership.
Volunteer team rotation with oversight from a paid coordinator.
Use workshops to perform light maintenance (mulching, pruning, compost turning).
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As an example, if 400 residences in Summit pay at cost for vegetables and fruits produced from the edible landscaping, the project could substantially reduce or even offset ongoing maintenance costs—and potentially become self-sustaining.
💡 Key Assumption:
“At cost” means residents pay enough to cover the actual expenses (no profit, just breakeven).
Produce would be priced to recover maintenance labor, composting, and inputs like mulch, water, and occasional tools.
“At cost” means residents pay enough to cover the actual expenses (no profit, just breakeven).
Produce would be priced to recover maintenance labor, composting, and inputs like mulch, water, and occasional tools.
🧮 Example Calculation
Let’s assume moderate productivity and pricing:
Annual Edible Yield Estimate (1 Acre)
Item Annual Yield Price (at cost) Revenue 20 fruit trees (apples, citrus, stone fruit) ~1,000 lbs $1.50/lb $1,500 100 berry bushes (mix of types) ~500 lbs $3/lb $1,500 500 herb bunches (rosemary, parsley, basil, etc.) 500 bunches $1.50/bunch $750 Other seasonal veggies/perennials ~750 lbs $1.50/lb avg $1,125 Total Revenue Potential (1 acre) $4,875/year
For 2 acres, you could roughly double this: $9,000–$10,000/year, assuming good soil, sun, and participation.
| Item | Annual Yield | Price (at cost) | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 fruit trees (apples, citrus, stone fruit) | ~1,000 lbs | $1.50/lb | $1,500 |
| 100 berry bushes (mix of types) | ~500 lbs | $3/lb | $1,500 |
| 500 herb bunches (rosemary, parsley, basil, etc.) | 500 bunches | $1.50/bunch | $750 |
| Other seasonal veggies/perennials | ~750 lbs | $1.50/lb avg | $1,125 |
| Total Revenue Potential (1 acre) | $4,875/year |
For 2 acres, you could roughly double this: $9,000–$10,000/year, assuming good soil, sun, and participation.
💰 Comparison to Maintenance Costs
1 Acre Scenario
Estimated annual maintenance (from earlier): $15,000–$30,000/year
Income from resident payments at cost: $4,800–$5,000/year
Net gap to cover: $10,000–$25,000
Estimated annual maintenance (from earlier): $15,000–$30,000/year
Income from resident payments at cost: $4,800–$5,000/year
Net gap to cover: $10,000–$25,000
2 Acre Scenario
Estimated maintenance: $25,000–$45,000/year
Potential income: $9,000–$10,000/year
Net gap to cover: $15,000–$35,000
Estimated maintenance: $25,000–$45,000/year
Potential income: $9,000–$10,000/year
Net gap to cover: $15,000–$35,000
🎯 Strategic Implications
🔁 Self-Funding Possibility
If you:
Increase yield (e.g., more trees, efficient planting, raised beds)
Reduce costs (volunteer labor, grant support, community compost)
Add value-added options (herb bundles, pickling classes, CSA shares)
…then a breakeven or positive balance becomes realistic.
🏡 What $1/month per Household Could Do
Even if each household paid just $1–$2/month for fresh produce:
$1 × 400 homes × 12 months = $4,800/year
$2 = $9,600/year
Which nearly matches the at-cost produce value and could fully fund composting or part-time staff.
✅ Summary
Scenario Monthly Cost to Residents Outcome $0 (Free produce) HOA bears full cost $15K–$45K/year net At-cost produce (~$12–$24/year/resident) $4,800–$9,600/year Offsets 15–35% of costs Small flat fee ($2–$5/month) $9,600–$24,000/year Covers 30–100% of expenses depending on labor and productivity
| Scenario | Monthly Cost to Residents | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| $0 (Free produce) | HOA bears full cost | $15K–$45K/year net |
| At-cost produce (~$12–$24/year/resident) | $4,800–$9,600/year | Offsets 15–35% of costs |
| Small flat fee ($2–$5/month) | $9,600–$24,000/year | Covers 30–100% of expenses depending on labor and productivity |
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Feel free to make a flyer or share it to other residents if interested
🌱 Summit Landscaping: What If We Invested in Food Instead?
A Community Survey: Let’s Compare Two Options for Beautifying Summit
💸 Option 1: Traditional Landscaping Upgrade
- Estimated Cost: $100,000–$200,000 (one-time)
- Limited resident benefit: mostly ornamental grass and shrubs
- Continued high maintenance: mowing, irrigation, trimming
- No return on investment or direct use by residents
🥕 Option 2: Edible Landscaping + Composting System
- Estimated Cost: $50,000–$70,000 (startup)
- Ongoing cost: $1,500–$3,500/month (can be offset by food sales)
- Produces fruits, vegetables, herbs for the community
- Reduces landscaping costs over time
- Provides educational and volunteer opportunities
📊 What If Residents Could Get Produce at Cost?
- Imagine picking herbs, fruit, and fresh veggies from shared areas.
- With just $1–$2/month per household, the system could help pay for itself.
- More produce = lower grocery bills, better soil, and less waste.
📣 Tell Us What You Think!
Would you support edible landscaping as an alternative to another round of traditional landscaping upgrades?
✔ Yes – Let’s grow food and reduce costs
✔ Maybe – I’d like more information
✔ No – I prefer traditional landscaping
You can share your opinion by:
- Dropping this flyer at the community center desk
- Attending an upcoming HOA forum
- Emailing your feedback to the Landscape Committee
Let's grow something together 🌿
Join SummitEdible Group: https://groups.google.com/g/summitedible
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📄 Next Steps
If there’s sufficient interest, we can draft a formal proposal, gather signatures, and present it to the HOA for consideration.
📝 Community Edible Landscaping Initiative:
Resident Support
Purpose: To enhance our community’s aesthetics, foster neighborly engagement, and provide access to fresh, healthy produce by expanding edible landscaping with permaculture techniques.
Resident Support:
If you support this initiative and would like to see it presented to the HOA, please let us know
By expanding our existing garden using permaculture techniques, we can create a more sustainable and beautiful community. Let’s work together to cultivate a greener, healthier, and more connected neighborhood!
Warm regards,
Stay in the loop! Join our Summit Edible Google Group to support, get involved or for project updates, workshop dates, and neighbor-to-neighbor tips: https://groups.google.com/g/summitedible
Contact Summit Gardening Group:
gardening@summit-online-groups.io
Sergio Musetti
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