The Nature of Garden Giving

Reader Contribution by Anna Archibald
article image

Over the last few years, the idea of urban gardening has caught on among many city-slicking organic-lovers. And while the idea of having a rooftop garden or an edible window arrangement is nice, not all longing to dig in the dirt are able to in their tiny apartments. Likewise, not all who have a larger plot of land know what to do with it. Enter Urban Garden Share, a website that allows gardeners seeking a place to grow food and people with extra gardening space to find each other.

Urban Garden Share began a year ago in Seattle when Amy Pennington, creator of GoGo Green Garden, brainstormed the idea with co-creators Gannon Curran, Jesse Dawson and Colin Saunders. Now, hundreds of wannabe gardeners and needy gardens are registered on the site.

And registering is simple — not to mention free! All you have to do is input your level of gardening skills, your wants, needs and location, and upload an optional photo of yourself or your garden. From large community gardens to small 5-by-5-foot plots of land, there is something for everyone. And it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced green thumb or if you’re brand new to the world of gardening. Then, all you have to do is search through the listings to find a match that’s right for you.

Lorraine is one example of an Urban Garden Share success. After posting a listing on the site last year, she finally heard back from one interested gardener looking for a small space to do his gardening. Now she has a well-tended garden and is left to spend time with her daughter.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368