What does gardening mean to you? Health? Happiness? Freedom? Connection? Gardening takes on a much deeper significance than just planting and growing. Here are a few stories about people whose lives have changed for the better with gardening.
For many, gardening is not just a hobby; it’s an important part of their lifestyle. From growing fresh food to enjoying the ritual of tending to plants, gardening can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and well-being (and their communities, too).
Here are the stories of five gardeners whose lives have changed thanks to gardening.
“Gangster Gardener” Ron Finley
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Ron lived in a food desert (a place where healthy food options are virtually nonexistent). One day, he took a neglected patch of dirt near the road and began growing vegetables in it. However, he was quickly cited by the City of Los Angeles for gardening without a permit. Little did the city know that this citation would soon lead to a “horticulture revolution.”
Ron didn’t back down. He decided to fight his citation and, with the support of other green activists, got the laws changed and earned the right to grow food in his neighborhood. This act was the catalyst for the Ron Finley Project, which teaches communities how to transform their “food deserts” into “food sanctuaries” with fresh-grown produce.
Ron has since adopted the nickname “gangster gardener” because, to him, gardening is an act of rebellion against the destructive norms in urban communities. He sees gardening as a powerful, transformative force, teaching profound lessons about life and the planet. Ron believes everyone should possess the knowledge to feed themselves and understand the food they consume.
For Ron, food gardens represent a way to reclaim power and control over one’s life with the profound understanding and appreciation of the natural world – soil, air, and the magic of gardening.
Read more about Ron’s story on Masterclass.
“The Micro Gardener” Anne Gibson
Growing up in Sydney, Australia, Anne Gibson had a quarter-acre garden that supplied her family with fresh produce. This garden doubled as her playground and classroom, inspiring values of frugality and sustainability, along with a deep connection to nature. Her family’s approach to composting, recycling, and growing their own food laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
But, when Anne ventured into adulthood and the workforce, the allure of convenience led her away from these principles. She opted for pre-packaged products and stopped paying such close attention to where her food was coming from.
Then, a sudden, shocking cancer diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her lifestyle and food choices. Anne began focusing on reducing stress, detoxing her life, and embracing a plant-based diet. She became a proactive learner, delving into horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and biological farming methods.
Through extensive research and personal experiences, Anne uncovered disturbing truths about the conventional food system, including the widespread use of chemicals and the depletion of soil nutrients. Her commitment to change led to the creation of her website, “The Micro Gardener,” where she shares knowledge and encourages others to take control of their food choices.
Anne advocates for supporting local farmers, growing food in small spaces, and asking important questions about the sources of our food. She emphasizes the importance of consuming in-season, local, and organic produce to maximize freshness and nutrients. Her journey from a convenience consumer to a conscious gardener illustrates the power of informed choices impacting personal health and well-being.
Read more about Anne’s story on The Micro Gardener.
“Cheatham Place Gardener” Charlie Jones
Charlie Jones is resident at Cheatham Place, a public housing complex in Nashville. There, he and over thirty of his fellow residents take part in a gardening program supported by Lutheran Services in Tennessee and the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency. The initiative challenges gardening stereotypes and encourages communities to take charge of their fight against hunger.
Charlie has long understood the struggles of putting food on the table, especially with constantly-rising prices. However, after gaining years of gardening experience, he now invests time rather than money into cultivating fresh produce. Charlie finds himself less reliant on external food sources, especially when tomatoes flourish just outside his door.
For the community, the garden provides sustenance, a sense of control, and opportunities to overcome challenges and learn new skills. It also reinforces community bonds as excess crops are shared among neighbors. Residents often experience a positive shift in their mindset when they discover they can rely less on traditional food sources and more on their own locally-grown produce.
As a double amputee, Charlie views his garden as an opportunity for self-sufficiency and a chance to inspire his neighbors. Despite his physical limitations, he navigates his wheelchair to tend to the beds all on his own. Gardening gives him purpose, demonstrating that, even in adversity, it’s possible to cultivate optimism and maintain a sense of independence.
Read more about Charlie’s story on Inspiritus.
“The English Gardener” Paule Miller
Originally from the UK, Paule Miller ventured to Norway over 20 years ago, driven by a sense of adventure. The first days were challenging as he navigated a new culture, but Paule gradually made Norway his home as he learned the language and took on diverse jobs, from working in a car company to bartending at a hotel.
It was here that Paule’s dormant passion for gardening sprouted once again. Determined to turn his love for plants into a profession, he enrolled in a program offered by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) from the UK. After two years of dedicated study, Paule graduated from gardener to horticultural expert.
With a new-found confidence, Paule established his own gardening company and turned his dream into a thriving business. He also established the first RHS-supported school garden at Ålesund International School in Norway, which provides students with confidence-boosting opportunities to improve their teamwork, communication, and literacy skills.
Today, Paule continues to learn and grow as a horticulturist, embracing a job that doesn’t feel like work. His is an inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and transformation.
Read more about Paule’s story on Special Stories.
“Plant Reporter and Devotee” Jeanette Marantos
At the age of 20, Jeanette Marantos was grappling with depression and the stressors of college. She was was in desperate need of a distraction… and she found it in her own backyard. The house where she lived had a perfect spot for a garden, so she embarked on her first vegetable-growing adventure.
Unfamiliar with the nuances of essentials like soil and sunlight, her initial attempts resulted in withering cantaloupes, struggling sunflowers, and blossom-less tomato plants. But, despite her apparent failures, the act of planting and nurturing became a refuge for her, offering a sense of accomplishment amid the turmoil of life.
Jeanette recalled childhood memories of her father cultivating tomatoes and grandmother tending to fragrant herbs, which provided her some much-needed hope and inspiration. Undeterred by initial missteps, she persisted, starting a new garden every time she moved. Each new garden told its own unique story, from legendary collaborations with family to hasty attempts as a busy mom.
Through her four-decade-long journey, Jeanette’s gardens have grown to become steadfast companions, offering solace throughout the seasons of her life. Even during a global pandemic, gardening kept her grounded, providing purpose and the ability to connect with neighbors from a distance. She is currently a writer for the Los Angeles Times focusing on flora-related features.
For Jeanette, gardening is a testament to the discovery, growth, and occasional chaos that comes with tending to plants. Even on her darkest days, gardening remains a constant ray of sunshine.
Read more about Jeanette’s story in the Los Angeles Times.
We hope these stories inspire you as you continue or embark on your own gardening journey.
For more inspirational stories, check out Perseverance: The Things We Learn from Plants, Team Member Spotlight: Josh, Lead Grower, and How They Grew It: Student Transit.
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