At Growing Gardens, we're all about transforming lawns and gardens into more than just patches of greenery. Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun setting behind the rooftops, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. As you stroll down the street, you notice something different about one particular yard. Instead of the usual perfectly manicured lawn, this yard is bursting with life—vegetables of all shapes and colors, flowers buzzing with bees, and the sound of laughter coming from a group of people gathered around a makeshift table.

Curiosity gets the best of you, and you wander over to see what's going on. As you approach, you're greeted warmly by the group. They introduce themselves as the local community gardeners, part of a movement called Radical Gardening. They explain that they're not just growing food; they're growing connections, fostering resilience, and advocating for food justice. They invite you to join them, to dig in the dirt, share stories, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

This is the power of Radical Gardening. It's not just about plants; it's about people. It's about transforming spaces and lives, one garden at a time. So, whether you have a green thumb or just a curiosity to learn, there's a place for you in the Radical Gardening community.

What is Radical Gardening?  

At Growing Gardens, we follow the five guiding principles of radical gardening. These principles act as our compass, enabling us to establish meaningful connections between community and nature while advocating for a truly equitable food system. By adhering to our five guiding principles, we hope to inspire you to become a champion of radical gardening in your own neighborhood. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just sprouting your green thumb, here's how to cultivate a new era of gardening that nurtures not only plants but also the well-being of our communities and the planet.

Ecological Harmony

Let's dive into the first guiding principle of radical gardening, ecological harmony. This principle is all about working in harmony with nature to create sustainable garden spaces. Ecological harmony in action might include embracing native plant species, practicing organic gardening, and actively creating systems to conserve water.

Food Sovereignty

Next up, is food sovereignty. This principle is all about reclaiming control over our food system. Of course, our favorite example of this is growing your own food! When you grow your own food, you reduce your dependence on industrial agriculture and have more control over what goes into your body. Plus, it's a great way to connect with nature and learn valuable skills. 

Social Justice

Social justice is another foundational principle of radical gardening. This principle recognizes that access to fresh, healthy food is a basic human right. Social justice in radical gardening might look like; Creating inclusive spaces to address inequalities in access, fostering community involvement by encouraging collaboration in gardening projects, understanding and addressing systemic racism in our food systems and structures, and honoring native land. 

Knowledge Sharing

By sharing our gardening knowledge and skills, we can empower others to grow their own food and become more self-sufficient. This might include skill-sharing sessions and workshops, collaborating with educational institutions, or simply sharing gardening tips and resources with our neighbors.

Activism & Resistance

The final guiding principle of radical gardening is activism and resistance. This principle recognizes that gardening can be a form of political action. By resisting destructive industrial practices and challenging the dominant agricultural paradigm, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for us all. 

In conclusion, radical gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about sowing the seeds of change. It's about transforming lawns and gardens into spaces that nurture not only plants but also communities and the planet. By following the guiding principles of radical gardening—ecological harmony, food sovereignty, social justice, knowledge sharing, and activism & resistance—we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and just food system for everyone.

At Growing Gardens, we believe that everyone has the power to be a radical gardener. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you can make a difference in your community and beyond. By embracing these principles and becoming a champion of radical gardening in your own neighborhood, you can help create a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come. So, join us in sowing the seeds of change, and let's cultivate a new era of gardening together.