 Garden Sharing
I have been inspired. As a random visitor to Craig’s List, I am amazed at some recent postings. I’m referring to postings submitted by gardener’s offering to share their garden space. It is early spring and even the internet is all a-buzz with the coming of a new spring season.
The sharing of gardens is not a new tradition. It is a rather old one that is coming back into fashion. Gardening itself is making a comeback. For many years the local garden centers sold bulk vegetable seeds, as the customers moved to starter plants, the garden centers moved to pre-packed seeds, and the sales of them dropped off as well. For the past 5 years or so, it has been difficult to find good quality seeds, as there were less and less true gardeners. That is now changing. With the rising cost of produce and the faltering economy, people are getting back to basics and loving it. I hear many people talk of the garden’s they have had as children. They are excited. But not everyone has the space. Where to go? There are victory gardens and farms that rent out plots of land for gardening, community gardens and now, the Sharing Garden. These spaces are in the confines of backyards…usually a private place. People have such a love for gardening that they want to share the joy with other gardeners. What an amazing and earth friendly way to bring people together.
Sure, I always share what I grow with my neighbors and friends. But share my garden space? It never crossed my mind. What a wonderful way to show one’s gratitude for their space on this earth than to share it with another. Maybe sharing it with someone who loves to garden, but has no yard, or maybe a beginner that needs the knowledge of a seasoned gardener.
There is an old large farm a few miles from my home, that for as long as I can remember, has rented out plots for a very nominal fee. This is also an organic vegetable garden. You can find cars parked along the side of the road all season long and see the people tending to their gardens. Some gardeners have been renting space for so long they even have small sheds on their plot to keep all their tools and supplies.
We also have a newer 55+ community in the next town that has a large victory garden. There are about 20 plots and the residents grow and share flowers and vegetables with each other. You can always find a small group, taking a well deserved break, chatting on the surrounding benches, or showing off their plants to one another. It brings the community together.
I like to share my backyard garden with my children and their friends. Kids love to learn about how and why things grow. Even the bugs fascinate them. They like to help pull weeds just as much as picking the veggies.
Gardening is a joyous thing. Getting your hands in the earth, watching a plant sprout and nurturing it until it bears fruit is an amazing feeling. Sharing that with someone, even a stranger can bring about change. Sharing a garden or anything for that matter is making us less and less of a “ME” society and turning us into a “WE” society.
We can accomplish anything if we work and grow together, especially if we do it with a happy heart.
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