From Seed to Smiles: My Journey into Community Gardening

and the Joy it Sprouted

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I used to wonder if post-marketing was effective. I would watch people post flyers about their businesses, upcoming performances, and community events, and would often think Does anyone actually read those? It wasn't until one day on my morning walk that I leaned up against one to fix my shoe and spotted a SIPA flyer for a local community garden that got me to realize, I guess, people do!

When I first read the flyer, I questioned whether or not it was a legitimate program or if it was some elaborate scam. Questions I often plague myself with as a millennial when things seem too good to be true. However, I had been wanting to join a community garden for some time, and something told me to respond to the flyer. So I did.

There were days of silence after submitting my Google form. I thought maybe the program was full, and I would have to continue to learn about gardening through YouTube. It wasn't until a few days before my sabbatical to Mexico City that I heard back from the program supervisor and secured my spot upon my return. Once I returned home from my holiday, I eagerly jumped into the garden to introduce myself to the community. I was excited to get my hands dirty and plant some vegetables. However, I had missed the planting session and arrived just as the first bit of growth began to sprout out of the ground.

As I admired the baby seedlings, I was given a tour and learned about PLATO’s program inception. Expectations and requirements were shared along with a detailed schedule that featured monthly workshops and education sessions with our Master Gardener. Overjoyed, I couldn't wait to start tending to my assigned garden bed and witness the growth of each plant.

Images of the garden

My garden bed is filled with Chamomile, Green Beans, Mint, Parsley, Potatoes, and Rosemary. I've harvested the herbs on more than one occasion for my favorite Rosemary Simple Syrup and began drying out some mint for a refreshing tea blend I plan to make later this week. The Potatoes have been the most challenging. They continue to rise above the ground, forcing me to constantly pack on additional soil so they remain covered. Additionally, their stems and leaves take up a majority of the space, leading me to find creative ways to keep them lifted and allow adequate space for the other plants. However, just as tedious as the work can be, it is equally rewarding. It’s a beautiful reminder that hard work can bear fruit in a multitude of ways.

Apart from maintaining the garden, the blossoming of friendships with the other participants is a gift I will cherish from this experience. I've connected with so many people from different backgrounds and learned various ways they turn homegrown produce into delicious cultural meals. Occasionally, some of us will gather outside of the garden or organize fun events, like our Summer Pizza Party, which featured some of our garden's produce.

Summer Pizza Party

Being a part of the PLATO program has shown me the power of community and why it’s seen as a threat to our individualistic-obsessed society. When the community gathers and shows up for one another, a sense of trust is developed among the active participants. Bonds are formed, resources are shared, and the scarcity mindset slowly dissolves and becomes abundant.

The time I’m spending in this garden has grown my desire to escape to the countryside. In the future, I see myself having a home garden as large as Eugeina Diaz and continuing my herbal education. Until that day arrives, I am happily convening at my local community garden learning how to grow my produce, fostering a healthier relationship with food, and building a stronger appreciation for the cycle of life.

This week, I challenge you to get involved in your community. Find a community program that you’re interested in and join! Become friends with your neighbors, let’s form stronger communities together!

If you're a local Los Angeles resident, you can find a community garden near you here!