"A work filled with grace and artistry that goes right to the heart." Amy Blackstone, artist

Interviews with urban planning visionary Jane Jacobs, PBS reporter/author Ray Suarez, environmentalist Paul Hawken, and Urban Habitat co-founder Carl Anthony, lend context and background to the discussion of the Commons. Landscape architect/psychologist Karl Linn who envisioned and orchestrated the creation of the gardens, provides on-going commentary.



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2003     Copyright Date: 2003
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-443-5     VHS ISBN: 1-56029-981-9

Reviews "A wonderful tribute to the visionary landscape architect Karl Linn and the energetic, creative community gardeners in Berkeley...An exciting learning resource." Ellen Kirby, president, American Community Gardening Association "A well-crafted, humanistic documentary that kept me thoroughly engaged!" Danny McGuire, executive producer, KQED-TV "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. Recommended." Marianne Foley, Educational Media Reviews Online "A convincing argument for what Linn calls 'neighborhood commons' as well as a poignant story about friendship and community-building, with all the challenges and sweetness that implies." San Francisco Chronicle "Stunning images, captivating story,...a work filled with grace and artistry that goes right to the heart." Amy Blackstone, artist "Wonderful, touching, funny, and inspirational...it speaks to the very nature of why many of us think that community gardening brings people together in the best of ways." Beebo Turman, Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative "Brilliant...inspired!" Adam Honigman, Clinton Community Garden, New York City "It's not just about a community garden in Berkeley, it's about the human community everywhere." Terence M. O'Driscoll, Station Manager, WNYE "Highly recommended." The Midwest Book Review