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I recently started a couple of community garden beds in my accommodation area with my partner. They are only small at the moment, but my hopes are high that they will blossom into something bigger.

As always, it has started with the basics, some beautiful fresh herbs. The little babies are all in the ground featuring; some flat leaf parsley, chives, mint, coriander and time but we have also put in some snow peas and leafy greens!

So, why would a community garden be worth my time?

On a personal level, it just makes me really satisfied. I seem to be have this tight chest and heavy breathing and then when I garden the cool soil and the fresh green plants make it go away. Time seems to fly when you are out there gardening and at the end you can stand back and just soak in the satisfaction from what you have done. Scientifically, community gardens can improve mental health of residents, create better urban air quality and micro climates, educate better diets and healthier lifestyles, promote exercise and save communities money (). These are just some of the proven benefits to community gardens ().

Whether it is people’s appetite for fresh food or gardening, community gardens always bring people together. Each day I look forward to going outside and checking on the plants and seeing how they are doing. Other than the relieve and reprieve it gives me from daily life it also makes me really hopeful and excited! The garden represents infinite opportunities.

What could come next?

The garden has now got a nice array of herbs and leafy greens, but why stop there? Next come a couple of fruit trees (all hoping things are going well) and then some succulent pots, herb garden walls, a compost full of worms, garden features, bird nests and the list could go on. There are infinite opportunities in community gardens. With this in mind try starting your own or looking for a local community garden near you. Happy planting!