Reread this paragraph from “A Garden Together,” noting how it might help the article’s author achieve her purpose.

Like gardens past, today’s community gardens often serve multiple purposes. They allow like-minded people to get together, make friends, and enjoy each other’s company. They also help the residents of towns and cities protect the local environment. Community gardens often try to use water wisely, recycle plants through composting, and rotate crops―all practices that help improve the natural environment. Likewise, many of today’s school gardens are designed not only to teach science, but also how to care for the planet.

How does this paragraph help the article achieve its overall purpose?

A. It expresses the author’s opinion about the benefits of gardening.

B. It argues that community gardens of the past were more useful.

C. It explains how modern community gardens are similar to historical ones.

D. It describes the many purposes served by community gardens today.