Grow Gardens Not Hate

The closest I have ever come to having my own garden.​

After two years of asking, I finally convinced our landlord to let me plant a garden. It became a "sweat equity" garden with no money spent on it with all plants rescued from other jobs.

2020 was the garden's first full season and it became refuge during the pandemic. That year frogs and toads moved into the rain garden, fireflies appeared for the first time and a finch nest adorned our porch - squirrels were the only previous wildlife.

It also became a meeting place for the neighborhood, giving people permission to talk to each other.  

During the summer of 2020 it took on greater significance as a meeting place in advance of protests over the murder of George Floyd.

The phrase "Grow Gardens Not Hate" emerged from one of these meetings and the sign adorned the garden until we moved in early 2021. 

Although it has not been stewarded since our departure, it persists.  

Its edges are rough but it retains its spirit and intent. Former neighbors continue to receive joy from its presence.  A reminder of the persistence and resilience required to make positive change in this world.